Mehmet Zihni Yilmaz is a 12-year-old pianist who has been studying piano for five years. A dedicated and expressive young musician, Mehmet has earned recognition in several national and international piano competitions. His recent achievements include First Place with Special Honours and Distinction at the Star Cluster Music Competition 2025, the 2025 Crescendo Little Mozarts Music Competition, and the 2025 International Youth Music Competitions. He was also named Third Prize Winner at the Charleston International Music Competition Summer 2025. In 2024, Mehmet was awarded Second Place with Special Honours and Distinction and was also named Audience Award Winner at the 21st Century Talents Music Competition.
Mehmet has had the honor of performing in winner concerts at prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall for the 2025 Crescendo Little Mozarts Music Competition First Place Winner Concert and The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York for the 2025 International Youth Music Competitions First Place Winner Concert. He has also performed at the Needham Concert Society Piano Festivals, further developing his stage experience, confidence, and artistry.
Mehmet is currently continuing his musical studies through the ABRSM program and is working at Grade 5 level. He is passionate about piano performance and continues to grow as a young musician through regular study, performance, and competition experience.
Watch Mehmet Zihni Yilmaz perform Tuxedo Jazz by M. Mier on the piano for the 2025 Summer Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Mehmet Zihni Yilmaz perform Variations on a Theme of Paganini by N. Vigodsky on the piano for the 2026 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.