The Bachauer at 50: Meet the pianists in the junior artist category of the 2026 Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation competitions

EDITOR’S NOTE: Continuing the coverage of the 50th anniversary coverage of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, The Utah Review will present a daily diary of the International Junior and Young Artists Competitions,which run June 14-27. The first week of the competitions will be devoted to daily diary coverage of the 24 pianists in the Junior Artist category, who range in age from 11 to 14. Selected from 316 applicants representing 28 countries, the pianists in both categories advanced through a competitive audition process that included live preliminary rounds in Hamburg, New York City, Seoul, Shanghai, and Salt Lake City. This is the first time since 2016 that the Junior and Young Artists Competitions are being conducted Iive. The last competition covering these two categories was scheduled for 2020 but then was postponed because of the pandemic and was held virtually in 2021. Afternoon and evening sessions begin Monday, June 15, in the Jeanne Wagner Theatre in the Rose Wagner Center for Performing Arts. For tickets and more information, see the Bachauer website.

To open the coverage, The Utah Review asked each pianist in the junior artist category to answer five questions. The competitors come from the following countries: China (8), U.S. (7), South Korea (3), Canada (2), and one each from Australia, France, Japan and Taiwan.

1. Who has been an important role model or inspiration for you?

2. What has been your most memorable performance so far as a musician?

3. What other types of music do you enjoy in your spare time?

4. What other activities, hobbies, school subjects, etc. do you enjoy?

5. What would be the most Important thing you would tell someone about what you have learned from knowing how to practice and prepare a new piece of music you are studying?

Frederick Chen, 12, U.S.

Answers are not available. Chen’s recent performances include a concerto with the SEEN Worldwide Orchestra in Ch‍icago and solo performances at the Mid-Valley Center for the Performing Arts in Taylorsville‍, Utah and the Sol Joseph Recital Hall in San Francisco. He recently won first prize in the Brisbane International Music Competition in Australia and the gold prize ‍in Tokyo at the International Chopin Piano Competition in ASIA), along with second prize in the International Young Artist Concerto Competition in Chicago,

Anselme Cho, 14, France

ROLE MODEL: Rainer Maria Rilke has been a profound inspiration to me — particularly his Letters to a Young Poet. Though written for a young writer, his counsel on patience, solitude, and the necessity of turning inward speaks directly to any artist, whatever their discipline.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance so far was when I performed Bach’s Concerto BWV 1052 and won first prize at the Geneva Musical Competition in Switzerland.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I really enjoy listening to jazz standards.
HOBBIES: I enjoy reading, swimming, and running.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Always be honest, humble, and sincere toward the musical work itself.

HyeonSeo Cho, 14, South Korea

ROLE MODEL: Sometimes while listening to music, I suddenly realize, “Wow, it’s possible to express something like this.” Depending on the piece, that feeling may come from Maurizio Pollini’s playing, and other times from Vladimir Horowitz.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I especially remember the recital I gave at Kumho Art Hall after passing an audition when I was 12 years old. It was my first solo recital on a large stage, and I can still vividly remember the resonance of that hall. I was so nervous that my ears even turned red.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy listening to newly discovered pieces or comparing performances of the same work by different musicians. I also listen to older Korean pop songs from time to time.
HOBBIES: I enjoy spending time with my friends, especially eating good food together. I also like taking quiet walks. These days, I spend a lot of time chatting with my friends on the phone as well.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: This is something I still struggle with myself, but I believe that playing the notes correctly is not enough. There should be a story, emotion, or scene that you want to convey through your performance. In the end, it is music, after all.

