Pianist Linda Ruan Returns for Final Performance Tonight at BU

UPDATE: Pianist Linda Ruan, the esteemed winner of the 2025 Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition, is set to dazzle audiences tonight at 7:30 p.m. in the Lorne Watson Recital Hall at Brandon University. This performance marks the final stop of her cross-country winner’s tour, a much-anticipated event for music lovers.

Ruan, who received a $6,000 prize and a national tour opportunity through her victory, has captivated audiences across Canada, performing in provinces including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Tonight’s concert will be her ninth and last performance of this tour, making it a must-see event.

Leanne Zacharias, acting Dean of Music at BU, expressed her excitement: “Linda wowed the judges during her performance here in April, and her return engagement this month is sure to be even more spectacular.” Her remarks emphasize the emotional connection and growth that young artists experience through such competitions and tours.

The Eckhardt-Gramatté competition, held annually at Brandon University since 1976, showcases emerging talents in voice, strings, and piano, highlighting the work of Canadian composers. The next edition in 2026 will spotlight vocal performances, with finals scheduled for April 17–19 at the School of Music.

Dianna Neufeld, director of the Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music, added, “The musicians who join us for the E-Gré competition wow us with their talent and dedication, and Linda’s concert promises to be another inspiring experience.” This sentiment reflects the overall impact of the competition on young artists and the musical community.

Tickets for tonight’s performance are available at the door for $20, with free admission for Brandon University and Conservatory of Music students. This concert not only highlights Ruan’s achievements but also the continued support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Manitoba Arts Council, vital contributors to the arts in Canada.

As anticipation builds for tonight’s performance, music enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and witness Ruan’s extraordinary talent firsthand. Don’t miss the chance to experience this remarkable event, which promises to be both a celebration of music and an inspiring culmination of Ruan’s journey.