Piano prodigy set to perform

MAGIC HANDS: Ashani Waidyatillake, with talent beyond her years, will be playing at Tairawhiti Museum on May 9. Picture supplied

Gisborne continues to be spoilt with musical talent as Tairawhiti Museum is set to host virtuoso pianist Ashani Waidyatillake.

Ashani was only 14 when she took home first prize at the Wallace National Junior Piano Competition in 2018, beating out seven other finalists.

Two years prior, she got the opportunity to perform with world-acclaimed pianist Lang Lang after winning the junior section of the New Zealand Youth Piano Competition.

Her place at the top of competitions has come from years of hard work and hours in front of the piano each day.

Ashani started learning the piano at two-and-a-half and the Aucklander practises for at least two to three hours per day, and even more in the build-up to competitions.

Speaking to RNZ, Ashani said she enjoys piano because it allows her to express herself through the notes.

“I think of stories when I play the piano,” she said. “It takes me on a journey and helps the audience to be on a journey with me.”

Ashani said her favourite composers are the timeless characters of Bach, Mozart and Chopin.

“I like Bach because it’s easy to get immersed in the music . . . in one piece you might feel really solemn, in another piece you might feel happy and cheerful.”

For her Gisborne performance, Ashani will play a selection of classical masterpieces — Beethoven’s Waldstein Sonata, Mozart’s Sonata in A Minor, Chopin’s Ballade No. 4 and Franck’s Prelude, Chorale and Fugue.