Charlotte Florence Deng, 12, Canada

ROLE MODEL: I have always deeply admired Chopin’s works, but the stories behind his creations are what I find truly moving, and I try to reflect this when I play his compositions. I think the biggest part of it is how true he was to his identity and culture. Despite political exile forcing him to leave Poland, Chopin remained proud of his Polish origins, and this can be seen in how he took inspiration from Polish dances and traditions, especially with his polonaises and mazurkas. I also appreciate his preference for more intimate settings when it came to performing. At the time, most pianists relied on dramatic performances in larger halls, Chopin regularly played in private salons, emphasizing details in greater depth than what could be heard in a concert hall. This just goes to show how much Chopin valued his own musical convictions in his lifetime, and the courage to do so is what inspires me the most.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: When I was ten years old, I traveled to Italy, where I had the unforgettable opportunity to perform the second movement, Romance: Larghetto, from Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with an orchestra. The concert took place in the Sala dei Notari, a breathtaking historic hall where every note traveled brilliantly through the space. What made the experience especially memorable was that I had food poisoning that day and felt extremely unwell before the performance. I remember sitting backstage wondering whether I would even be able to make it through the piece. But the moment I walked onto the stage and the orchestra began the opening lines, whatever earlier discomfort I had seemed to dissipate. That movement in particular has always felt incredibly special to me. There is a kind of quiet tenderness and intimacy in the music that feels almost like a dream. By the end of the performance, I had almost forgotten that I was sick. What remained was an overwhelming feeling of euphoria that I still remember whenever I think back to that evening in Italy. That experience taught me how powerful music can be with the right atmosphere.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I don’t know if I can narrow it down to only a few genres— I honestly enjoy listening to many different kinds of music, I’m willing to listen to anything as long as it sounds nice to me. On a day-to-day basis, I listen to many variants of pop—asian pop, bedroom pop, indie pop, etc. I enjoy how personal and emotionally direct those styles can feel. However, I also like to listen to jazz, as I appreciate its abstract nature and the freedom that comes with creating it. There are a lot of other types of music I probably haven’t heard yet, but my lack of preference means that I’m more than willing to try it if I ever get the chance!
HOBBIES: Other than piano, anything related to the arts is one of my favorite things to do. I like to participate in weekly choir rehearsals, I love both digital and traditional art, I enjoy exploring graphic design, and I also have a profound love for creative writing. Alongside that, I’m quite fond of anything to do with technology, which includes coding and robotics. But if you ask me on a less serious note, I would tell you that petting my dog is the best way to spend my time. As for school subjects, my favorites are undoubtedly visual arts and English.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: My biggest piece of advice would be to think outside of the box when learning a new composition. One of the most important things I’ve learned is to approach music with curiosity and imagination. I try not to see the score as something rigid, but rather as something full of possibilities. While it’s important to pay attention to the composer’s markings and intentions, that doesn’t mean there is only one way to interpret them. For example, the term forte can symbolize many things — a sense of brilliance, deep sorrow, or even intense passion. What matters most is playing with intention. Whatever interpretation you choose, it should come from a genuine feeling or idea.

Isabel Feng, 14, U.S.

ROLE MODEL: My biggest role model and inspiration is my older sister, Grace. She is the reason I started learning piano in the first place. As a kid, I loved watching her practice and perform — I’d always conduct along to her playing, dance to her music, and look forward to attending every one of her recitals. Soon enough, I was begging my mom to let me take piano lessons as well because I wanted to be just like my sister. Since Grace is four years older than me, I watched her navigate the challenges of balancing school, music, and other responsibilites as she got older. Even as her workload increased and she was busy, tired, or burnt out, she always tried to find time to practice piano every day, even if it was just for a few minutes, because she just loved music so much. This dedication and passion truly inspires me, and I aspire to be able to view music with that same commitment and joy that she did. She was also one of the six participants of the 2022 Gina Bachauer Piano Festival. Because of her, I have always wanted to perform at the Rose Wagner Center some day — and that dream is coming true soon!
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance was competing at the preliminary round of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition — but probably not for the reason you would expect! Three weeks before my scheduled audition, I injured my hands. For two weeks, I was unable to touch the piano at all, and could only rely on mental practice. It was not until the week before my audition that I began practicing again, and even that was constrained to very brief five-minute sessions for about half an hour total daily. I mainly relied on mental practice for those two weeks. Needless to say, before I performed, I was extremely nervous — I had no idea if I would be able to play through my entire program on stage without my hands giving out, as I had not even played through any of the individual pieces in my program. Despite this anxiety though, I tried to remind myself that I had done everything I could, and now, it was time to let the music begin. Surprisingly, I was able to give my best performance under these circumstances that day. Something interesting about that performance is that I still remember every little sound and breath I took that day — normally, most of my performances become a blur afterwards, but to this day, I still remember every little detail of that performance. It was definitely one of the strangest yet most memorable and important preparation processes I have experienced — through this, I have learned so much more about myself, my body, and my relationship with music, and I am glad that this performance also brought me back to Salt Lake City again in June.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: To be honest, outside of classical music, I don’t listen to any other types of music — after all, what better music is there than Chopin Sonatas or Rachmaninoff Preludes? I love to study while listening to my classical music playlist, and I truly think classical music contains everything that one could ever need.
HOBBIES: When I’m not at the piano, I love to bake cookies, and I have been perfecting my chocolate chip walnut recipe for over three years! However, one time, I injured my hands kneading cookie dough…so now, I am being very careful, and I sometimes hire my dad to do all the kneading for me! I also love playing chess, even though I’m not very good at it. Swimming is my favorite sport, and I swim for the Folsom Broadstone Barracudas swim team during spring and summer. I also enjoy reading and writing, especially poetry and short stories.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I have learned about practicing and preparing repertoire is that productive, issue-centered practice is far more effective than simply spending many hours in front of the piano. A few years ago, I believed that the more hours you practiced, the better you would be, but that is not necessarily true — it really all comes down to how you spend those hours. For me, the best practice sessions aren’t necessarily the longest, but they are ones where I am listening carefully, noticing every small detail, and practicing with a clear goal in mind. I would also tell people to be patient with and trust the process. Although this phrase may sound very cliché, and it can be very hard to simply “trust the process” at times, I’ve learned that consistent, effective practice will eventually pay off in the end. Most importantly, you should always try to enjoy the journey — I often find that I learn the most, not from my performances, but from every preparation leading up to every performance.

