My first document

Artciál

International Piano Competition & Festival

WELCOME

tothe3rdSeasonofartciál internationalpianocompetition &festival

On behalf of the entire staff at the Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival, I am filled with immense pleasure as I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you We are incredibly excited to bring forth the remarkable learning atmosphere where creativity, passion, and innovation intersect during the 3rd season of AIPCF this year

The year 2023 marks a new beginning for us as we bring the AIPCF to the renowned San Francisco Conservatory of Music, equipped with top-notch facilities for musicians From July to August, the Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival will provide a platform for international music exchange, firmly believing that music is an art form that transcends boundaries

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In its 3rd season, Artciál continues its commitment to providing a diverse range of opportunities for growth and enrichment Participants can look forward to engaging in private lessons, masterclasses, lectures, piano forums, and student performances, complemented by the exciting addition of special conducting classes These activities are thoughtfully curated to fit within a condensed yet dynamic one-week schedule, featuring the expertise of ten extraordinary faculty members

We are thrilled to welcome thirty young artists from around the world, representing different schools and countries, to participate in this invaluable learning opportunity that is both motivating and inspiring. Throughout the one-week program, all students will have the chance to engage in all artistic events. It is my sincere wish that the festival's events will enhance your musical understanding and expand your network within the music community.

MARKETING ANALYSIS

As we continue to expand our reach within the global music community, my gratitude knows no bounds towards SFCM, Steinway & Sons, the esteemed AIPCF faculty and staff, our generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and countless others who have made the AIPCF a reality year after year. Your unwavering support holds immense significance for us and paves the way for a promising future.

We deliver a wide range of services to our customers that help their business to grow.

Once again, I, Jingze Sarah Gao, along with the entire team at the Artciál International Music Festival, warmly welcome each and every one of you to the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival. May this festival be a source of inspiration, joy, and unforgettable memories that will resonate within you for years to come. We are thrilled to have you with us, and we can't wait to witness your extraordinary performances and witness the magic you create.

Welcome to our 3rd Season!

Sincerely with gratitude,

Sarah Jingze Gao

Jingze Sarah Gao Founder & Exesutice Director

Calendar of events & class

9:30 - 10:30 am

Students/ FacultiesArrival

4:30pm

Orientation

9:00-2:00pm

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA)

6:00-7:00pm

OpeningCeremony (BOR)

2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: AlexanderKorsantia (NewEngland ConservatoryofMusic) (CHA)

10:00-12:30pm

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA) 10:00-12:30pm

Lecture: Sharon Mann –Baroque Technique （RH)

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA) 9:00-2:00pm

10:30 - 12:20 pm

Masterclass: Sharon Mann (San Francisco Conservatory of Music) （RH)

2:10 - 4:10 pm

2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: YoshikazuNagai (SanFrancisco ConservatoryofMusic) (CHA)

Masterclass: Alan Chow (Eastman School of Music) (CHA)

2:00 - 4:00 pm

Masterclass: Jerome Lowenthal (The Juilliard School) (BCB1) Online

Conducting Workshops (75mins/workshop) (CHA)

10:00-12:00pm

Masterclass: Rebecca Penneys (EastmanSchoolof Music) (BCB1) Online

2:00-3:30PM

StudentPerformance Showcase (CHA) 2:10-4:10pm

Masterclass: EstherJeeHaeAhn (WeberStateUniversity) (CHA) 2:00-5:00pm

FestivalYoung ArtistsRecital/ ClosingCeremony (BOR)

4:20-6:20pm

Masterclass: JeffreyCohen (ManhattanSchoolof Music) (CHA)

*BCB1=Bowes Center Basement

*CCM=Cha-Chi Ming Hall

4:20-6:20pm

PianoPerformance Forum (CHA) 4:20-6:20pm

Masterclass: HieYonChoi (PeabodyInstituteJohnsHopkinsUniversity) (CHA) 4:20-6:20pm

*RH=Sol Joseph Recital Hall

*BOR=Barbro Osher Recital Hall

PianoPerformance Forum (CHA) 4:15-5:15pm

Lecture: LarryLivingston (CHA) 7:00-9:30pm AIPC WinnersConcert (BOR)

Artciál International Piano Competition

The 2023 Articál Music Foundation marks a significant milestone as we bring the competition back to life, stronger than ever, at Herbst Theatre, in the beautiful city of San Francisco

Established in 2020, The Articál Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization driven by the noble mission of providing outstanding performance and learning opportunities to musicians from diverse cultures and ages, irrespective of their financial situation We believe that music knows no boundaries and can bridge gaps between cultures, enriching our lives and promoting understanding and harmony among all

The goal of this competition is to bring together pianists from different walks of life, exploring and promoting the remarkable talents of promising musicians while offering them invaluable opportunities for further development.

After the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic in the past years, we have eagerly awaited the moment to gather once again and celebrate the beauty and power of music

We are thrilled to announce that we have expanded to five live regional competitions, taking place in Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Houston, and, of course, San Francisco. Additionally, we are proud to host a Global Online division Overall, we have received over 400 applications from more than 21 countries! Our distinguished panel of judges worked tirelessly to select the top 18% of these exceptional talents, who have made it into the final round of the competition

As we come together to witness and experience the brilliance of these gifted pianists, we are reminded of the transcendent nature of music, capable of uniting hearts and minds across borders Each performance represents a unique story, a blend of cultures, and a testament to the power of dedication and passion

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, teachers, supporters, and volunteers whose contributions have made this competition possible Your unwavering commitment to music and nurturing the arts is invaluable and deeply appreciated

Let us embrace the magic of music as it unfolds before us. We hope this competition will not only showcase outstanding talent but also serve as an enriching experience for all, leaving a lasting impression on our souls

Thank you for joining us on this incredible musical journey Together, let's celebrate the universal language that is music and create memories that will resonate with us for a lifetime

Mission Statement

In 2020, The Articál Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization, established the mission of providing outstanding performance and learning opportunities regardless of their financial situation to musicians from a variety of cultures and ages

The goal of the competition is to bring together pianists of different cultures and ages, to explore and promote talented and promising musicians, and to provide them with opportunities for further development

SIN MARKETING ANALYSIS

Live Sreaming

Welcome to the 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition, an event where piano talents from around the world come together to showcase their skills Through the medium of live streaming, participants are afforded the unique opportunity to perform on an international platform, captivating an expansive and diverse audience, thereby holding paramount significance in advancing their musical careers This year ' s edition has garnered applications from a remarkable 27 nations, underscoring its truly global nature and exciting prospects

The grand finale, replete with prize-winning performances, will be made accessible to enthusiasts worldwide through live streaming, fostering active engagement and participation Even if unable to be physically present, patrons, supporters, and well-wishers can revel in the exhilaration of witnessing these exceptional renditions unfold in real time

We deliver a wide range of services to our customers that help their business to grow.

The advantages of live streaming are not confined solely to the international audience; our local attendees and valued sponsors also stand to gain from this technological endeavor. The live broadcast offers them the chance to relish a comprehensive experience of the competition, surpassing the confines of physical attendance

To those unable to grace us with their presence this week, we wholeheartedly encourage partaking in the event through live streaming This contemporary and user-friendly medium promises to bestow gratifying enjoyment Additionally, the prospect of impressing younger generations, our cherished grandchildren, with this marvel of modernity, is certainly an enticing incentive

Final Round of the Competition Schedule Artciál

• Free admission for 2023 Artciál International Piano Competition Finalists

• $10 donation at the door for general public

with Mr Zhen Chen

OpeningNightGala

AlexanderKorsantia|JingzeSarahGao EstherJeehaeAhn|BaichaoLan SpecialGuest:AnnieCao

I.Stravinsky|W.A.Mozart|G.Fauré W.Lutosławski|W.Bolcom|F.Liszt

30, 2023 | 6:00 PM

July

Barbro Osher Recital Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Yoshikazu Nagai

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO CHAIR OF THE PIANO DEPARTMENT

like for his fresh interpretations and dramatic presentation style, Yoshikazu Nagai mber musician throughout Asia, Europe and America in such venues as Beijing’s ng Arts, Shanghai Concert Hall in China, National Concert Hall and Recital Hall in Taiwan, Eckhardt Gramatté Hall in Canada, Carnegie Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall in New York, Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre, The National Gallery and Phillips Collection in Washington D C , and Seattle’s Benaroya Hall His schedule in recent seasons includes recitals in Naples, Seoul, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Beijing, Cincinnati, Chicago, San Francisco, and in collaborations with the Ives Quartet, violinists Robert Mann, Anthony Marwood and with orchestras across the country.

