Experience the captivating artistry of pianist Junwen Liang in an enchanting recital program at the Grunin Center’s Afternoon Recital Series. Delve into the depths of Franz Schubert’s Sonata in C minor, D. 958, as Liang brings forth its emotional richness and virtuosic brilliance. Journey through the dreamlike landscapes of Claude Debussy’s Images, Book 2, where ethereal melodies and captivating harmonies abound. Explore the elegance and grace of Frederic Chopin’s Three Mazurkas, Op. 56, before being swept away by the fiery passion and technical brilliance of Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 in C-sharp minor. Join Junwen Liang on this musical odyssey, where each note resonates with profound expression and exquisite beauty.
About Junwen Liang
Chinese Pianist Junwen Liang stands as a preeminent classical pianist, lauded for his “captivating” (Stroll Magazine) performances and recognized as “an extremely gifted and promising young artist” by the New York Concert Review. Originally from Nanning, China, Junwen embarked on his piano journey at the age of 9, unveiling his prodigious talent with a solo debut at 13.
In recent years, Junwen has graced distinguished venues across the United States, leaving an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. His performances have resonated in renowned venues such as Cohen Family Studio Theater, Robert J. Werner Recital Hall in Cincinnati, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and the Academy of Music at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Notably, he has collaborated as a soloist with orchestras including the Central Texas Philharmonic, Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ithaca College Symphonic Orchestra. Junwen’s interpretation of Prokofiev Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra received acclaim, reaching the public through broadcast on WSKG radio in New York State. His artistry was further acknowledged with an invitation to present a solo performance on WRTI Classical Radio in Philadelphia in August 2022.
In the 2023/24 Season, Junwen’s exceptional artistry shone through in performances at Lake Barcroft Concerts (Falls Church, VA), the Tuesday Concert Series, WIYAMS @ Georgetown University, Arts Club of Washington (Washington, DC), the Sunday Recital Series at Saint Thomas (Manhattan, New York), Trinity Concert Series (Watertown, NY) Concerts at Valley Cottage (Valley Cottage, NY). In the summer of 2024, Junwen is set to make his debut across North America, featuring in prestigious concert series including the Sevenars Music Festival, Fripp Island Friends of Music, The Aiden Chamber Music Series at McLean Center, and Saugerties Pro Musica. As anticipation mounts for Junwen’s burgeoning career, additional concerts for the 2024/25 season will soon be unveiled.
Junwen’s commitment to musical excellence is also exemplified by his participation in prestigious music festivals, including Texas State International Piano Festival, Lunigiana International Music Festival, The Leon Fleshier Academy, Art of the Piano at CCM, Atlantic Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, Orford Musique, and Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy. He has worked with famous pedagogues and concert pianists including Piotr Paleczny, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Gary Graffman, Jerome Lowenthal, Ching-Yun Hu, Andre Laplante, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Vladimir Feltsman, Robert McDonald, Ursula Oppens, Jeremy Denk, and more.
A recipient of numerous awards, Junwen’s trajectory began with victories in esteemed competitions in China at the age of 12. This journey continued globally with triumphs in the New York International Piano Competition, Naftzger Young Artist Competition, Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, Juliusz Zarębski International Music Competition (Poland), and WPTA Spain. Notably, he secured first prizes in the Crescendo International Music Competition, Nouvelles Etoiles International Music Competition (France), The Princeton Festival International Piano Competition, YMIC International Music Competition, Philadelphia International Piano Competition, and The American Prize. In Spring 2019, Junwen’s achievements were crowned with the exclusive Spencer Merit Award at the National Society of Arts & Letters in Bloomington, an honor given to only one pianist that year.
In addition to his solo career, Junwen extends his musical talents engaging as a collaborative pianist with professional instrumentalists and singers in the thriving music scenes of Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore County, Maryland. Recognized for his exceptional collaborative skills, he was honored with the Clara Ascherfeld Award in Accompanying, and the title of “Outstanding Collaborative Pianist” at the Peabody Institute, which he was featured in their esteemed Noon:30 Concert Series. In February 2024, at the invitation of concert pianist Chantal Balestri, Artistic Director of the Lunigiana International Music Festival, Junwen participated in the Puccini Concert Project held at NYU Casa Italiana Zerilli-Marimo. This special event, in collaboration with the Festival Puccini Torre del Lago, commemorated the composer’s 100th Anniversary. Junwen showcased his talent through solo arrangements and engaging vocal duets alongside guest soprano Marina Medici.
Furthermore, Junwen’s collaborative ventures led to his participation in a piano quintet, coached by Michael Kannen, director of Peabody’s Chamber Music Program. The quintet’s outstanding artistry earned them the distinction of being the only chamber group from Peabody selected to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Master Class Series, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate with Ludwig Quandt, principal cellist of the Berliner Philharmoniker.
Most recently, Junwen graduated with a Graduate Performance Diploma from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, under the tutelage of Richard Goode. His past mentors include Christopher Guzman (Penn State), Roberto Plano, Edward Auer (Indiana University), and Charis Dimaras (Ithaca College).
Junwen is represented worldwide by Price Attractions.
The Afternoon Recital Series is funded by the Ocean County College Foundation.
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