Hannah Villanou

About Hannah Villanou

Hannah Villanou, a 16-year-old French pianist and composer, is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising young musicians of her generation. Her extraordinary talent and captivating performances have earned her recognition on the international stage, with accolades from prestigious piano competitions, collaborations with renowned musicians, and performances in esteemed venues worldwide.

Born in December 2008, Hannah began playing the piano at just 3 years old, winning her first major prizes by the age of 5, including 1st place at the Prodige Art Steinway Competition and the Claude Kahn Piano Competition in Cannes, France. Since then, she has earned numerous awards, including 1st prizes in competitions such as the Pacific Stars International Piano Competition and the Concours Junior Les Amis d'Alain Marinaro, as well as the Golden Medal at the Vienna International Piano Competition.

Hannah’s performances have taken her to concert halls and festivals around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, where she recently performed Rachmaninov Her engagements have included recitals and collaborations with orchestras in countries like the USA, France, Austria, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. She is a passionate artist known for blending classical technique with emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on her audiences.

In 2024, she began studying at the Purcell School of Music in London with award-winning pianist Vitaly Pisarenko. Hannah is also an award-winning composer, having started composing at age 5 and winning multiple prizes, including recognition at the Compoccitanie Competition in France. Her musical talents extend to orchestral conducting, having performed and collaborated with various orchestras. As well as leading music groups, Hannah composes with the guidance of her teacher Simon Speare, who is Head of Composition in Royal College of Music.

In addition to her performance career, Hannah is committed to using music as a force for good. She regularly performs in community settings such as hospitals, schools, and care homes, and she teaches and mentors young musicians through workshops and masterclasses.

At just 16, Hannah has already achieved remarkable success and is poised to continue making an impact on the classical music world. With a rich and diverse repertoire, she is dedicated to sharing the power of music with audiences far and wide, leaving them inspired and moved by each performance.

Achievements

Carnegie Hall, New York

Performed Etude-Tableaux Op. 39 No. 1 by Sergei Rachmaninov at the Gala Concert and Award Ceremony

Pacific Stars International Piano Competition

Won a prize in the Professional Young Artist A category

Conservatory in France

Received the Diploma of Piano Studies (DEM) with distinction and jury commendation

EBEN Festival, France

Performed as a featured artist

Festival Ma Vigne en Musique, France

Played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 12 KV 414 with orchestra

Mozarteum, Salzburg

Selected for Young Prodigies and performed in concert under Andreas Weber

Prodige Art Steinway Competition

Won 1st Prize

Claude Kahn Piano Competition, Cannes

Won 1st Prize

Claude Kahn Piano Competition, Paris

Won 1st Prize and performed in Salle Gaveau

Vienna International Piano Competition

Won 1st Prize

Carles and Sofia International Piano Competition

Won 1st Gold Hands Prize and Best Rachmaninov Performance Prize

Les Amis d’Alain Marinaro Junior Competition

Won 1st Prize

FLAME International Competition, Paris

Won 2nd Prize

London International Music Competition

Won 2nd Prize

Aix-en-Provence Academy

Gained orchestral conducting experience

The Purcell School of Music, London (2024)

Began studying under Vitaly Pisarenko, professor at the Royal College of Music

Performances

L'Isle Joyeuse by Debussy

Musical Moment No. 4, Op. 16 in E Minor by Rachmaninoff

Study Picture No. 1, Op. 39 by Rachmaninoff

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