BBC Radio 3 has selected young German pianist Julius Asal as the 2025 winner of the coveted Terence Judd-Hallé Award. The announcement comes on the same day that the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
Each year, the BBC chooses a talented young pianist on the New Generation Artists scheme to receive the award, which will give Julius the opportunity to perform as soloist with the Hallé during its 2025-26 season at The Bridgewater Hall, a chamber recital with Hallé musicians at Hallé St Peter’s, a solo recital as part of the Manchester Mid-Day Concert Series and receive a cash award of £7,000.
Already establishing a distinguished career, Julius is a regular presence at international piano festivals and has graced prestigious concert halls worldwide. In October 2023, Deutsche Grammophon announced an exclusive signing with Julius Asal and in 2024 he was named one of Classic FM’s ‘30 under 30’ Rising Stars.
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.
Julius Asal said, “I am deeply honoured to receive The Terence Judd-Hallé Award, which has been given to several colleagues I hold in very high regard. I am especially excited to build a connection with the wonderful Hallé orchestra and its hometown of Manchester, in addition to expanding the great partnership with the BBC.”
David Butcher, Chief Executive of the Hallé commented, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme and congratulate them on 25 years of supporting young talent to flourish. We welcome Julius as the 2025 winner of The Terence Judd-Hallé Award and can’t wait to welcome him to Manchester as soloist during our 2025-26 season at The Bridgewater Hall and Hallé St Peter’s.
Emma Bloxham, BBC Radio 3 Commissioning Editor, Live Music said: “I’m delighted that BBC New Generation Artist Julius Asal is to be the next recipient of the prestigious Terence Judd-Hallé Award, following in the footsteps of Giorgi Gigashvili (BBC NGA 2023-25). The Award is a wonderful chance for our NGAs to work with the Hallé and form what we hope will be longstanding and rewarding relationships not just with the orchestra but with local audiences too. As the New Generation Artists scheme prepares to celebrate 25 years of providing a platform to some of the world’s most outstanding young musicians at the start of their international careers, the importance of opportunities such as this can’t be overstated.”
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