Young Pianists Dazzle at Lang Lang International Music Foundation Concert

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation hosted an inspiring concert on November 12, 2023, at Steinway Hall in New York City, featuring young pianists from its prestigious Young Scholars program. The hour-long performance showcased four talented scholars—Alexander Liu, Ryan Huang, Taiga Wang, and Sencheng Zhang—who presented a diverse repertoire, each sharing insights about their chosen pieces before performing.

This concert exemplified the foundation’s mission to redefine music education, nurturing the next generation of classical musicians. The Young Scholars program, initiated in 2008, provides a three-year intensive training initiative for pianists aged 13 to 18. Since its inception, the program has successfully developed numerous musicians through high-profile performance opportunities, community engagement, and world-class mentorship from esteemed faculty members at renowned institutions like The Juilliard School and The Royal Academy of Music.

Celebrating Young Talent

The performance was met with enthusiasm from family members and educators alike. Lukas Barwinski-Brown, CEO of the Lang Lang Foundation, expressed his pride in witnessing the scholars embrace classical music on an international stage. He remarked, “It’s deeply moving. Every time I see one of our young scholars on stage, I’m reminded why the Foundation exists, to give extraordinary talent the chance to grow and be heard.”

The evening was filled with captivating performances, including a standout moment from Teige Wang, who skillfully condensed Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain from twelve minutes to eight, highlighting the importance of innovation in classical music. Barwinski-Brown emphasized that new voices are essential for the genre’s vitality, stating, “Classical music needs new energy and new voices to stay alive.”

The concert was not just about technical prowess; it provided a platform for each pianist to express their artistic voice. For instance, Alexander Liu performed a stunning selection of Mazurkas, Op. 17, explaining his choice to the audience. “We focus on more than just technical skill,” Barwinski-Brown noted. “We help them find their artistic voice, their own story to tell through music.”

Building Connections Through Music

In addition to their solo performances, the scholars collaborated with each other, enhancing the concert’s sense of community. Liu joined forces with Huang, who introduced an inventive blend of ragtime and classical music, incorporating percussive elements by clapping and thumping on the piano. Wang partnered with Zhang for a moving rendition of Liebeslied, S. 566 and the fourth movement of Sonata No. 3, Op. 58.

The energy in the hall, as the young pianists executed their pieces with both speed and emotional depth, was palpable. “We spend real time together. I listen to them, ask questions, and try to understand who they are beyond the piano,” Barwinski-Brown explained. “That connection is what makes everything we do possible.”

The concert marked the beginning of a promising journey for these young artists, who have already performed at notable venues, including the Great Wall of China in Beijing. Looking ahead, Barwinski-Brown expressed a desire to seek unexpected venues for future performances, envisioning open-air concerts in public spaces to bring classical music closer to everyday life. “Bringing classical music out of concert halls and into people’s everyday lives feels important,” he concluded.

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation continues to play a crucial role in supporting and promoting the next generation of classical musicians, ensuring that the art form remains vibrant and relevant for audiences around the world.