Austrian pianist Lukas Sternath has become the 2026 winner of the coveted Terence Judd-Hallé Award, which is presented annually to a promising young pianist on the brink of a successful international career.

Each year, BBC Radio 3 selects a pianist who is close to completing their two-year commitment on the prestigious BBC Radio 3 Young Generation Artists scheme. The Terence Judd-Hallé Award gives them further opportunities to perform professionally, including:

  • At least one concerto performance with the Hallé at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
  • A chamber recital with Hallé musicians at Hallé St Peter’s, as part of a hugely popular chamber concert series.
  • A solo recital at The Bridgewater Hall, as part of the Manchester Mid-Day Concert Series
  • A cash prize of £7,000

 

History of the prize

The Terence Judd-Hallé Award was set up in 1982 in memory of virtuoso pianist, Terence Judd (1957-1979) whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 22. Terence Judd achieved international recognition for his artistry and virtuosity and at age 11 he made his debut at the Royal Festival Hall which was shown on BBC television. His career continued to blossom and as a young adult, he had appeared as soloist with most of the major British orchestras and performed throughout the UK, Europe and the USA. After the establishment of a trust in his name, the award has been presented in association with the Hallé since 1982, with notable past recipients including Stephen Hough, Nikolai Lugansky and Elisabeth Brauss and most recently, Julius Asal.

 

Lukas Sternath

Already a multi-award winner, Lukas Sternath was named an ECHO Rising Star of the 2024/25 season. As a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist, he has performed with leading orchestras and in recitals across the UK, including making his debut at the BBC Proms with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Chief Conductor Sakari Oramo in September 2025.