John Han, 14. U.S.

ROLE MODEL: An important role model for me is Jesus Christ because he lived a perfect life and shared joy and love to everyone.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: There are many memorable performances I had played in but maybe it’s either Juilliard audition or Gina Bachauer Preliminary round.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Pop music (specifically Contemporary Christian Music)
HOBBIES: Some of my hobbies are playing basketball, sleeping, hanging out with my friends, and my favorite school subject is math.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Be patient and start off slow and have specific plans for practicing and not just spontaneously thinking of what to play. Moreover, how you practice matters more than how much you practice.

Miyabi Haseo, 12, Japan

ROLE MODEL: Masaya Kamei.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Performing Liszt’s “Rigoletto Paraphrase” at Carnegie Hall at the age of ten.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Opera
HOBBIES: Physical Education (PE), ,swimming
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: To fall in love with the piece.

Katherine Hibbs, 13, U.S., Switzerland

ROLE MODEL: My mom has been my biggest inspiration because she believed in my musical dream from the very beginning and made many sacrifices to help me pursue it. Through her, I learned that music is not only about discipline and hard work, but also about passion, courage, and believing deeply in something you love.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: One of my most memorable musical experiences was performing at Salle Paderewski in Lausanne, Switzerland, where I had the opportunity to share the stage with Martha Argerich, and later being invited to perform at Chopin’s birthplace in Żelazowa Wola, Poland. Both experiences felt very special to me because they connected the music to its artistic history and imagination in a very real way.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I mostly listen to classical music, especially orchestral music and opera, because I love color, atmosphere, and storytelling in sound. But I also enjoy film music, K-pop, and other music that many teenagers listen to. I think different kinds of music can express emotion and energy in very different but equally interesting ways.
HOBBIES: I enjoy playing chess, drawing, crafting, crocheting, reading, and academic subjects like history and literature. I also recently participated in the World Scholar’s Cup, where I was named one of the Top 3 World Scholar Champions at the New York round. I especially enjoyed the debate and writing events because I love expressing ideas creatively both through music and through words. I was invited to compete in the global round in Seoul this summer, but unfortunately it overlaps with my musical activities and performances. I also love outdoor activities like skiing and biking, and in New York City I especially enjoy long walks in Central Park because nature helps me reflect, recharge, and often inspires my musical imagination
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Learning a new piece is partly about understanding how to break down technical challenges and solve difficult passages step by step. But for me, the most important part is musical. It is about discovering the sound world, atmosphere, expression, and character that I want to communicate through the music. I also like doing a lot of research about the composer, the historical context, and different interpretations because it helps me understand the piece more deeply and develop my own artistic imagination.