Mr Nagai has appeared at many international music festivals, and his live performances have been broadcast on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today”, RAI Italian National TV, Hong Kong National Radio RTHK4, and on public radio stations in San Francisco, Houston, Cleveland, and Salt Lake City Winner of numerous international piano competitions, including first prize at the 2002 Washington International Piano Competition Mr Nagai is also a major prize winner of the San Antonio, Missouri Southern, New Orleans, IBLA Grand Prize International Piano Competitions, and the Concert Artists Guild International Music Competition

Born in Germany and raised in the United States, Mr Nagai studied with John Perry at Rice University, Paul Schenly and Sergei Babayan at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he was awarded the Malvina Podis Prize in Piano upon graduation, and Duane Hulbert at the University of Puget Sound with whom he recorded the Glasunov Fantasie for two Pianos, Op 104 He has been recognized by the National Foundation for Advancements in the Arts for excellence in teaching and Mr. Nagai’s students are top prize winners of national and international competitions including the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition in Australia, Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Piano Competition, Music Teacher’s National Association Piano Competition, New York International Piano Competition, Hilton Head, Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists, Nina Wideman, International Russian Music, King Award, Missouri Southern, Corpus Christi, Lennox Young Artists, Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU, Heida Hermanns, International E-Piano Competitions, Gilmore Young Artists Award, and Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition

Mr Nagai frequently gives master classes at universities and conservatories throughout the United States and Asia including recent classes at Seoul National University, Korean National University of the Arts, Hanyang University, Yonsei University and Seoul Arts School in South Korea, Shanghai Conservatory, Beijing’s Central Conservatory, Xinghai Conservatory, Shenzhen Arts School in China, Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei National University of the Arts, Peabody Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and Northwestern University He also regularly serves as adjudicator of international piano competitions and has served on the juries of the Seoul International Piano Competition, Gina Bachauer International Piano Competitions, World Piano Competition, and Alaska International Piano E- Competition amongst others

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Currently Professor of Piano and Chamber Music, he is chair of the piano department at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Visiting Professor of Piano at the Peabody Conservatory Mr Nagai teaches regularly during the summers at the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy, where he serves as chair of the piano faculty and “Art of Piano'' at Cincinnati Conservatory He has also been faculty at the Seoul National National University International Piano Academy in South Korea, Shanghai and Beijing International Piano Festivals in China, Maestro International Piano Festival in Taiwan, Brancaleoni Festival in Italy, Chautauqua, Summit Festivals in New York, Pianofest in the Hamptons, South Eastern Piano Festival in South Carolina, Colburn Academy, JPA Festival and Montecito International Music Festival in California, Eastern Music Festival in North Carolina, and RPPF in Florida

Mr Nagai is a former faculty member at the Interlochen Arts Academy and is Visiting Professor of Piano at the Shanghai Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music in China

Esther JeeHae Ahn

WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

Applauded for her interpretive coherence and graceful realization (Boston Musical Intelligencer), pianist ESTHER JEEHAE AHN enjoys performing and teaching wide-ranging repertoire from traditional works to music of our own time She has appeared in notable venues including Alice Tully Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Shalin Liu Performance Center, Seoul Arts Center, Jordan Hall, Flynn Performing Arts Center, Kodak Hall, andIsabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Her awards include first prizes in the Junior Chopin Competition, Harvard Musical Association Competition, Boston Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, fellowship grants at International Mendelssohn-Academy Leipzig and Summer Institute for Contemporary Performance Practice, Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award, Frances B Lanier Award from New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School, and Arnold C Taylor Award from Walnut Hill School for the Arts where she graduated summa cum laude She was a guest artist for South Korea’s launching of Steinway sales, its Ministry of National Defense, and US-Korea Conference.

Her interest in new music has led to working closely with such distinguished composers as Peter Maxwell Davies, Unsuk Chin, and Rand Steiger; most recently, she gave the world premiere of Amy Dunker’s solo works written for the courageous people of Ukraine She holds degrees from New England Conservatory (BM and MM) and Eastman School of Music (DMA) with a minor in Accompanying and Chamber Music Esther was on the piano faculty at Clarke University Currently, she serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at Weber State University where she is also the director of the WSU Piano Festival

Alan Chow

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO CHAIR OF THE PIANO DEPARTMENT

A Steinway Artist, Alan Chow has performed to critical acclaim in recital and in concert in such major venues as New York’s Lincoln Center and Merkin Hall and Chicago’s Symphony Center and Ravinia and with orchestras in the United States and Asia, included concerto performances with the National, Pan Asian, Utah, Oakland, Kansas City, and Omaha Symphonies and the Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tulsa Philharmonics Chow won First Prize at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition and the Silver Medal and Audience Favorite Prize at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and was formerly a member of the artist faculty at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music.

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As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with the America, Pacifica, and Miami String quartets and been a guest artist at numerous festivals. Chow regularly tours Asia with performances in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and China, where he also presented master classes and lectures at major conservatories In addition, he appears in recital in the Cheng-Chow Trio with pianist Angela Cheng and his twin brother Alvin

Chow has given master classes throughout North America and Asia at conservatories, universities, and summer festivals and is active as a juror for many piano competitions He has served as a guest professor at the Central Conservatory in Beijing, honored visiting professor at the Shenyang Conservatory, and Visiting Associate Professor at Oberlin Conservatory His former and current students have been winners in international piano competitions Chow’s awards also include First Prize in the UCLA and Palm Beach Invitational International piano competitions, and he was a prizewinner in the William Kapell International Piano Competition

Jeffrey Cohen

MANHATTAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

American pianist Jeffrey Cohen continues to draw international attention for the brilliance and artistry of his interpretations Mr Cohen has been praised by The New York Times for the “lucidity and poetry” of his playing

Both as soloist and chamber musician, Mr Cohen’s performances have taken him to three different continents Recitals include appearances for The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Merkin Concert Hall, Bargemusic, the Phillips Collection, Mostly Music Series of Chicago, the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing and the National Arts Center of Ottawa In the summers, Mr Cohen has been a faculty member or guest artist at major music festivals including Bowdoin, Waterloo, Musicorda, Orford, Summit, Texas Music Festival, Seoul Summer Music Camp, Shanghai International Piano Festival & Institute, and the Beijing International Music Festival. He currently serves on the summer faculties of the MusicAlp International Academy of Music in France and the Bravo International Music Academy Mr Cohen’s debut recording, a collection of French chamber music with his wife and duo partner violinist Lucie Robert, received critical acclaim in Fanfare magazine. He has performed for broadcasts on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today,” the CBC Radio Network, Radio Canada, Radio France and WQXR

In addition to his concert activities, Mr. Cohen’s teaching gifts have established him as a leading piano pedagogue of his generation His students have won prizes in major competitions and enjoy successful careers as performers and teachers

For over twenty-five years, Mr Cohen has been a piano professor and member of the artist faculty at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City, where he currently serves as Coordinator of Piano Master Classes and Departmental Competitions He has given master classes at prestigious institutions such as the Jacobs School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Central Conservatory in Beijing, Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Seoul National University, Boston University School of Music and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore

HieYon Choi

PEABODY INSTITUTE - JOHNS HOPSKINS UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

One of the most sought-after pianists of her generation, South Korean pianist HieYon Choi first appeared on the international piano music scene when she won prizes at high-profile competitions such as Kapell, Epinal, Busoni and Viotti. HieYon Choi has been since performing with prestigious orchestras of Europe, US and Korea such as das Rundfunkorchester Berlin, the National Symphony Orchestra (Washington DC), the Northern Sinfonia, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Korean Broadcast Symphony Orchestra and appears as a soloist in festivals and concert series. Alongside the canon of the classical piano literature such as Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and Debussy, music of 20th & 21st forms another important part of Choi’s career A strong advocate of the new music, she was the inaugural Artist-in-Residence of Tong-Yeong International Music festival She performed works of Olivier Messiaen, György Kurtag, Sofia Gubaidulina, York Höller, Unsuk Chin, Suhki Kang a. o. with the Seoul Philharmonic. HieYon is the founder of Ensemble Academy at Seoul National University where she led series of contemporary music projects such as <Sound of Universe>, <Liberation>, and <TripleX>, the latest a triple international exchange to overcome Covid pandemic

