A young schoolboy from Portadown and an 82-year-old retired Engineer were crowned Translink ‘Grand Pianists’ 2025 following a Northern Ireland-wide competition that attracted over 70 musicians.
Jacob Purdy (8), won the ‘Under 16’ category, while Denis Hession from Carrickfergus took the title in the adult section, after stunning performances in front of a three-strong judging panel.
The winners were announced at the Grand Final of Translink’s ‘Grand Pianist’ competition on Thursday evening, which saw 14 shortlisted pianists, aged between seven and 82, perform on a baby grand piano in the centre of a busy Belfast Grand Central Station.
Denis Hession – originally from Roscommon – was taught piano by his father before attending St Malachy’s College, where he also learned to play the church organ. The 82-year-old, who has a lifelong passion for traditional Irish music performed ‘Carrickfergus’ at the competition finale.
Denis described winning as ‘a dream come true’. He said:
“I’m delighted to have won. It has made my year.”
Meanwhile, Portadown schoolboy Jacob Purdy, who’s best friend Levi Thompson was “very highly commended” in the Under 16 category, described his win as ‘amazing’.
“I can’t believe I’m a winner of Translink’s Grand Pianist 2025 competition,” he said.
A regular performer at local festivals, Jacob has been learning piano for only two years, under the guidance of his teacher Holly Marshall. He told the judges he loves dramatic and expressive pieces that challenge him and help him grow as a musician.
Also “highly commented” by the judges in the adult category was music student Celine Egan (26), from Belfast.
Following a regional roadshow – which saw a concert piano travel to four rail and bus stations in October – the 14 finalists from across Northern Ireland were selected to deliver a three-minute performance at the event finale.
The world’s only professional one-handed concert pianist, Nicholas McCarthy was a special guest judge for the Final, alongside Linda Neilan, Translink and Head Judge Matthew Owens, Music Director of the Ulster Consort and Artistic Director at Gordonstoun School.
Nicholas opened the event with a dazzling performance, setting the tone for what was an evening of inspiring performances from the Grand Pianist finalists.
The finalists were chosen from over 70 hopeful amateur pianists who signed up to perform at the regional heats in Lanyon Place, Belfast; Newry Bus Station; North-West Transport Hub, Derry-Londonderry; and Bangor Train Station.
The final featured two categories – Under 16s, and an adult category (16 and over) – with finalists invited one-by-one by event MC, Translink Ulsterbus Senior Inspector from Newry, Ruairi McGivern, to take their place at the baby grand piano in the transport hub.
Seizing the opportunity to shine, the pianists each performed a piece in front of the judging panel and an event audience made up of invited guests, family and friends, and members of the public travelling through the station.
Head judge Matthew Owens said Denis and Jacob were worthy winners.
“Northern Ireland is home to exceptional musical talent; it’s been wonderful to be part of this competition, which has given people the opportunity to showcase their creativity, passion for the piano, and remarkable skill,” he said.
Commenting on his visit to Belfast and role as guest judge, Nicholas McCarthy said:
“It’s been an absolute joy to return to Belfast and see the passion, creativity and individuality each pianist brought to their performance.
“What’s so special about this competition is how it celebrates connection through music – it’s not just about technique, but about communicating something real. The finalists truly captured that spirit tonight.”
Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway, said the final was a fitting end to a regional roadshow that had connected people in stations across Northern Ireland:
“Our award-winning Grand Pianist competition clearly created memorable moments of connection for people and shows how our rail and bus stations are at the heart of local communities,” he said.
“The excellent in-station performances sparked surprise and delight from many passengers passing through. Now in its second year, the Final at Belfast Grand Central Station always promised to be a spectacular event – and today the finalists did not disappoint.”