TAWAU: Three talented young pianists from here brought pride to Sabah and Malaysia by performing with a leading European symphony orchestra at the prestigious Piano Concerto Festival 2026 in France, recently.
The Pang brothers - Guan Shen, 16, of SM St Patrick Tawau; Guan Er, 12, and Guan Yuan, 10, both from SJK© Yuk Chin, performed at the festival’s Grand Closing Concert on June 26 at the historic Château Capdeville in Fronton.
It was marking the conclusion of a week-long celebration of music featuring outstanding young pianists from around the world. The closing concert featured only selected top-performing young pianists from the festival, giving the Pang brothers the opportunity to share the stage with a leading European orchestra in a prestigious international setting.
During the concert, Guan Shen performed Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major, K.488, Guan Er presented Bach’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, BWV 1052, while Guan Yuan performed Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11 in D Major. Their performances received enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The Montauban Piano Festival, one of France’s renowned annual piano events, is held in the historic city of Montauban and features world-class pianists, master-classes and orchestral performances. The festival celebrates the tradition of piano music and nurtures the next generation of musicians, with major activities held at the prestigious Grand Théâtre – Salle Eurythmie.
The Pang brothers’ achievement follows their success at the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition 2025, as first prize winners of one of California’s most influential international piano competitions and festivals.
The competition has gained international recognition from leading music institutions, including the Curtis Institute of Music, The Juilliard School, Yale School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, USC Thornton School of Music, Royal Academy of Music (UK), Hochschule für Musik Hannover (Germany), Sibelius Academy (Finland) and Central Conservatory of Music (China).
Supported by the internationally respected Alink-Argerich Foundation, a global information and service centre for musicians and piano competitions, the competition provides outstanding young pianists with opportunities to perform at renowned international venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Musikverein in Vienna.
Guan Shen began learning piano at the age of eight and has since established himself as an accomplished young pianist through years of dedication and disciplined practice.
He has received numerous awards at international competitions, including the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, Thailand –Bangkok International Piano Competition, London Young Musician Competition, London Classical Music Competition and WPTA Singapore International Piano Competition.
His achievements include the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Distinction Pianist Award and Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Performer Award, and was also named the Annual Star Award winner and received the Expressive Performance Special Prize at the London Young Musician Competition.
Guan Er began his piano journey at the age of five and has achieved remarkable success in international competitions, including events in the United Kingdom, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.
His accolades include the Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Professional Pianist Award, Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Performer Award, Pianist of the Year Award and the Book of Records International Performer Award. Guan Yuan started learning piano at the age of four and quickly demonstrated exceptional musical ability.
He has earned numerous international awards, including the Best Youngest Pianist Special Award, Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Kid Pianist Award, Malaysia Top 10 Outstanding Performer Award and the Book of Records International Performer Award.
During their journey to France, they were accompanied by parents, Pang Vun Kait and Boo Yee Wah, who said the three brothers have consistently balanced academic commitments with intensive musical training. They said the trio’s achievements reflect not only natural talent, but also discipline, perseverance and a deep passion for music.