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In 1999 Choi joined the piano faculty at the Seoul National University Since then, she has been giving numerous master classes in Korea as well as abroad; the Guildhall School in London, Ecole normale in Paris, the Hochschule Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Düsseldorf in Germany, in Helsinki, in Hong-Kong, China, in New York, Cincinnati, Michigan, Illinois, Chicago and summer festivals in Italy Born in Inchon, South Korea, Choi gave her debut concert at the age of 6 with the Inchon Philharmonic Orchestra She won all four most coveted competitions in Korea (Dong-A, Choong-Ang, Korea Times, Ehwa-KyungHyang) and moved to Germany at the age of 18 HieYon studied with Klaus Hellwig, the late Hans Leygraf at Hochschule der Künste Berlin, and with the late György Sebök at Indiana University

Alexander Korsantia

NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

D e Miami Herald and a “quiet maverick” by the Daily Telegraph, pianist Alexander Korsantia has been praised for the “clarity of his technique, richly varied tone and dynamic phrasing” (Baltimore Sun), and a “piano technique where difficulties simply do not exist” (Calgary Sun)

In the current and coming seasons Mr Korsantia performs Prokofiev’s Third Concerto with Boston Philharmonic, Akron Symphony and Xiamen Philharmonic, Rachmaninoff’s Third with Israel Symphony, Prokofiev’s Second with Stuttgart Philharmoniker and Telavi Festival in Georgia, Beethoven’s Fourth with Israel Philharmonic and Haifa Symphony, Chopin Second with Jerusalem Symphony, Israel Chamber Orchestra and Ingolstadt Chamber Orchestra With The Far Cry chamber group he performed Galina Ustvolskaya’s Piano Concerto in Boston and Tbilisi, Georgia In addition, he plays recitals at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, National Concert Hall in Taipei, the Walnut Hill School, New Orleans, Salt Lake City, Greenfield Village (Michigan), Blaibach, Germany, Lodz (Poland), Jordan Hall in Boston, Cincinnati Conservatory, Shanghai Concert Hall, Gulangyu Concert Hall, Chengdu Conservatory Hall as well as extensive recital tours in Israel and Georgia He will perform Schostakovich’s First Concerto with New Orleans Philharmonic as well as Rachmaninoff’s Second with Edmonton Symphony He will record the latter with Stuttgart Philharmonic Dan Ettinger conducting

Born in Tbilisi, Georgia, Alexander Korsantia began his musical studies at an early age moving with his family to the United States in 1991 In 1999, he was awarded one of the most prestigious national awards, the Order of Honor, bestowed on him by then-President Eduard Shevardnadze He is a recipient of the Golden Wing award (2015) and Georgia’s National State Prize (1997) Korsantia resides in Boston where he is a Professor of Piano on the faculty of the New England Conservatory. Mr. Korsantia is the artistic adviser of the annual music festival “From Easter to Ascension” in Georgia

Larry Livingston

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

PROFESSOR OF INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING CHAIR OF THE CONDUCTING DEPARTMENT

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF THE NEW ENGLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC AND RICE UNIVERSITY

Larry Livingston is a distinguished conductor, educator, and administrator, and a highly respected motivational speaker

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The founding Music Director of the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, Livingston has appeared with the Houston Symphony and in the Los Angeles Philharmonic Green Umbrella Series He has conducted at the Festival de Musique in Evian, France, and has led the Stockholm Wind Orchestra, as well as the Leopoldinum Chamber, Chopin Academy, and Wroclaw Philharmonic Orchestras in Poland He served as Music Director of the Pan Pacific Festival Orchestras in Sydney, participated in the International Jazz Festival in Rome, and conducted electro-acoustic ensemble concerts in Tokyo under the auspices of Yamaha International Mr Livingston has led the Houston Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Green Umbrellas Series, the American Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Young Musicians Foundation Orchestra, the USC Thornton Chamber and Symphony Orchestras in Los Angeles, the USC Thornton Contemporary Music Ensemble in Berlin, and served on the jury for the renowned Besancon International Conducting Competition in Besancon, France.

Mr Livingston has performed with soloists Keiko Abe, Ran Blake, Shelly Berg, Maureen Forrester, Adolph Herseth, Lawrence Lesser, Yehudi Menuhin, Robert Merrill, Mark O’Connor, Christopher O’Riley, Itzhak Perlman, Donald Sinta, Ralph Kirshbaum, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, John Walz and Time for Three, and has premiered and/or recorded works by Shelton Berg, Paul Cooper, Mario Davidovsky, Robert Erickson, Ernst Krenek, Kasia Livingston, Edwin London, Pauline Oliveros, Russell Peck, Roger Reynolds, and Yuji Takahashi

Mr Livingston frequently appears with professional, festival, collegiate, and all-state wind ensembles, bands and orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand From 1983 to 2002, he served as a conductor in the University of Michigan All-State Program at Interlochen, has been the Conductor of the Festival Orchestra at Idyllwild Arts since 1989, and is the Music Director of Music for All’s National Honors Orchestra

Mr Livingston has appeared with the famed Landes Jugend Orchester, served as clinician and guest conductor at the College Band Directors National Conference in Alice Tully Hall, and led All-State Ensembles across the United States including Texas on eleven occasions, an unprecedented record He has also twice conducted the George Enescu Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra in Romania, served as Music Director of Thornton School Orchestras, and was Principal Juror for the 3rd Annual Winnipeg Symphony International Conducting Symposium

A graduate of the University of Michigan, Mr Livingston studied conducting with Laurence Livingston, Elizabeth Green, William Revelli, Rafael Druian, and Herbert Zipper He also did doctoral studies at the University of California, San Diego. Mr. Livingston served as Vice President and Music Director of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he was also Conductor of the Symphony Orchestra and, subsequently, became Dean of the Shepherd School of Music and Elma Schneider Professor at Rice University in Houston From 1986 until 2002, Mr Livingston was Dean of the USC Flora L. Thornton School of Music during which time he secured the School’s naming gift from Flora Thornton, raised more than 100 million dollars, and where he is now Chair of the Conducting Department The first music administrator accepted into the Harvard University Executive Education Program, he is a recipient of the Hall of Fame Award from the University of Michigan, the Life in the Arts Award from Idyllwild Arts, and an Outstanding Teacher Award from the USC Center for Religion As a motivational speaker, he has established a national reputation for inspiring presentations to business and education leaders across the United States

Jerome Lowenthal

THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

Jerome Lowenthal, born in 1932, continues to fascinate audiences, who find in his playing a youthful intensity and an eloquence born of life experience. He is a virtuoso of the fingers and the emotions.

