After nearly a decade in the role, Adam Gatehouse has announced that he will step down as Artistic Director of The Leeds International Piano Competition in Spring 2025.
His tenure has been defined by a transformative vision and unwavering commitment to enhancing the Competition’s global standing and broadening its reach, ensuring the Competition remains one of the most prestigious and influential in the piano world.
Adam Gatehouse joined ‘The Leeds’ in 2015, succeeding the late Dame Fanny Waterman – who founded the Competition in 1961 and led it for over 50 years. Initially sharing the role of Artistic Director with pianist Paul Lewis, Gatehouse and Lewis set forth an ambitious plan to modernise and expand the organisation’s scope.
Under their leadership, The Leeds became more outward-facing, pioneering initiatives such as an International First Round and global streaming of performances, which significantly broadened its audience. The competition’s prize packages were substantially enhanced through collaborations with prestigious concert organisations (Steinway & Sons; Wigmore Hall), artist management (Askonas Holt), and a major record label (Warner Classics), all of which elevated its profile on the global stage.
In 2018, Adam assumed sole responsibility as Artistic Director and was joined by CEO, Fiona Sinclair. Since then, the competition has evolved into a year-round cultural institution with a global presence, with many new and ground-breaking initiatives including the annual Leeds International Piano Series, an impactful Learning and Engagement programme, and the RPS Award-winning Leeds Piano Trail, which took pianos out onto the streets of the city and involved many local communities. In 2024, the Competition received a record 366 applications, was watched 10.4 million times in 123 countries, and 2.5 million people experienced the Leeds Piano Trail Festival in Leeds and Bradford.
Along with fostering relationships with key partners including the University of Leeds, Leeds City Council and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, a hallmark of Adam’s approach has been his dedication to the competitors, ensuring the Competition is a positive and enriching experience. His initiatives provided pianists with mentoring, networking opportunities and tools to help their career development, building a unique legacy of empowerment and support. Distinguished recent winners of the Competition have included Eric Lu, Alim Beisembayev and in 2024 Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, all of whom are developing significant global careers.
Reflecting on his tenure, he 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. I believe we have achieved what we set out to do,and it is now time for someone new to build on this vision.”
Adam is conscious that his efforts have been a team endeavour and expressed deep gratitude for the many collaborators who have executed the Competition’s transformation. He said:
“The success of The Leeds is a testament to the collective effort of a remarkable team, as well as our Trustees, donors and collaborators. Their tireless commitment has been instrumental in reinvigorating the Competition’s legacy. I would also like to give special thanks to Dame Imogen Cooper, Chair of the 2021 & 2024 Juries, and my many distinguished fellow jury members, as well as all the wonderful Leeds Alumni and pianists, who have become such a close family to me.”
Fiona Sinclair, CEO of The Leeds, paid tribute to Adam’s contribution:
“I have been privileged to work alongside Adam, to deliver and build on his bold and ambitious vision for the Competition. His energy, creativity, and commitment to excellence have helped to reshape what The Leeds stands for – not only as a competition but as a global cultural force. His work has inspired countless artists, audiences, and communities, and his legacy will be felt for years to come. We wish him the very best as he embarks on this next chapter.”
Ken Beaty, Chair of the Board, said:
“Adam Gatehouse has brought remarkable dedication and vision to The Leeds, working alongside a talented team to elevate the Competition’s artistic standards, global reputation and reach. We deeply appreciate his contributions and collaborative leadership, which have strengthened the foundation of this cherished institution. We look forward to continuing to build on the successes achieved during his tenure.“
Prior to his departure Gatehouse will work closely with the organisation, supporting activities for the 2024 prize-winners and laying the groundwork for the 2025–2026 Leeds International Piano Series. The next Leeds International Piano Competition will take place in September 2027.