Raymond Ding, age 17, is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships. Last year, Raymond garnered top prizes in three of Manitoba’s most prestigious music competitions. In January he was awarded first prize in the Advanced Category of the Manitoba Registered Music Teachers’ Association Performance Scholarship Competition. Following the MRMTA competition, Raymond gave numerous performances at the Winnipeg Music Festival and was subsequently awarded three of their highest achievements, including: the Royal Conservatory of Music Alumni Association Trophy (Winnipeg Chapter), for the highest piano recognition; the Aikins Memorial Trophy, for the highest instrumentalist recognition; and the Lieutenant Governor Trophy, for the highest recognition of the entire 2023 Festival. Later in October, Raymond made his debut with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, playing the third movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 under the baton of Maestro Daniel Raiskin.

This year, he performed at Virtuosi’s concert in January in collaboration with trumpeter Sam Ferguson as the concert opening. He was awarded the RCM Alumni Association Trophy again during the Winnipeg Music Festival, as well as the Nita Eamer Scholarship from MRMTA, and first place in senior Canadian class during the Associated Manitoba Arts Festival. Raymond won his first International Competition, including honorable mentions for best Baroque and Contemporary performances, while studying at Italy’s Cremona International Music Academy this summer. Just this September, he received the gold medal from the RCM for achieving the highest ARCT mark in Manitoba in 2023.

Born in China, Raymond arrived in Canada in 2017 and studied with Jane Petroni for five years, and since September 2022, has been studying with Shirley Elias. Raymond is in Grade 12 at J. H. Bruns Collegiate and in addition to his commitment to the piano, he enjoys accompanying choir, outdoor activities, and mathematics.