Mr Lowenthal studied in his native Philadelphia with Olga Samaroff-Stokowski, in New York with William Kapell and Edward Steuermann, and in Paris with Alfred Cortot, meanwhile traveling annually to Los Angeles for coachings with Artur Rubinstein After winning prizes in three international competitions (Bolzano, Darmstadt, and Brussels), he moved to Jerusalem where, for three years, he played, taught, and lectured

Returning to America, he made his debut with the New York Philharmonic playing Bartok Concerto No 2 in 1963 Since then, he has performed more or less everywhere, from the Aleutians to Zagreb Conductors with whom he has appeared as soloist include Barenboim, Ozawa, Tilson Thomas, Temirkanov, and Slatkin, as well as such giants of the past as Leonard Bernstein, Eugene Ormandy, Pierre Monteux, and Leopold Stokowski

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In chamber music, he has participated in innumerable festivals and has performed piano duets with his late wife Ronit Amir and his daughter Carmel Lowenthal He has adjudicated in most of the world’s great piano competitions, including Leeds, Cliburn, Rubinstein, Horowitz, Cleveland, Young Concert Artists, and Beijing His recorded repertoire is vast and includes the complete Annees de Pelerinage of Liszt, the complete concerti of Tchaikowsky, the Beethoven Fourth Concerto with eleven different cadenzas, the Gershwin Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue, Ned Rorem’s Concerto No 3 (written for him), Liszt Concerti, and solo discs of the music of George Rochberg and Christian Sinding, as well as twopiano and four-hand music (Messiaen, Debussy, Rzewski and Corigliano) with his partner, Ursula Oppens Teaching, too, is an essential part of Mr Lowenthal’s life Last year he completed fifty summers at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara This year is his thirtieth on the faculty of The Juilliard School, and he regularly joins the summer festivals of Pianofest in the Hamptons, Beijing (BIMFA), Perugia, Amalfi, Uelzen, Tampa (Rebecca Penneys), and Northern Colorado He has worked with an extraordinary number of gifted pianists, whom he encourages to understand the music they play in a wide aesthetic and cultural perspective and to project it with the freedom which that perspective allows

Sharon Mann

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

Sharon Mann, D M , is a Professor of Piano at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music A respected soloist and ensembleist, Dr Mann is widely acclaimed for her penetrating interpretations of Bach’s keyboard music Her recording of the Six Partitas has recently been re-released by Cappella Records. She is also an inspiring teacher and lecturer, presenting master classes widely in this country and abroad

Dr. Mann has served on the faculties of the Itzhak Perlman Music Program, the Bowdoin International Music Festival, the California Summer Music Festival, St Olof College, and Mills College Appointed by the Governor of Ohio, she served as Artistic Director of a concert series held at the Governor’s Mansion She also co-produced Sommermusikwochen, an annual summer festival in Switzerland. Dr. Mann holds degrees from The Juilliard School, Stanford University, and Northwestern University She received her early training with Rudolph Ganz and Isador Buchhalter of Chicago, and later at the Eastman School, The Juilliard School, Northwestern and Stanford University

Dr Mann taught in Birklehof, Germany in 2009 and performed and gave master classes at several conservatories in China in 2010 Her recent master classes were in Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Utah, California, Greece and China In summer 2012, Mann taught at the Bowdoin International Music Festival, and she joined the faculty of Siena Piano Festival in Siena, Italy, 2013

becca Penneys

EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC PROFESSOR EMERITA OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

American pianist Rebecca Penneys is a recitalist, chamber musician, orchestral soloist, educator, and adjudicator For over six decades her passionate and insightful performances have held audiences spellbound. Hailed as a pianist of prodigious talent, she possesses a daredevil technique, the sort of charismatic stage presence that demands attention, and an interpretive gift that make her performances into musical revelations Rebecca has concertized throughout all the continents north of Antarctica and she has represented the United States on United States Information Service State Department Cultural tours Rebecca’s playing leaves an indelible impression Her current CDs and DVDs on Naxos, Fleur De Son Classics and Centaur Records have received worldwide acclaim and are eloquent testimonies of a major artist of intelligence, originality, massive technique, and bravura temperament. American Record Guide says: “Penneys offers an extraordinary collection of performances displaying an astonishing control over piano sound It is absolutely gorgeous and full of unimaginable colors She sings through the instrument, seemingly without effort Her playing is simply revelatory”

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A renowned Steinway Artist, and a member of the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame, Rebecca is a popular guest artist, keynote speaker and celebrated pedagogue She has received extensive recognition for her ability to teach keyboard technique (Motion and Emotion) that allows pianists to achieve individual performance goals without physical strain or injury In 2013, Rebecca launched the non-profit Rebecca Penneys Friends of Piano to support the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival and RPPF-Mini These events, held at the University of South Florida, are tuition-free for collegiate pianists worldwide Rebecca is currently Professor Emerita of Piano at Eastman School of Music, Artist-in-Residence at St Petersburg College where she directs the St Petersburg College Piano Series, and Courtesy-Steinway-Artist-inResidence at the University of South Florida The Rochester Democrat & Chronicle notes, “In an age of pianistic sameness, Penneys shines as a true original ” Rebecca’s teachers included Aube Tzerko, Leonard Stein, Rosina Lhevinne, Artur Rubinstein, Menahem Pressler, Gyorgy Sebok, Janos Starker, Josef Gingold, and Iannis Xenakis Here are interview and review links Learn more at rebeccapenneys com, rebeccapenneyspianofestival org and on the RPPF Rebecca Penneys YouTube channel

Artciál International Piano Competition & Festival

Staff

Jingze Sarah Gao Founder/ Executive Director

The Music Murcia Regional News– “An unforgettable Performance of Schubert, the reencounter with an exquisite version of magnificent fantasy “the wanderer””

As a pianist, music educator, and arts administrator, Jingze Sarah Gao has extensive experience performing, teaching, and managing arts programs She has earned critical acclaim as a solo pianist, and chamber musician, as well as an orchestral pianist Gao was a top prize winner in numerous national and international piano competitions and also has been invited to WUSF Live Radio for interviews and performances as their young resident artist She has gained recognition from the media and music critics for her performance In the Murcia Regional News, they described her Schubert performance as "unforgettable" and praised her rendition of Schubert's "The Wanderer" as "exquisite" and "magnificent"

In recent years, Gao has actively performed recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the U S , Europe, and Asia She is in frequent demand as an orchestral pianist working with renowned conductors such as Ken-David Masur, Hugh Wolff, and Jeffrey Kahane Her music festival performances include Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Amalfi Music & Arts Festival, and Beijing International Music Festival

Gao received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Gabriel Chodos and graduated with Dean's List honors She also earned a Master of Music and Professional Studies Diploma in Piano Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Garrick Ohlsson and Yoshikazu Nagai Currently, Gao is pursuing a highly sought-after Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California, working with Jeffrey Kahane, with an academic major in music teaching and learning, as well as two minors in instrumental conducting, and arts leadership

In addition to her extensive academic background, Gao has demonstrated leadership potential in the music industry With experience in music education, Gao worked as a Program Assistant/Coordinator for the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival in Tampa, FL, and as a Piano Department Assistant at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Currently, she is the President of Artciál Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and the Founder/Executive Director of Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival, where she creatively leads the festival

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Gao is also an active piano teacher with experience teaching over 10 years Many of her students received international piano competitions awards, were selected by young artist music festivals, and were admitted to the conservatories and universities such as San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Manhattan Conservatory of Music Her students are top prize winners of national and international competitions including the US New Star International Piano Competition, Golden Classical Piano Competition, America Protégé Piano Competition, and US Open Music Competition. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a passion for music education and the arts, inspiring students and fellow musicians to reach their full potential

Baichao Lan – Associate Faculty

Baichao Lan is a graduate of The Juilliard School in New York under the tutelage of Mr Stephen Hough and Dr Yoheved Kaplinsky His debut album (Baichao Lan: Schumann and Prokofiev) released by the China Record Corporation has won him acclaim from around the world He is an artist of the New Juilliard Ensemble at Lincoln Center and a member of the Shanghai Musician Association He is the artistic director and judge of multiple international piano competitions and Steinway's Top Piano Teacher His performances and interviews have been broadcasted by Radio New Zealand

As a concert pianist, Baichao has been invited to give performances throughout the U S , Europe, and Asia In 2017, he appeared as a soloist with the renowned National Philharmonic of Ukraine under Maestro Vitaliy Protasov He was also invited to play concerts at the 2020 Focus Festival in New York, the 2018/2019 Animato Association Concert Series in Paris, the 2016 Mendelssohn International Academy in Leipzig, and the 2017 Piano Summer in New York In addition to his travel for international festivals, Baichao has had the privilege of playing in some of the top concert halls in the world, including the Lincoln Center in New York, Salle Cortot in Paris, Tel Aviv University in Israel, the Jordan Hall in Boston, the Large Hall of the University of Music and Theater in Leipzig, the M Lysenko Column Hall of the National Philharmonic of Ukraine, the Grand Concert Hall in Tbilisi, the Grand Theater in San Marino, the Yamaha Center in Tokyo, the Shanghai Concert Hall, the Shenzhen Concert Hall, the Royal Conservatory in Toronto, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music