Junye Huang, 14, China

ROLE MODEL: Some great musicians and some good friends.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Play with symphony orchestra.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Film music.
HOBBIES: Exploring the universe and doing sports
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Be still, listen to the other, understand its logic and emotion, and then, with the most precise language, make its story your own.

Chaeryeong Kim, 14, U.S., South Korea

ROLE MODEL: Professor HaeSun Paik has been a very important inspiration for me. Her passion for music inspires me a lot. I also admire the warm way she treats her students. I want to learn from her and make music that can share warmth and comfort with people.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: One of my most memorable performances was playing in a hospice ward for my grandfather and cancer patients. It was very meaningful because I realized that music can comfort people. Being able to share music with people during a difficult time was a special experience for me.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy listening to jazz music in my spare time. I like its unique style, freedom, and different emotions.
HOBBIES: I enjoy making things with paper, drawing, and listening to music. I like creative activities because they help me express my ideas and imagination.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I learned that it is important not to practice only fast, but to practice slowly and carefully. Slow practice helps reduce mistakes and makes the music more complete. Taking enough time to practice carefully can lead to a better performance.

Jueon Lee, 14, South Korea

ROLE MODEL: I was inspired by Vladimir Horowitz.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My performance at the Laeiszhalle Grand saal in Hamburg, Germany is the most memorable.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I like hip-hop music, so I listen to it in my spare time.
HOBBIESI enjoy riding bicycle and I also like playing badminton.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: When I study a new piece I follw the background of how the composer wrote it and the story behind the piece. And I look for related books or poems.

Menhe Liu, 11, China

ROLE MODEL: My teacher, Pro. Zhe Tang. His lectures are humorous yet profound, which helps me better understand the emotions the composers intended to express. I have always received great help from him.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: It was my first time performing a concerto on stage with an orchestra. It took place in 2025 at the Tonhalle Düsseldorf in Germany, where I performed the first movement of Mozart’s Kv.414. Although there were a few mistakes, I was fully immersed in the music, which made it a truly unforgettable experience for me.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I also enjoy traditional Chinese folk music. I love its deep, serene artistic conception and its unique use of “negative space” in Chinese it called “liu bai”. It’s just like Chinese painting, leaving blankness for imagination.
HOBBIES: I also like playing table tennis, badminton, and tennis. My favorite subject in school is Mathematics.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I would suggest starting with slow practice before gradually increasing the speed; this helps in executing difficult passages with great detail and precision. Then, I listen to various recordings by different pianists to learn how they interpret and express the music.

Wilson Liu, 12, U.S.

ROLE MODEL: Definitely my teachers, Hung-Kuan, Chen, and Mrs. Tema Blackstone. They laugh with the music and cry with the music. The way they teach encourages me to work even harder and always push myself to my limits. They not only teach piano, but also talk to me about how to become a better person in life. They’ve taught me about empathy, honesty, vulnerability, and humility. Without them, my musical journey would be completely different.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I think my most memorable experience was at the International Young Artists Concerto Competition in Chicago. There were no age divisions or instrument categories, and I was 10 years old at the time, the youngest competitor in the competition. At first, I was simply excited and grateful for the opportunity to perform with an orchestra. I never imagined that I would advance from the semifinal round to the finals and eventually win First Prize. The encouragement and confidence that experience gave me is something I can hardly put into words. After my final performance, one of the jury members came to speak with me, what she said has stayed with me ever since: “Being able to produce imagination and control the sound at the piano is what makes an artist, and you did it! I don’t care how loud the sound is, everyone can play forte, but most of them forget how to truly play the piano, keep it, Wilson.” For a long time, I felt confused and discouraged because of my small hands, my softer sound, and sometimes because people questioned my achievements due to the repertoire I played not being “big” or “difficult” enough in their eyes. Those words completely changed the way I thought about music and performing. After that, I’m going much deeper into the music itself, focusing more on the emotions, colors, and images I wanted to express through my playing. I learned that meaningful music is not about volume or difficulty alone, but about truly communicating something through sound.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Apart from classical music, I also enjoy listening to jazz and pop music. I think jazz is very delightful, fun to listen to and play. I love the freedom, colors, and rhythms, I even played one jazz style piece in this competition! I also enjoy pop music because it feels very fresh and catchy. I still have songs from two years ago stuck in my head sometimes! I once drew a portrait of a French pop singer I really admire, and he actually featured it on his channel. That feeling was truly wonderful!
HOBBIES: Outside of piano, I enjoy staying active. I have been playing badminton and swimming for almost 6 years, and I also enjoy playing soccer and basketball with my friends and family. Recently, I’ve really started to enjoy volleyball, a few of my friends and I often play together whenever we get the chance. Sports are important to me because they help me grow taller! Honestly, I feel like one of the shortest students at my school 😊 When I’m not practicing piano or playing sports, you can usually find me drawing, reading, or playing chess with my brother and friends.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Before learning a new piece, I like to research the background of the composer and the piece, try to understand what story or emotions the music may be trying to convey. Then analyze the structure of the piece, including the form, harmonic and key changes, which also helps me memorize the score more effectively. During practice, I will follow the score as closely as possible, practice slowly with the metronome, hands separately and then adding my own interpretations and musical ideas. I also enjoy listening to performances by great artists to gain more inspiration and different perspectives on the music. I would say the most important thing is to stay true to your own musical voice. Focus on musical expression rather than just technical perfection. And lastly, have fun! Learning a new piece of music and discovering new things is always a joy!

