By Chuck Chiang, Vancouver Sun

A renowned Vancouver piano prodigy has added one more award to his proverbial mantle Wednesday, become only the second Canadian artist to win a Young Steinway Artist award.

Louis Wei, a 16-year-old pianist whose resume already includes performances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and appearances at Harvard University and New York's Carnegie Hall, received the Steinway award at Tom Lee Music's academy in Downtown Vancouver Thursday.

The award is given out by piano manufacturer Steinway & Sons to outstanding young pianists around the world. After accepting the award, Wei credited music in helping him overcome a bout with severe depression.

"I believe completely in the power of music," he said, "… and those with the gift of music have the responsibility to share it with others…. (Music) forced me to soul-search and find out who I really am."

Wei is the first and only B.C. recipient of the Young Steinway Artist award to date. Born in southeastern China, he moved to Vancouver with his family when he was five, and began playing the piano that same year.

He is currently a Grade 11 student at the St. George's School in Vancouver

http://www.vancouversun.com/year+Vancouver+piano+prodigy+wins+prestigious+award/8960432/story.html