He has won over 20 national and international piano competitions Some of his recent accomplishments include First Prize and the Best Rachmaninoff Prize in the 2020 Paderewski International Piano Competition in the USA, Fourth Prize in the Kerikeri International Piano Competition in New Zealand, Fourth Prize and Animato Association Special Prize in the Senior Group at the 2017 XI Vladimir Horowitz International Piano Competition in Kyiv, Ukraine,

Before earning a Master’s degree from The Juilliard School, he earned a Bachelor’s degree with Academic Honors from the New England Conservatory in Boston where he studied with Mr Alexander Korsantia He began his professional musical education at the Shanghai Conservatory with Professor Youzhe Lou and Professor Zhe Tang, where he received musical and academic awards and scholarships

Annie Yu Cao Program Assistant

Annie Yu Cao began her piano studies at the age of four and has continued to blossom into a mature and enthusiastic performer Since 2010, she has participated in numerous festivals and competitions ranging from local to international stages, consistently earning recognition and first place prizes The past few years have been especially noteworthy with award winning performances in the BC Performing Arts festival, the Canadian Music Competition, Vancouver International Music Competition, Pacific Youth International Piano Competition, and many more Annie has successfully graduated from the University of Toronto with the Bachelor of Music in Performance with Honors She is currently pursuing her Masters of Music in the Manhattan School of Music in New York under the tutelage of Jeffrey Cohen

Xiaoke Wang Program Assistant

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Xiaoke forged an unconventional path to piano Having discovered classical music at the age of 4, the future musician began to feed her passion and curiosity with diverse artistic and intellectual experiences, which included advanced studies of Literature, Mathematics, and Philosophy Under the wonderful guidance of her dear teacher and mentor Mr Halim, whose great and unique artistry inspired unlimited creative freedom, expanded and extended artistic vision infinitely, Xiaoke is determined to make a life-long professional commitment to music A performer of endless desire to communicate, she has been, and will always be, on her way to explore endless expressive possibilities of Beauty through her music making Xiaoke also devotes to Historical Musicology and Piano Teaching She got her MM in Piano from NYU Steinhardt and Ed M from Columbia University Teachers College

Tsz Yan Chau Director of Design

Tszyan Chau was born in 2000 in Hong Kong, majoring in Piano Performance After she earned the Bachelor’s degree in San Francisco Conservatory of Music, she is currently a master student and studies with Professor Yoshikazu Nagai Tszyan began studying piano at age four From 2014-2018, she studied with Professor Yu Zhao, the Doctoral Supervisor of Midwest University She was awarded the Hong Kong Children & Youth Piano Contest; and won the second prize of Hong Kong - ‘Liszt Memorial Prizes’ International Piano Open Competition Also, Tszyan has participated in music festivals and masterclasses, including the performances at Amalfi Coast Music & Arts Festival in Italy

Yuanfang Zha Program Assi

Yuanfang Zhang was born in Henan province, China, and grew up in Shanghai He has been studying piano since he was four years old, he studied with renowned piano educator Professor Derong Huang, Professor Xiaosheng Zhao renowned piano educator, composer, pianist, former principal of Music Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music and doctoral supervisor of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and famous piano educator, composer and American pianist Professor Yiqiang Sun Yuanfang was admitted to the Music Middle School Affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory with honors, and studied with Russian pianist and educator Prof Natalia Filippova In 2018, he entered the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to study with Yoshikazu Nagai and received high scholarship Yuanfang will continue his studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the future and will continue his piano studies with both Yoshikazu Nagai and renowned pianist and educator Jon Nakamatsu

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC PROFESSOR OF PIANO DEPARTMENT

SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) is a private music conservatory in San Francisco, California. As of 2021, it had 480 students.

In 2020, SFCM announced a partnership with the talent management company Opus 3 Artists, and in May 2022 it acquired the Dutch classical music label, Pentatone, funded by a private donor The music website "Classical Voice" described this "combination of a music-education organization with two professional music businesses" as "unusual " SFCM is the only music school that leads an alliance combining world-class education with a legendary label, two prominent artist management companies, and their premier clients For students, that means more opportunities to interact with touring artists and industry experts–including professional development workshops, side-by-side performances, and enhanced masterclasses.

Made up of a wide-ranging piano department and smaller but equally dynamic harpsichord, organ, and collaborative piano programs, SFCM keyboard department transforms students into accomplished performers You’ll collaborate across departments, perform within the Conservatory and around San Francisco, and develop your style alongside celebrated faculty and visiting luminaries Small studio sizes foster personalized instruction and support Undergraduate and graduate music degrees, as well as professional studies certificates, round out a far-reaching program that offers emphases in historical performance, collaborative piano, chamber music, and general instrument studies

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SFCM’s Pre-College Academy is an immersive program that instills the value of music in youth 18 and under, providing an artistic framework and tailored instruction for the next generation of musicians. Our curriculum integrates private lessons with musicianship courses, small and large ensemble experiences, master classes, jury assessments, and performance opportunities, making music a core part of their lives

Our Academy program has earned a national reputation for providing superior training to young musicians throughout their course of study As a result, our alumni have excelled, entering top-level collegiate music schools and conservatories, and distinguishing themselves professionally as performers, composers, teachers, and scholars

https://sfcm edu/

Facul

Young Artists

Rising Stars

YOUNG ARTISTS

Bingjian Chen

BM, Colburn School of Music

Bingjian Chen, born in 2003, began to play the piano at six years old and was performing by the age of ten She entered the Middle School affiliated to Shanghai Conservatory of Music at the age of 12 and finished her high school diploma there She is admitted into the

the year of 2022 and she is pursuing her bachelor degree there now, under Fabio Bidini

Bingjian has performed both as a soloist and a chamber musician in venues like Shanghai Heluting Concert Hall, Xiamen Concert Hall, Rocca Sforzesca, CCTV (China Central Television) She has taken lessons and masterclasses with Chuan Qin, Анна Шелудько, Jin Ju, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Maxim Mogilevsky, Xiaosheng Zhao, Jenny Q Chai

Bingjian graduated from the middle school with excellent grades She has won the scholarships every semester including “Niu En De scholarship”, school awarded scholarship, scholarship of Shanghai city, scholarship awarded by Shanghai Municipal Education Commission In 2021, she was selected to participate in a master class for one year which was held by Saint-Petersburg conservatory with full scholarship, the same year she was invited to make a tour recital in Shandong Province, Shanghai and Shangqiu

Yuxin (Lucky) Dong

Pre-College, New England Conservatory of Music

Rachel Ruixuan Chen is a secondyear student majoring in piano at the University of Toronto, and is studying with Dr Megan Chang Rachel began studying piano at age four, and has brought her talent across the ocean, from her native home in China to Toronto,

where she has been making waves in competitions such as the Kiwanis Festival, among other events Rachel is the first prize winner of Kiwanis music festival, Ottawa piano festival and Rocky Mountain music competition Rachel is also the recipient of the Kathleen Lett Mclaine Memorial (Kiwanis) Scholarship Rachel is passionate about all things piano and is thrilled to be a part of the Music Festival this year

Yuxin (Lucky) Dong, from Hangzhou, China, started playing the piano when she was four years old She kept learning the piano with Zhou Qi teacher until she came to the United States She currently studies at Walnut Hill school for the arts and NEC preparatory which are from Boston Her teacher is Lilit Karapetian

She also attended several competitions In 2012 Lucky achieved Second class Award and Third class Award at The 17th Hong Kong - Asia Piano Open Competition In 2014 Lucky was awarded a Third class award at The 18th Hong Kong - Asia Piano Competition In 2016 Lucky got First place in The Second “Star Bright” campus culture and Art Festival finals and successfully got a chance to play the piece on the TV show In 2016 Lucky got the chance to the final of the International Young pianist competition and achieved second award in the Asia area In the 2017 Singapore International Youth Piano competition Lucky had achieved Third award at China Region In 2022, Lucky got the First place at the Crescendo International Competition And got the chance to perform at Carnegie Hall in NYC

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Choi is currently pursuing her Master degree in Piano Performance, at Keimyung University, South Korea; and sturying with under Professor Sergei Tarasov Choi is currently working as an academy instructor at Music Academy

