The Bachauer at 50: Meet the pianists in the young 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 Young Artists Competitions,which runs June 21-27. This will be devoted to daily diary coverage of the Young Artists, who range in age from 15 to 18. Selected from 316 applicants representing 28 countries, the pianists in both junior and young 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. Two rounds of morning, afternoon and evening sessions begin Monday, June 22. For tickets and more information, see the Bachauer website.

To open the coverage, The Utah Review asked each pianist in the young artist category to answer five questions. The competitors come from the following countries: U.S. (9), China (8), South Korea (4), Canada (3), Japan (2)  Spain (2) and one each from Australia, Austria, Germany and Italy.

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?  

Riko Ando, 18, Japan

1. ROLE MODEL: My role models change depending on the pieces I’m working on and the kind of music I want to explore at the time, so it’s hard to choose just one. But among them, the pianist I admire most is Martha Argerich. I really love how she has this incredible technique, yet her playing always sounds so natural and effortless, never forced. What amazes me even more is the balance in her performances. They feel so free, energetic, and spontaneous, but at the same time everything is incredibly well-structured and intentional. Even when her playing sounds completely instinctive, there’s always a deep sense of thought and conviction behind it, and every time I listen to her, I’m honestly blown away.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I’ve listened to performances by many great musicians, but the one that left the strongest impression on me was when my teacher, Shohei Sekimoto, performed Piano Concerto No. 1. From the tiniest movement before touching the keys to the speed of the attack, the different kinds of touch, and even the way he released each note, every sound carried an incredible variety of expression. In lessons, he often emphasizes the importance of the “color” or “quality” of sound. That’s why seeing him create what felt like an infinite range of tones on stage had such a huge impact on me. When I heard that performance, it was the first time I truly felt what it means for music to completely grab hold of your heart.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I’m not only drawn to classical music, but also to musicals. I have seen several productions on Broadway and also enjoy watching musical films. Among them, Les Misérables and Wicked are especially meaningful to me. In particular, Les Misérables and Wicked are very special to me. No matter how many times I watch Les Misérables, it always moves me deeply and almost always makes me cry. “One Day More” is especially one of my favorite songs, and honestly, just hearing Jean Valjean’s first entrance is enough to make me emotional. I’m always overwhelmed by the way each character’s feelings come together within such powerful music. On the other hand, Wicked has basically become part of my everyday life at this point. Most of the reason I open social media now is probably just to look at Wicked-related content, and I can easily spend hours watching videos or reading about the music, characters, and world of the show. I also recently watched the movie version, and I loved it so much.
4. HOBBIES: I don’t really have many hobbies, but I really love spending time talking with my friends at school. Playing the piano is usually something very personal and independent, so there are times when it can feel a little lonely. That’s why the small moments of laughing and having casual conversations with my friends at school mean so much to me. The environment I’m in now is very warm and supportive, and I feel really lucky to be surrounded by people who encourage each other. I enjoy the time we spend motivating one another and talking about our performances, and I’m supported by them every day. At Nagoya College of Music, I also have many opportunities to interact with professors and students from other departments. I find it fascinating to learn about instruments and musical fields beyond the piano, and these conversations broaden my perspective as a musician. I live in Inuyama, a beautiful city in Aichi Prefecture that is home to Inuyama Castle, one of Japan’s national treasures. Surrounded by nature and history, it is a wonderful place to live, and I enjoy taking walks there whenever I have the chance.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: My teacher really values inspiration and discovery in practice. Instead of repeating things mechanically, he always tells me to pay attention to small differences in sound and touch, and to learn by listening carefully and experimenting on my own. I try to think of practice as exploration rather than just repetition—wondering things like, “What kind of sound will this create?” or “Why did that feel different?” My goal is not just to play accurately, but to shape each note carefully and find my own way of expressing the music.

Eunha Basu, 16, U.S. 

Answers are not available. Recent concerto performances: Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra (2025); Brockton Symphony Orchestra (2026). Recent competitions: Kaufman Music Center International Youth Piano Competition (2024)New York City, USA: First Prize; Rosalyn Tureck International Bach Piano Competition (2025) New York City: First Prize, Tureck Prize; National YoungArts Competition: Classical Music (2025 and 2026) Miami: Winner.

