<p>Hu Xiaonan<br />She is a fine performer with many wonderful attributes. Her Mozart Sonata had lovely style and a real feeling for colour with real wit too. It was very musical and she has excellent fingers - even if there were a few stumbles in the performance. The Schumann Abegg Variations showed natural musicianship. It was not technically totally clean but there is a verve in her playing that is very attractive and she produces a really lovely sound at times. There were special moments - none better than the "silent" statement of the theme in the finale. But it was her performance of the Debussy which really won me over. It was by far the best performance of any piece in the competition and a performance of which any professional would be proud. Wonderful sounds, superb pedalling and a lovely natural rubato. She made me smile with pleasure ! This is a real talent.</p>