Speaking from Poland on a video call, Lyu Tianyao seems like any other teenager, albeit a disarmingly warm and polite one with a radiant smile. But when she performs on stage, a quiet intensity takes over. At the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition – founded in 1927 and held every five years – the then 16-year-old was one of the youngest ever finalists, captivating audiences with playing that was introspective, luminous and, at times, infectiously energetic. Her uncontrived chemistry...