Award-Winning Guzheng Prodigy from Thailand: Pantawan Saeheng Shines at the World Grand Prix International Music Contest 2025
- WOMCO
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Pantawan Saeheng from Thailand received the Platinum Prize and Distinguished Interpretation Special Award in the Young Artist (Age 14–17) category for her guzheng performance at the 2025 Season 3 World Grand Prix International Music Contest. The competition ran from 28 May 2025 to 28 August 2025, with results announced on 19 September.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in music, for example the schools you’ve studied at, the teachers who have guided you, and how long you’ve been studying, as well as your goals for the future?
Pantawan Saeheng:
“I began studying ballet at the age of 3, started learning piano at 5, and took up the guzheng at 9. I have been studying the guzheng for three and a half years. I have completed ballet up to Grade 3, and piano up to Trinity College London Grade 8 with a Distinction. I also passed the Guzheng Grade 10 Performance Examination—the highest level in Beijing, China—with Distinction. In the future, I hope to pursue further studies in performing arts in China.”
Could you tell us more about your award-winning guzheng performance? For instance, how did you prepare for it, bring it to life, or are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?
Pantawan Saeheng:
“For me, the most important thing to focus on from the very beginning is the correct playing technique, because the guzheng is an instrument of great depth. Next comes consistent practice—rehearsing the chosen competition piece until it can be played flawlessly. Finally, it is essential to understand the emotions within the music, whether they are joyful, sorrowful, or intense.“
What did a typical day of music practice look like for you, and how did your family support your passion? How do you manage your time between training and schoolwork?
Pantawan Saeheng:
“When I practice music, my mother often helps by listening. As a player, I need to focus on the notes ahead, which sometimes makes it difficult to notice small mistakes or subtle details. That is why it is important to have someone who understands music to listen and help check those details. If I am alone, I usually record my practice and listen back to review the accuracy and finer points. I use my time after school to practice and try to rehearse as much as I can.”
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Pantawan Saeheng:
“This competition has been a very fulfilling experience for me. Reaching this point would not have been possible without the constant guidance and support of my parents and teachers, to whom I am deeply grateful. Thank you."
"Hello, my name is Pantawan Saeheng and I am a contestant from Thailand. I'm very happy to be here today. Joining this competition (World Grand Prix International Music Contest) was a great experience for me. At first, I was very excited, but then I practiced and worked hard until this song became perfect. I feel so proud that my hard work has given me this results. Winning this prize is very special for me. It is not only about the award but also about what I learned during this process. I want to thank my parents, my teacher for always teaching me, helping me and supporting me. I will keep practicing and try my best to get better in future. Thank you very much."
As a global online competition, the World Grand Prix International Music Contest acknowledges artistic excellence in every musical form — from instruments and voice to composition, conducting, choir, and orchestra. Designed for the digital age, it enables musicians everywhere to participate easily and gain recognition across various age and style divisions. 🌏Learn More: www.musicgrandprix.com
