Artistic director of Leeds piano competition to step down

ADAM GATEHOUSE is stepping down as artistic director of the Leeds International Piano Competition after nearly a decade in the role.

He will leave the organisation in Spring 2025 having joined as joint artistic director with the pianist PAUL LEWIS in 2015.

Gatehouse succeeded the late Dame FANNY WATERMAN, who founded the competition in 1961 and became sole artistic director in 2018, with FIONA SINCLAIR taking on the role of CEO.

Since its launch, the competition has developed a year-round presence, including a learning and engagement programme and the Leeds Piano Trail.

Gatehouse said: “After nearly a decade at the helm of this remarkable organisation, I feel immense pride in what we’ve achieved together.

“When I first accepted the role in 2015, Paul Lewis and I envisioned a competition fit for the 21st century.

“Mindful of the huge legacy of our founder, Dame Fanny Waterman, we aimed to make the competition and its organisation more outward-facing, professional, and impactful – enhancing its global presence, creating new partnerships, and fostering year-round activities to transform it into more than just a competition.”