Yixuan Angela Miao, 13, Canada

ROLE MODEL: I have been inspired by many great pianists and composers, whose works all have different styles. Composers such as Chopin are especially inspiring to me because their music is very expressive, emotional, and deep, and it has always motivated me to improve my own playing and develop my musical expression.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: All of my performances have been very memorable in their own ways. For me, every concert is a special experience, and I learn something from each one.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy listening to all styles of music. I mostly listen to classical music, but I also appreciate other genres such as jazz.
HOBBIES: I enjoy writing, reading, and drawing. I also like some sports, like swimming and yoga. I enjoy all my school subjects, as I like learning about many different things.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I have learned when practicing a new piece is that even when a piece feels hard, you have to keep practicing and be patient, because with time, it will eventually come together.

John Samuell, 14, U.S.

ROLE MODEL: There are many people who inspire me, but I will mention two here. First is Professor HieYon Choi at Peabody. She has a unique style and perspective on the piano, and teaches her students to think deeply about color and the exact sound you want to produce even before you play it. She talks about how playing the piano is not just a mechanical process, though good technique is very important, but about the characteristics of the instrument itself and the very human emotions that it can elicit. Harmony resonates in the soul, and you cannot play without understanding and appreciating the harmony of a particular passage or piece. She has helped me to think more about the beauty of music, and to emphasize not just conflict, but resolution, peace, joy. Second is my composition teacher, Dr. Bohdan Syroyid. He understands so much about music, from harmony, theory, orchestration, counterpoint, composition, and improvisation to analysis. He has three bachelor’s degrees, three master’s, and a Ph.D., all in music. He’s very smart and has a deep passion for music. His compositions have a unique style of their own, and he composes all sorts of works. He also speaks six to seven languages.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: There are three performances that come to mind. I was honored to give a solo benefit concert for the Catholic Relief Services’ efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Melissa last year. This was part of the Roth Concert Series at Annunciation Catholic Church in DC. I felt I was able in a small way to do something for people who were suffering and needed help. I was grateful for everyone’s coming out and supporting the effort. Another memorable performance was playing the organ for the installation service of Dr. Raymond Hylton at National Presbyterian Church in DC when I was 11. It’s an important occasion when the church publicly installs and welcomes a new pastor. I played the finale of Vierne’s Symphony No. 1 in D Minor. It’s a majestic, amazing piece, with all the beautiful characteristics that you would expect from a finale played on a huge organ with more than 6,000 pipes. Finally, when I was 12, I had the joy of performing the entire Goldberg Variations on harpsichord. Variation 30 (the final one and also a favorite of mine), is a quodlibet, which is a mix of popular folk songs and hymns, which held deep appeal to the public at the time.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy all sorts of music. I like playing and improvising with my siblings (they play strings and the flute). Right now I’m listening to a Mozart opera. I think it’s so important and enjoyable to listen to opera because it really helps you understand the full expressiveness of the human voice. It preserves the dramatic integrity of the story, and it has this very declamatory style, speaking set to music. The recitatives can be accompanied by just one instrument on figured bass, and they’re really beautiful. I was also listening to Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 in G minor, Op. 13 “Winter Daydreams.” The music just immerses you in winter. It’s a wonderful piece where the emotions run deep.
HOBBIES: I enjoy biking, badminton, and spending time outdoors. Lake Accotink in Virginia is about four miles from my house, so I like jogging there and back to get some fresh air. I’m also learning German. I love reading. I’m reading about a young schoolteacher from North Carolina who helped poor children learn to read (and did so much more). The story is a great reminder of how much we have today and how easy it is to take things for granted. I’m also re-reading a favorite, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: One thing I’ve learned about practicing and preparing a new piece is that the notes are only part of the puzzle. Don’t try to learn the whole piece at once. Focus on a specific thing like fingering, rhythm, or phrasing, or find one voice to play slowly. Let your brain process everything properly. At the same time, dig into the harmony and analyze the piece, because that shows you the structure, character, and architecture, what the composer was thinking and building. Even if you don’t know much theory or harmony or counterpoint yet, keep learning it on the side; it’s super important. A well-known teacher once told me that a composer who does not understand harmony, theory, counterpoint, and so on is a little like a carpenter who builds a house without knowing how to use a hammer. I think that concept applies, in a way, to playing a piece, and that analytical knowledge can completely change how you see the piece and how you perform it.

