What is now The Scottish International Piano Competition was originally established in 1986 as a memorial to Frederic Lamond and the First Prize of the Competition carries with it the Frederic Lamond Gold Medal.

Frederic Lamond (1868 – 1948)

A contemporary of the great architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Lamond was born in Bridgeton, Glasgow and spent his early years at 91 Tullis Street. A memorial plaque commemorating his birth has now been placed on the facade of the building.

With the generous support of the City Fathers, Frederic Lamond was able to study in Germany. The young Scot was one of the very last pupils of Franz Liszt and contemporary photographs taken during the last year of Liszt's life show Lamond as one of the chosen few. The great composer pianist attended the young Lamond's London recital and Tchaikovsky was equally enthusiastic about his playing.

Frederic Lamond made his career in Germany, settled in Berlin and was greatly admired for his interpretations of Beethoven and Brahms. Whilst his reputation was principally based in Europe, he also taught for a while at the Eastman School of Music in New York.

Lamond was a pioneer of recorded performance. Most of his Beethoven piano sonata records were made for HMV during the 1920s in London. Lamond eventually returned to live in Scotland and, under Whittaker's leadership, taught at the Scottish National Academy – the future RSAMD. Lamond died in Stirling in 1948.

Glasgow

Once renowned as a major industrial city, Glasgow has undergone considerable change. 21st century Glasgow is now an acknowledged centre of art, music and culture – with splendid museums, art galleries, concert halls, theatres and parks. Famed for its great Victorian architectural heritage, Glasgow is particularly proud of its most innovative and celebrated architect – Charles Rennie Mackintosh – one of the city's most famous sons.

The City provides a gateway to the magnificent scenery of the West Highlands – a breathtaking landscape which, over the centuries, continues to inspire many of the world's greatest composers – from Mendelssohn to Maxwell Davies – and onwards.

1990 European City of Culture and 1999 City of Architecture and Design, Glasgow has most recently received the accolade of UNESCO City of Music – one of only three in the world. Lively, edgy and vibrant, Glasgow rightly celebrates this acknowledgement of its rich musical life.