Daniel Bertomeu, 17, Spain

1. ROLE MODEL: Clearly, the people who have played the most important role in my life and have been true role models for me are, on a personal level, my parents; pedagogically, my teachers; and as a professional musician and pianist, Arcadi Volodos has always been my greatest inspiration.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My performance at Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall is something I will always remember. I was 15 years old, it was my first time in New York, and given the love I have for music, being able to perform in such a venue was a unique and special experience. I will also always remember the time I played at the Concertgebouw in Bruges, a beautiful hall with incredible acoustics.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I always listen to classical music. I’m not particularly up to date with contemporary music, as my life revolves around classical music. Every week I try to listen to different and diverse repertoire by a wide variety of artists. I find it very enriching, and I learn a great deal whenever I listen to music.
4. HOBBIES: I am a very big fan of sports, especially soccer, which has always been an important part of my family life. I also enjoy going to the gym, as it is a place where I find a great sense of peace and can switch off from my daily routine.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I would advise first learning about where and when the composer wrote the piece, as well as the context in which it was composed. Then begin studying the work and, of course, fall completely in love with it, that is essential. The more often you play a piece, the more you will be able to master and enjoy it. Loving what you do is the most important thing.

Matthew Chang, 17, U.S. 

1. ROLE MODEL: Bruce Lee! 🙂 If you require me to mention a pianist, then I would say Krystian Zimerman. 
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Performing in Debrecen, Hungary was an amazing experience. Not only the concert itself, but the atmosphere, food, and people all contributed to my experience in Hungary being an extremely special one. 
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Not much! I like to listen to the occasional J-pop (aka city pop)! 🙂
4. HOBBIES: I play varsity tennis in my high school, have a third-degree black belt in both shotokan karate and itf taekwondo, and love training mma! I’m also very interested in neuroscience, especially regarding the relation between music and the brain. 
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: About practicing: Most of the time, you have to LOVE practicing. If you practice for the sake of others or other things (say a parent, or an external motivator, such as a competition), you will NOT succeed. LOVE practicing. However, once in a while you’ll feel drained, or even bored of it. It’s imperative that you continue, as getting over that hurdle of mental stagnation will make you even stronger (and perhaps even more appreciative of music-making). About learning a new piece of music: Love your new piece! Try to pick a piece that really interests you! 🙂

Kenneth Zhiyuan Chen, 17, Canada 

1. ROLE MODEL: My older brother, Siyao, has been one of the biggest role models in my life. I started playing piano because I heard him practicing on an upright at home and wanted to try it for myself. But I think his inspiration reaches far beyond music. He has taught me to become a more respectful, diligent and empathetic person through his actions and the way he interacts with the world around him.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance as a musician has to be when I performed Beethoven’s Second Piano Concerto in Koerner Hall with an orchestra comprised of my peers and faculty within the Taylor Academy of Music—many of which are my close friends. The experience of sharing music in one of the most well-known halls in Canada with my friends is something I’ll never forget.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In terms of my music taste, I’ve started to branch out recently. I enjoy listening to jazz, I could always go for some older pop songs, or C-Pop. 
4. HOBBIES: Apart from music, one of my biggest hobbies is playing badminton. I’ve been playing for almost as long as I’ve been involved in music, and for me, it’s a great way to relax, spend time with friends and satisfy my competitive urge. My favorite school subjects are math and physics: I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of both and I think that it is conceptually quite interesting.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I’d tell someone when starting a new piece is to genuinely enjoy and like the piece that you are playing. You’d enjoy the process of practicing the piece more, and would just be more inspired to make an interpretation your own. For me, my favorite interpretations of my own playing come from pieces that I love playing and listening to. 

Chenxi Chu, 17, China

Answers are not available. Recent performances: Concerto: Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra (2024) Shanghai, China; Shenzhen Youth Symphony Orchestra (2023) Shenzhen, China; Solo Performance: Shangyin Opera House (2024) Shanghai, China. Recent competitions: Zhuhai Mozart International Youth Music Week (2023) Zhuhai, China: Third Prize, Category B; Mendelssohn International Piano Competition (2022) Qingdao, China: Grand Prize; Hamamatsu International Piano Competition (2024) Hamamatsu, Japan.