Jeffrey Shield, 12, Australia

ROLE MODEL: I am inspired by many great pianists, especially those who perform with both amazing technique and deep emotion. I also love the music of composers like Bach, Chopin, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. Watching great performances inspires me to keep improving and express emotions through music.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance so far was performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Modena in Italy. I performed at Bologna’s Sala Bossi, which is inside the legendary Conservatorio Giovanni Battista Martini, named after Mozart’s teacher. In this historic building where Rossini studied and worked, where Mozart once walked, and where other legendary pianists performed, including Arthur Rubinstein and Maurizio Pollini. The Steinway & Sons piano I performed on was personally selected by the legendary Maurizio Pollini (1960 Chopin Competition Winner). It was a very exciting and valuable experience for me because I got to perform such a big and powerful piece with many musicians on stage in a strong historic musical environment. I learned a lot from that performance, and it made me enjoy performing even more.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Besides piano music, I also enjoy listening to opera and orchestral film music. I like music with beautiful melodies, strong emotions, and rich orchestral sounds.
HOBBIES: I enjoy learning languages. I can speak, read, and write Burmese fluently because both of my parents are Burmese. I am also learning Chinese, Italian, and French. I love maths, and I also enjoy nature, travelling, cycling, walking, playing chess, solving Rubik’s cubes, and reading.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I have learned that good practice is not just about practising for many hours, but about practising carefully and patiently. It is important to listen closely to the music and pay attention to small details. I also learned that staying calm and enjoying the music helps you perform your best.

Yong-En Teng, 14, Taiwan

ROLE MODEL: My parents and my piano teacher are my biggest inspirations. They not only teach me piano skills, but they also guide me to truly understand and feel the music from my heart.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: One of my most memorable moments was my performance at the Hilton Head International Piano Competition. At that time, I had a very bad infection on my right big toe. Even though it was painful and I had to take antibiotics every day, I still tried my best to share my music with the international audience. Feeling their connection with my music was a truly unforgettable experience.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy ambient and meditation music when I can’t fall asleep or want to calm down and relax. I also like to listen to symphonies. They give me different ideas for tone colors.
HOBBIES: I like reading novels, especially literature and fantasy novels. I also like both fiction and nonfiction. In school, since I was very little, I have liked English very much, and I also enjoy learning music theory and ear training. For sports, I love playing table tennis with my family, usually with my mom and my older brother. When I have free time, I like taking photos and doing crafts, and I also enjoy drawing people in different styles like anime and portraits.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I have learned is “patience.” You shouldn’t just try to play the notes fast. You need to read the score first to understand what the composer wants to express. After that, you should practice slowly and listen carefully to your own sound.

Natalie Wang, 12, U.S.