She received her bachelors degree from Daegu Catholic University and she participated in the Fall Concert as one of the audition winners She won third place at the Daegu Symphony Orchestra Competition, and performed with the Daegu International Radio Symphony Orchestra

Jinghui Fang

MM, Royal Birmingham Conservatory of Music

Fang Jinghui, Bachelor of Piano, Grade 19, Xi'an Conservatory of Music, master of Piano performance, Grade 23, Royal Birmingham Conservatory of Music, UK In 2018, she won the 3rd Chopin International Youth Piano

Competition China Amateur Group Open Anhui region Youth Group gold medal; In 2019, she won the second prize in the Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven theme group of the 12th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition National Finals, and was admitted to the piano Department of Xi ' an Conservatory of Music in the same year In August 2020, she won the second prize of Debussy and Ravel special project Group in the 13th National Finals of Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition, the first prize of the Youth group of the 6th KAWAI Asia Piano Competition in Hefei, and the second prize of the advanced group of Chopin Etude in the 29th Junior Competition in Shaanxi in November 2020 In May 2021, she won the Excellence Award of the Piano Professional Group of the Shaanxi Provincial Society Cup and the sixth place of the senior group of Chopin Etudes in the pre-selection of the 29th international Fryery-Chopin piano Competition for Children and Youth in China

In August 2021, she won the first place in the professional group of Anhui region of the 14th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition and the first place in the Schubert theme group In July 2022, she won the second prize of the Professional group of the Fifth Shaanxi Academy Gaotian Cup Piano Competition, the Gold Prize of the Youth Group of professional colleges in the 15th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition in Anhui, the silver prize of the Debussy special Group, and the third prize of the youth group of professional colleges in the final of the 15th Shanghai International Youth Piano Competition

Colburn Conservatory of Music in

Yuzhen Fang

BM, Shenzhen Vance Meisha Academy of Arts

Fang Yuzhen was born in Shenzhen, Guangdong Now she is studying at Shenzhen Vanke Meisha Academy of Arts, majoring in the piano and composition During school, she participated in many concerts, such as individual recitals, Student honor concerts, chamber music concerts, choir performances and so on

Botao Feng

MM, Peabody Institute

The Johns Hopkins University

Born in 1997, Botao Feng began his piano studies at 6 In 2011, he was accepted by the middle school attached to China Conservatory and graduated in 2017 with distinction, a student of Professor Guoyun During his time in middle school, he traveled and performed in China, Europe, and Southeast Asia Also, he has attended several music festivals, such as Beijing International Music Festival and Academy in 2015 and 2017, Piano Summer in 2016, Rebecca Penny’s Piano Festival in 2021, and so on

States Open xing' Piano f Hongkong he final in nservatories ody Institute n the studio of Professor Benjamin Pasternack

Yajing Kang

MM, Peabody Institute, The Johns Hopkins University

Pianist Yajing Kang is a multifaceted artist whose talent is in piano performance, composing and directing

Among her achievements in piano performance, Yajing Kang won the

youth group’s first prize in the

19th Hong Kong Asia Piano Open Competition in 2016 In 2021, she won the first prize in piano GROUP D in ISC Music Player International Competition in Switzerland In 2022 she won First Place in the F group in the “King’s Peak International Music Competition''

She has extensive performance experience and has performed in many theaters in her native China, such as Shanghai Yu Theater, Halving Concert Hall, Yan ‘ an Grand Theater, and Quanzhou Grand Theater She gave several recitals in China, such as the Recital of Liszt in the Romantic period and Recital of piano works by Liszt and Chopin

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Yajing finished her undergraduate degree at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, under the renowned Professor Sun Yun of China During the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, She served as president of the student Union Currently, she is pursuing a graduate degree at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, under professor Yoshi Nagai

Shengqi Jiang BM, Xinghai Conservatory of Music

Zhiqing Guo

MM, Beijing Jiaotong University

Zhiqing Guo is from China, with a diverse background that includes a Bachelors degree in Accounting from Oklahoma State University and a Master's degree in Accounting from Beijing Jiaotong University

While working as an accountant for

Shengqi Jiang started her musical journey at the age of 15 Although she only learned piano for four years, she has been admitted to the Musical Education Department of the Xinghai Conservatory of Music and is currently studying with Junbo Wu Aside from playing the piano, she enjoys singing and drawing in her spare time several years, Zhiqings passion for music thrived Her musical journey began at the tender age of 2 when her parents introduced her to the world of karaoke and keyboard Drawing inspiration from her kindergarten lessons, Zhiqing started singing and honing her musical skills at home At the age of 6, she embarked on formal piano lessons, dedicating herself to daily practice Her commitment and perseverance paid off, earning her opportunities to showcase her talents annually at the Art Festival held at her school These performances allowed her to connect with audiences and share the joy of music

Eunok Kim

DMA, Rutgers University

Dr Eunok Kim teaches at Keimyung University, Daegu Catholic University ExtensionDivision Department as a Lecturer and Piano Faculty in South Korea And she is also working on the Arts and Culture Department Committee at the

2023 Daegu Youth Network

Pianist Eunok Kim received her Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance at Rutgers University under Prof Daniel Epstein, receiving assistant scholarships And she graduated with her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music As a soloist, she has received numerous awards at music competitions, such as the New York Artists International Competition, National International Competition, and Manhattan International Competition

She also has made solo appearances with orchestras, such as the Banatul Philharmonic Orchestra from Rumania, Seoul Symphony Orchestra, and Keimyung Symphony Orchestra Also, She was teaching lots of students during her Master's and Doctoral Degrees at Rutgers University Extension-Division, Arte Music Academy, New Jersey Academy as a piano faculty and Educator

Chi-Tou Lao

MM, Peabody Institute, The Johns Hopkins University

Chi-Tou Lao is currently a master student, majoring in Piano Performance at the Peabody Institute, where he studies with Professor Yoshikazu Nagai Being an aspiring musician, Chi-Tou Lao strives to discover and refine his own artistic sound

Chi-Tou Lao finished his undergrad at Wright

State University, under the tutelage of Dr Jackson Leung As an international student from Macao, Lao receives scholarships from the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Macau and the WSU School of Music

Lao has participated in several competitions and received various awards, including the second prize in the Senior Solo Division of the OMTA Graves Piano Competition in Columbus (2018), the WSU Concerto-Aria Night Competition (2019), as well as the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Agnes Fowler Scholarship award (2019) In January 2020, Lao was awarded first prize in the Collegiate Division of the New Albany Symphony Concerto Competition and was given an opportunity to perform on a subscription concert of the orchestra in March 2020 Lao also won first prize in the Collegiate Solo Division of the OMTA Graves Piano Competition in Columbus (2020), Ohio At WSU, Lao participated in a number of masterclasses, working with artists such as Misha Dichter, Michael Chertock, Laura Melton and the Balourdet Quartet In serving the university and the department, Lao has performed for CoLA Donor Reception, Provost Search Receptions, and at ArtsGala He was the pianist in Wind Symphony and Chamber Orchestra

Michael Li BM, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Pianist Michael Li’s vision of music as a medium of human communication, connection, and expression is the essence of what drives him as an artist

Since his appearance as a finalist at the

National Junior Piano Competition and semi-finalist at the National Piano Competition in New Zealand, Michael’s hunger for excellence has led him to the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where he is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Yoshikazu Nagai

Chi-Tou Lao enjoys cooking, jogging or walking with friends during spare times

Michelle Purnomo MPD, Royal Schools of Music

Michelle is a 19 years old Indonesian pianist Growing up in a musical family, she has been playing the piano since four years old She is holding a Diploma in Music Performance, with distinction, from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and also a Licentiate of

the Royal Schools of Music Piano Performance Examination

Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honours) at Royal College of Music-Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Singapore passionately under the guidance of Dr Nicholas Ong She is privileged to have received NAFA Scholarship, the highest financial aid offer in the school, and NAFA Talent Development Programme award throughout AY 2020/2021 (Diploma) to AY 2023/2024 (Bachelor)

Committed to music since a young age, Michelle has been participating in many competitions and concerts, including 2nd Prize in the International Maestro Piano and Strings Competition 2018 and performance at Carnegie Hall, New York, and 1st Prize (Debussy Class) in Hong Kong Asia Open Piano Competition 2018

