Meet one of our 2025 Finalists' - Ozan Biner-McGrath

🎶✨ Meet Our Finalist: Ozan! ✨🎶

We asked Ozan — one of our three incredible finalists in the Dunedin Concerto Competition — a few questions about his musical journey, the competition, and life outside the piano. Here’s what he shared:

🎹 What inspired you to learn your instrument?“My parents both made me learn piano from my dad when I was young. Now I’m grateful for it!”

🎶 Favourite composers & pieces?“I especially love Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto, and my favourite composers include Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schumann, Chopin, Brahms, and Scriabin.”

🌍 Dream collaboration?“Tough one! But playing with Martha Argerich or Grigory Sokolov would be amazing.”

🎼 How do you feel about being a finalist?“Very excited… but also very nervous! It’ll be a great experience though.”

🎵 What will you be performing?“I’m performing the 1st movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No.20 in D minor, K466 — my teacher (who’s also my dad!) recommended it. Mozart is always great to play with a great orchestra, like the DSO/DYO!”

✨ Favourite moment in your piece?“Probably the recapitulation and all the big orchestral tuttis where I don’t play myself!”

🎾 When you’re not at the piano?“I like playing and watching cricket, going camping with my mates, cooking, and sightreading pieces that are too hard for me!”

🎹 If your piano had a personality?“Warm, but cold and dramatic when needed.”

🎭 Pre-performance ritual?“No strict ritual, but I think it’s best not to play too much on the day — no more than 90 minutes.”

👏 We can’t wait to hear you play, Ozan! Join us for an unforgettable final! 🎶

Ozan Biner-McGrath - 2025 Dunedin Concerto Competition Finalists'