ROLE MODEL: My piano teacher, Hans Boepple. He has taught me the importance of discipline, careful listening, and thoughtful practice.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My orchestral debut with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Performing with a professional orchestra was an unforgettable experience and inspired me to continue growing as a musician.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY:I enjoy listening to orchestral music and pop music, such as K-pop.
HOBBIES: I enjoy reading, traveling, and studying English. I also enjoy attending concerts and exploring new places with my family.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Practicing with clear goals is the most important part of learning a new piece. Taking time to build accuracy, understanding, and good habits from the beginning makes everything easier later on.

Ruohan Wang, 12, China

ROLE MODEL: Daniil Trifonov
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: On May 27, I played in a warm-up concert for the Gina Bachauer Competition at the Concert Hall of the Central Conservatory of Music Middle School. It was my first time performing a 50-minute solo continuously, It was a big challenge and greatly strengthened my mental focus and endurance, which I will always remember.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Pop music
HOBBIES: Swimming and Reading
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Study the score carefully from the very start.

Shengkai Wang, 13, China

ROLE MODEL: Van Gogh is an important role model for me. I really like his famous painting Starry Night. I understand that this was painted when he was locked in a mental asylum. His perspectives were not accepted as beautiful and people didn’t want him to create. But he still followed his passion. As an artist, Van Gogh’s sincerity , emotions and colors moved me and inspired me to be more diverse in my music learning.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance must be when I went to Poznan, Poland, to perform with the local band. That was the first time I ever performed to a European audience. At first, I was very nervous. But then, the conductor smiled to me and said, “Good luck” . During the show, the audience gave wonderful claps and feedback. I was deeply motivated. And after the show, the band and I talked happily. I could feel that the European band was very flexible. That time, I completely enjoyed the show. Even though there were few minor errors, but I was able to go through the entire performance. So, after I returned to China, when I am practicing, I learned to really enjoy music.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Beside classical music, I also enjoy listening to Jazz. I find jazz very relaxing and fresh. My favorite jazz piece is Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. When I listen to it, I can feel the grand and moving picture before my eyes, perhaps a city expanding or streets lining up. It is really a good piece. I think jazz and classical music have something in common. Jazz and classical music are both orchestrated , and they both represent some kind of musical harmony.
HOBBIES: First, I enjoy math at school. I sometimes discover some similarities between math and music. For example, when I am playing Bach’s songs, I can use my math knowledge to help me better analyze and understand them, as they’re highly logical. Moreover, I enjoy sports like swimming and running. They can help me relax better. I believe a stronger body is very necessary for both music and school.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Before preparing a new piece, one of the most important things I will try to learn in the background and the emotions of the song’s creation. For me, understanding the background is really important. I will listen again and again to other pianists playing the piece. When I have a mental image of it I will start to practice.

Zeming Wu, 14, China

ROLE MODEL: One of my greatest inspirations is Maria João Pires. She has taught me that music is not only about technique or perfection, but also about sincerity, imagination, and humanity. She said that music should feel natural, never mechanical,It’s very important to feel breathing and direction.And we should also learned to understand the composer’s intentions, the inner meaning of the music,and the storytelling through sound. I am also inspired by the great composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart，Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, whose music has deeply influenced the way I think about control of sound, color change,singing lines and expression.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: One of my most memorable musical experiences was an eight-day concert tour in China, where I performed in five cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen,Hangzhou and Zhengzhou. During the tour, I performed the complete Études, Op. 10 by Frédéric Chopin and the complete Transcendental Études by Franz Liszt. It was an intense but unforgettable experience. What impressed me most was how different every concert felt. Each hall,audience and atmosphere changed the energy of the performances.The tour taught me a lot about concentration, endurance, and communication through music. Another very meaningful performance for me was playing at the Embassy of Portugal in Paris as part of the Musicorama concert series. The audience included people from many different cultural backgrounds, and I felt very strongly how music can connect people beyond language and nationality. Growing up between different cultures has influenced the way I experience music, and these concerts helped me understand even more deeply how music can create dialogue, emotion, and understanding between people.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Besides classical music, I enjoy listening to film music, jazz, traditional music from different cultures, and sometimes pop music. I’m curious about many musical styles and traditions. I especially like music that tells a story or creates a strong atmosphere and imagination.
HOBBIES: I enjoy reading, traveling, and learning about different cultures and languages. I speak Chinese, English, and Portuguese, and I also study French. Traveling for concerts has allowed me to discover many different places and meet people from different backgrounds, which I think is very enriching both personally and musically. At school, I especially enjoy literature, history, and languages because they help me better understand people, emotions, and different ways of thinking. Outside music, I also enjoy spending time with friends playing football，visiting museums, and exploring new cities during concert trips.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I think the most important thing is to be patient and really listen carefully. Learning a new piece is not only about playing the right notes very quickly, but also about understanding the structure, emotions, character, and story behind the music. When I practice, I try to understand what the composer wanted to express, and I think about where the phrase needs breathing, direction, and imagination, almost like telling a story. I believe that slow practice and careful listening can help me hear more details and colors in the music. Good practice requires concentration, intensity, and curiosity. Every piece teaches you something new, not only about music, but also about yourself. The more deeply you study a piece, the more you discover about the music and about yourself.