In recent years, she has won the 2nd Prize Winner (1st Prize not awarded) of the 13th Lucien Wang Piano Competition 2022, and the 2nd Prize Winner (Artist Category) of Music Singapore International Piano & Violin Competition 2023 She performed in the Winning Keys 2022, a concert that becomes a recognition for students who received the highest marks on the Principal Study exam in NAFA Aside from playing solo, she has been actively performing in collaborative chamber music as well

Michelle is looking forward to further developing her piano performance, receiving new musical ideas from world-renowned pianists and other fellow participants from around the world, and reaching her potential by participating in the 2023 San Francisco Artciál International Piano Festival & Competition

Yutong Liang

BM, Macao Polytechnic University

Yutong Liang is currently completing her Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Piano Performance at The Macao Polytechnic University under the guidance of Professor Maria Vanessa Leão

She entered Macao Polytechnic University with a full scholarship, having achieved first place in the entrance examination During her time at the university, she has participated in several master classes and received careful guidance from Colleen Lee, a prize winner of the International Chopin Piano Competition

Previously honored, she received the 1st Prize in the Senior Group of Chopin Works at the 7th Macao-Asia Pacific Youth Piano Competition and the 3rd Prize in the 11th Città di Massa International Competition

Ziqi Su

BM, Xinghai Conservatory of Music

Ziqi Su is a junior undergraduate student of Xinghai Conservatory of Music, majoring in Piano Performance, with a title of Outstanding Student in Piano Faculty Su was awarded the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music in Piano Performance in ABRSM

He has won prizes successful in numerous piano competitions for years, such as the Hong Kong Youth Barlinpory Music Festival Piano Competition in 2014, the Hong Kong International Piano Invitation Competition in 2017, the Pearl River Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition in 2019, the New York Manhaville Piano Competition in 2021, and the GOCAA International Piano Competition in 2021, etc

Su has performed in multiple concert halls in China, including Guangzhou, Hong Kong and so on so far In recent years, he has held several recitals in different cities, winning unanimous praise His video of playing has been broadcasted in the Sino-TV oriented toward the United States

He participated in the Beijing International Music Festival & Academy in 2020 and the String and Piano Chamber Music Workshop in Tianjin Juilliard School in 2022

Dr Matthew Odell, who teaches in the Juilliard School of Music, once commented to him, "Great characterization here You play with real command and control"

Qizheng Wang

BM, Zhejiang Conservatory of Music

Wang Qizheng, born in Harbin in 2002, won the third place in the Heilongjiang Provincial Badminton Championships in 2017, and then began to learn piano from Han Bing, a professor at the China Conservatory of Music Achievements in piano performance include: 1st place in the Professional Youth Group of Dali Piano Art

Festival in 2023, 1st place in

Italian Amigdala Piano Competition, 6th place in the Youth Open Group of the 2022 Lanzhou Piano Open Competition, 2nd place in the 2021 Asia Yamaha Scholarship

Shuqi Yang

BM, Lynn University Conservatory of Music

Danlei Yang DMA, University of Kansas

Danlei Yang is currently pursuing a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance under Dr Scott McBride Smith at The University of Kansas, where she is a graduate teaching assistant giving private piano lessons and

group classes She joined the KU Community Music School as coordinator in August 2022

has performed in many theaters in heater, Shenzhen Grand Theater, oncert Hall, Harbin Grand Theater, usic festivals, such as Lang Lang Summer In New Paltz, Shanghai ently, Wang Qizheng is studying at he guidance of Professor Han Qin

Mingyue Xie BM, Tianjin Conservatory of Music

Mingyu Xie have been accepted to the Tianjin Conservatory of Music at the year of 2019, and it is currently studying with Professor Xiaoliang Lv She also studies collaborative piano in the studio of Xiaohong Du

Before studying at KU, she was awarded a full scholarship for her Bachelor of Music degree study with Dr Tamás Ungár at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas She holds a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she was awarded a full-tuition waiver and joined the Piano Laboratory Program as a piano instructor

As a musician, Ms Yang has performed internationally as a soloist and ensemble member, including the performances at Semper Music International Festival in Italy in 2018, the tango ensemble concert in China in 2019, the KU ACMI concert in 2021, and Atlantic Music Festival in 2022

Pianist Shuqi Yang was born in China in 2003 She started to play the piano at the age of six and performed her first recital at the age of 13 She is a brilliant young pianist and was awarded first prize at the Heilongjiang Province Teenagers Piano Competition in her hometown at the age of 16

Shuqi also won second prize at the Pearl River Kayserburg International Piano Competition at the age of 17 In 2022, Shuqi won the second prize in the FSMTA Gray Perry Yang Collegiate Piano Award competition and the third prize in the 4th WPTA Finland International Piano competition She is currently offered a full scholarship and enrolled in the Bachelor of Music program at the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in the piano studio of Dr Roberta Rust

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Wei Yuan

BM, University of CincinnatiCollege Conservatory of Music

Wei Emerld Yuan, is a pianist born on February 16th, 2001, in China Currently, Wei Yuan is pursuing studies at the University of CincinnatiCollege Conservatory of Music under the esteemed guidance of Professor Biran Dror

As a dedicated junior student majoring in piano performance, Wei Yuan embarked on a musical journey at the tender age of 4, starting the piano lessons that would shape a remarkable career

Driven by unwavering enthusiasm, Wei Yuan eagerly explores various styles of piano pieces, finding joy in the transformative moments of performance and musical expression With a deep commitment to the profession, Wei Yuan approaches piano playing as a lifelong journey, continually seeking growth and artistic development Currently, focus is placed on refining skills in the contrapuntal and cantabile styles while maintaining an open mind to embrace new approaches to performance

Emerald Wei Yuan was born in Anhui, China She started to learn the piano at 4 years old At the age of 9, she went to Shanghai and received instruction from teachers at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music during her elementary school years Throughout her junior and senior high school years, she has always made music her greatest interest and has always been passionate about it After completing high school, she began her professional studies in piano and pursued a bachelor's degree at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music

Emerald is very enthusiastic about her musical studies and activities and in 2022 she participated in the online Vivace Music Festival and this year she participated in the Texas State International Piano Festival and Chicago International Music Festival

RISING STARS

Clair Eunho Chang

Pre-College, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Claire is a pre-college student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), studying piano with Prof Corey McVicar She has won various awards through her early career

She was a finalist in the Ettlingen International Piano Competition, Germany (2022) and was a prizewinner in the International Grande Music Competition (2nd place, 2022), the ENKOR International Music Competition (1st place, 2021), LA International Liszt Competition (4th place, 2021) with the Best Performance Award, United Stated International Music Competition (1st place, 2019), LA Young Musician International Competition (3rd place, 2019), US international Open Music Competition (1st place, ’19, ’20) She has participated in a master class with Garrick Ohlsson

Claire is an avid chamber musician at SFCM, and her piano trio won 2nd place in the ENKOR International Music Competition (2022) and SFCM Chamber music award (2022)

David Gatien

Gold Medal, The USA Chopin Foundation NW Council Competition

David Gatien is a 13-year-old pianist from Bellevue, WA, who has won several top performance awards in various competitions

At age 6 and just months after starting piano, David entered his first piano competition (the USA Chopin Foundation NW Council Competition) and won a Gold Medal, the youngest in his division (age 9 and under)

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Since then, he has won Gold Medals, First Prizes, and Judges Distinction Awards in competitions such as the Golden Classical Music Awards International Music Competition, the American Association for the Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT) International Young Gifted Musicians Festival, the American Protégé International Romantic Music and International Piano and Strings Competitions, and the NW Chopin Competition, among others

A full grade level above same-aged peers, David has also won top prizes in grade- based competitions among older peers He was selected as a WA State Recitalist in 2022 and 2023, and received the 2023 Ida Zelikovsky Green Award for Outstanding Talent (Best Performer Grade 5-11) by the Washington State Music Teachers Association, Eastside Chapter David was also selected to participate in the Academy for Chamber Music at the Seattle Chamber Music Society, a pre-college chamber music program for talented young musicians