Haozhe Yang, 13, China

ROLE MODEL: Yuja Wang has been a huge inspiration and role model for me. When learning many of my repertoire pieces, I often turn to her performances for reference. Her bold, fiery playing and confident, charismatic stage presence completely captivate me. Watching her perform has opened my eyes to new ways of expressing emotion and character through music, and deepened my own understanding of what music can be.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance was my solo recital at the Berlin Philharmonie. It was my first time performing on such a major international stage, and I was both nervous and excited. When I finished my final piece, the audience erupted in applause that lasted for what felt like forever. Standing there, taking in the warmth and energy of the crowd, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. That moment confirmed to me why I love performing, and it has been a huge inspiration ever since.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Besides classical music, I am fond of movie music. The touching melodies and rich emotional stories inspire me a lot. It helps me enrich my musical imagination and bring more sincere feelings into performance.
HOBBIES: Besides practicing piano, I enjoy reading (including Journey to the West, Harry Potter, and history books), drinking tea quietly, swimming, and ice skating. I also love listening to comedy, traveling, and caring for animals—all these experiences enrich my music and help me play with more depth and feeling.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I’ve learned is how to “imitate” different tone colors when I practice. Every piece of music has its own personality, and by listening carefully and trying different sounds on the piano, I can make the music feel more alive and true to what the composer wanted. It’s not just about playing the right notes—it’s about making the piano “sing” in different voices.

MuQi Zhang, 14, China

ROLE MODEL: Mikhail Pletnev has been an important role model and inspiration for me. His extraordinary musicianship, fearless interpretations, and the way he moves effortlessly between piano and conducting have deeply influenced my own musical journey. Listening to his performances taught me to pursue artistic freedom and to never stop exploring the depth of every piece.
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance so far was at Frankfurt Airport. It was an unusual setting—busy travelers, echoing halls, and the constant hum of announcements. Yet, in that unexpected place, a small crowd gathered and listened quietly as I played. After the final note, there was a brief moment of silence before the applause. It reminded me that music can create connection anywhere, even in the most chaotic environments.
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I really enjoy listening to classical music and electronic music. Classical pieces, especially from composers like Chopin and Debussy, help me relax and find new ideas for my own playing. Electronic music, on the other hand, gives me energy and inspires me to experiment with different sounds and rhythms.
HOBBIES: Apart from music, I really enjoy reading, especially fiction and philosophy. I also like swimming and playing squash—they help me clear my mind. In terms of school subjects, I’ve always been drawn to literature and history. Learning about different cultures and stories from the past gives me a deeper understanding of the world and inspires my musical expression.
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I’ve learned about practicing and preparing a new piece of music is that patience and consistency matter far more than talent. Break the music into small sections, practice each slowly and mindfully, and trust the process. Rushing leads to mistakes and frustration; slow, steady practice builds real confidence and expression.

Xuanqi Zheng, 11, China

ROLE MODEL: J S Bach
MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Performance in Singapore International Piano Island Festival
OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: All kinds of classical music
HOBBIES: Reading, Legos
ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Drilling lots of separate hands and listen to recording and count. And knowing the character and right style of the piece.

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