Chloe Ding

First Place, 2022 CAPMT Contemporary Competitio State Final

13-year-old pianist Chloe Ding is from San Jose, California She began learning piano at the age of 4 with her grandfather and currently studies with Kai Chi Zhu

Chloe has won multiple awards and recognitions in piano competitions She was awarded 1st place in the 2022 CAPMT Contemporary Competition State Final and invited to perform at the CAPMT 2022 State Conference Some of her recent accomplishments also include, 3rd place in the 2022 Radda Rise International Piano Competition, 1st place in the Bach Category of the 2022 New Star Piano Competition, 2nd place in the Concerto Category (2022) and 1st place in the Bach Category (2021) of the United States International Music Competition, 1st place in the 2021 Great Masters International Piano Competition, 2nd place in the 2021 Piano Star Competition, Henle Piano Competition, Young Euregio Piano Award Competition and 1st place in multiple categories of the Great Composer Competition Series and United States Open Music Competition along with several others

Chloe is an active member of the Valley Christian Junior High School music community, where she served as the pianist in the VCJH chamber group as well as accompanist for the school’s string group Aside from piano, Chloe enjoys singing, dancing and traveling

Andrew Gu

Second Prize, KAMSA Piano Competition

Andrew Gu started taking piano lessons with his mother, Helen Jung, at the age of 6 He has been under the tutelage of Alexander Korsantia at NEC since 2018 Over the years he has won numerous accolades Some of his notable wins include 1st Prize at the 61st GrotrianSteinweg International Piano Competition, 1st Prize at the 2017 Rosalyn Tureck International Piano Competition, Grand Prix at the 2019 Chopin International Piano Competition

Hartford, 3rd Prize and Best Solo Prize at the 2021 Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition In 2022, he was awarded 3rd Prize at the Ettlingen International Piano Competition and the Salzburg Music Festival Competition Andrew made his orchestra debut at the young age of 8, performing Haydns Keyboard Concerto in D Major He has also been featured at the NPR From The Top Show When he's not playing the piano, Andrew enjoys coding reading, gourmet food, and good humor

Liam Pang has been studying piano with Zhen Chen since the age of 4 His strong passion in piano led him to good standings in many piano competitions In 2022, he received the silver prize in Artciál International Piano Festival Outside of the piano, Liam enjoys reading and playing chess He is also being trained as a competitive swimmer and mathlete

Liam Pang Silver Prize, iál International Piano Competition

Jessica Elicia Sutadji

Second Place, Glory International Piano Competition

Jessica Elicia Sutadji, 18, is a 12th-grade student from Surabaya, Indonesia She has a deep interest in music and aspires to continue pursuing studies in piano performance

She has taken ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examinations

in piano performance, the ABRSM Grade 8 music theory examination, as well as ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand Cultural Arts) music theory examinations

She has also participated and won prizes in numerous competitions, both locally - in competitions such as La Pianista Piano Competition, Veranza Indonesia Music Celebration, IYMO (Indonesia Young Musician Organization) Piano Competition, Victory National Open Piano Competition - as well as internationally such as WPTA IPC (World Piano Teachers Association International Piano Competition) where she won silver, Glory International Piano Competition where she won 2nd Place, and also IMC (International Maestro Piano and Strings Competition), in which she won second place and was therefore given the opportunity to perform in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City

Jessica was also given the opportunity to take masterclasses with pianists and professors such as Mira Marchenko, Manfred Aust, Alexander Malikov, Sam Haywood, Niccolo Ronchi, Lana Henchell, and more In her spare time, Jessica enjoys writing, pilates, and watching legal drama

Eric Wang

Pre-College, Manhattan School of Music

Eric Wang started Learning the piano in 2013, at age 5

He started learning the piano under Chun Xu from 2013 to 2016, and then under Zhen Chen from 2017 to the present date In 2016, he passed the Grade 8 of the Music Examination Committee of the Chinese Musicians’ Association In the consecutive years 2018 and 2019, Eric won the gold prize of the Teen’s Talent Show Instruments Section

Later in 2019, Eric received First Place Award in the VIVO International Music Competition 2019-2020 In May 2021, Eric Participated in the Vivace International Piano Competition in North America and won the Gold Award for Division 5

In October 2021, Eric won First Prize Winner in the 7th International Music Festival of Melbourne In November 2021, he won 1st Prize in the Junior Piano Division of the HKGNA International Music Competition 2021 Next year, he won the 2022 Artciál International Piano Competition and performed in San Francisco in December In 2023, Eric won the North American Final for the Golden Swan International Music Festival Competition and performed in the Kennedy Center in Washington DC

Max Wang Bach Special Theme Award in USIMC

Max Wang, a 5th grader from San Francisco Bay Area, started learning piano at age 5 He has been studying piano with Ms Lena Grozman and Dr Malgorzata Goroszewska

Max was awarded Grand Championship in California State talent Competition for both Solo and Duet in 2008 He has also been invited to play at the Junior Bach Festival in 2021 Max was the First Place winner for Bach Special Theme Award in USIMC in both 2021 (Group A – 9 and Under) and 2022 (Group B – 12 and Under) He was also awarded the 3rd Place in the Young Artist Awards In 2022 USOMC, he was awarded the 2nd Place for Showcase Solo and the 2nd Place for Treasure of Romantic Composer – Advance Group He was also honorable-mentioned in the San Francisco International music Competition and MTAC in 2022

Max is also partnered with SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors as their volunteer pianist to play for the seniors who need special memory care in many Bay Area locations When he saw the seniors enjoying his playing, he knew he can do more with his music for his communities

While not practicing piano, Max can be found on the Golf course, Tennis Court or at home with his books

Alex Wenxin Zhang

First Place, China International Music & Arts Festival

Alex Zhang, 11 years old, started to learn piano at the age of 6, with Dr Yuqing Shi till present Alex showed his talent in early years and started to win different awards only after a few months of learning

The awards include a first place in 2018 China International Music and Arts Festival; second place in 2020 Hong Kong International Music and Arts Festival Own Choice class and Bach class; first place in the 9th Hong Kong International Music Festival 2022 Music Competition (Shenzhen area) and second place in the global final competition; and first place in the Vienna Music Festival, The 2023 Haydn Piano Competition, and The Musi Kverein Invitational (Guangdong District)

Alex passed the ABRSM Grade 8 Exam with Distinction in 2021 and obtained Trinity ATCL diploma with Distinction in 2022 In the summer of 2023, Alex was admitted to the Juilliard Summer Program and studied together with excellent young musicians from all over the world

Gold Prize Winner, VIVO International Music Competition

YoungArtistsConcert

BingjianChen| RachelChen|Yul-HeeChoi|YuxinDong|JinghuiFang|YuzhenFang| BotaoFeng|ShengqiJiang|ZhiqingGuo| YajingKang|EunokKim|Chi-TouLao| MichaelLi|YutongLiang|MichellePurnomo|ZiqiSu|QizhengWang|Mingyue|Xie| DanleiYang|ShuqiYang|WeiYuan|ClairEunhoChang|ChloeDing|DavidGatien| AndrewGu|LiamPang|JessicaEliciaSutadji|MaxWang|EricWang| AlexWenxinZhang|

August 5, 2023 | 2:00 PM

Barbro Osher Recital Hall, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Acknowledgements OURVISION

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Professor Yoshikazu Nagai, whose professional suggestions as the artistic advisor have been instrumental in making this festival possible. We are profoundly thankful for his unwavering encouragement and guidance

We extend special thanks to SFCM (San Francisco Conservatory of Music) for their invaluable support of young artists and for providing us with this exquisite venue equipped with top-notch facilities

To the dedicated members of the 2023 AIPCF team, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering support and valuable contributions in organizing the festival The time, hard work, and dedication each of you has invested in managing the festival is truly commendable and greatly cherished.

We would also like to express our gratitude to Steinway Piano Gallery (Bay Area) for providing the finest pianos, enabling our students to experience exceptional performances at Herbst Theatre in person

Utmost gratitude to our esteemed donors, valued partners, and dedicated collaborators for their exceptional support and contributions Their generosity and collaboration have been truly remarkable and have played an instrumental role in our success

Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation to all those who have played a pivotal role in making this festival a reality. Your contributions are truly invaluable and have made a lasting impact.

Sponcers & Partners