Anwen Deng, 17, Australia 

1. ROLE MODEL: My mom has constantly been a source of inspiration for me. From having courage to move across the world several times to traveling with me for every piano adventure to wholeheartedly supporting me in every endeavor to teaching me everything I know, my mom is, for me, a light against the darkness and my greatest role model.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance was with the Cleveland Orchestra in Severance Hall as part of the finals of the Cooper International Piano Competition, for which I played Schumann Concerto in A Minor. The entire week of competition and interaction with musical peers was inspiring, and this final culminative performance with a brilliant world-renowned orchestra was absolutely surreal. As I played the concerto with heartfelt melodies and energetic lines, I reflected on my entire musical career as a whole, feeling especially grateful for my family and teachers, whose support made this moment possible.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I enjoy all types of music. I enjoy songwriting and producing my own music as well as film scoring. I have taken many music technology classes, and my scores consist of finding creative ways to hybridize traditional classical and orchestral music with modern electronic elements.
4. HOBBIES: In school, I enjoy many subjects, but my favorites are STEM-related, such as AP chemistry and anatomy and physiology, and next year, I am going to college for both neuroscience and piano. Outside of school, my hobbies include visual art, singing, dancing, traveling, and sailing. 
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I would tell someone to always look for the details. Often times, learning a piece literally in terms of the notes and rhythms is not the whole challenge. Rather, it is ensuring that each note and phrase is played with intention and a unique character, as well as learning about the history of the piece to decipher what the composer would like to convey.

Charlotte Giraudeau, 17, Canada 

1. ROLE MODEL: The most important role model and inspiration in my life is my mother. She has always been my biggest supporter throughout my musical journey. From piano lessons, to international piano competitions, no matter how busy my life gets, she is always there for me. Her consistent encouragements help motivate me to keep improving and work hard. What inspires me most about her is her dedication and unconditional support. She celebrates all my successes with me, but she also values and helps me through my challenges and reminds me to stay confident when things become difficult. By knowing that she is always there, it gives me the confidence to perform and pursue my goals. Her support has really played a huge role and impact in shaping both my growth as a musician and as a person.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance as a musician so far has been my performance with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra earlier this year where I played Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto. It was my first time working with this orchestra, which made it feel truly special and the whole environment was very welcoming, enabling me to connect more closely with the audience.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Other than classical music, which I listen to the majority of the time, I enjoy listening jazz.
4. HOBBIES: I have been leading my own non-profit organization for three years, and this activity has brought me much joy over the years. As a non-profit organisation, we have created many performance opportunities for younger students in the senior homes. This year, we have hosted five concerts in 3 different senior homes and have gathered around fifty different students to perform. Another hobby that brings me joy is traveling as I love exploring different cultures and tasting new foods. I also really enjoy visiting beautiful sceneries as they always remind me of many of my favourite orchestral works. Other than my music studies and academic studies, I also love skiing in the Canadian Rockies in the winter.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: One of the most important things I’ve learned about practicing and preparing a new piece of music is that progress takes much patience. At first, it may feel overwhelming when a piece seems very difficult or impossible to play, but I’ve learned that the improvement we desire stems mainly from taking the piece apart and working on individual parts carefully and consistently instead of trying to perfect everything at once. I have also learnt that practicing is not just about playing the notes written on the score repeatedly until its engraved into our muscle memory but it’s about listening from different points of view, understanding the music, and thinking about the story or emotion we want to create. Most importantly, I’ve learned that preparation is as much mental as it is physical. Confidence on stage is derived from the trust we gather from the work we put in over time. Even when practicing feels frustrating and stressful, staying disciplined, and confident in the process eventually helps make the music feel more natural and meaningful.

Emma Guercio, 18, Italy 

1. ROLE MODEL: Some of my biggest inspirations are Nadia Boulanger and Sviatoslav Richter because they represent both artistic excellence and personal integrity. I admire Boulanger for her musical brilliance, the extraordinary legacy of diverse musicians she mentored, and the way she established herself as one of the leading musical minds of her time despite working in a field largely dominated by men. Richter inspires me through the depth and sincerity of his playing, as well as his complete dedication to understanding and communicating the music as truthfully as possible.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My fondest memory connected to the piano was performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto K. 453 in the Verdi Hall of the Conservatory. Playing with an orchestra had been a dream of mine since childhood, and making music together with so many people is a wonderful feeling: you feel like part of the music itself, like a great organism that lives and breathes.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I usually listen to classical music, but I also enjoy jazz and indie, especially when I’m with friends or doing schoolwork. When I’m studying for school, I can’t have classical music on in the background because I get too absorbed in it and end up listening instead of focusing on my work!
4. HOBBIES: When I’m not playing the piano, I really enjoy reading and writing poetry. I especially love history and Ancient Greek literature, and I find it fascinating how deeply they’ve shaped our culture and the world around us. I also really enjoy going to the opera with my friends. 
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Something I try to keep in mind while preparing a new piece is not to get too set on a certain way of doing things, but to always try to explore new ideas and new approaches to technical and musical challenges. It keeps practice fun, helps you discover new ways of playing, and makes it possible to find out what really feels personal to you. I also find it really interesting and helpful to learn about the musical and cultural context in which the piece was written.Another thing I like to do while studying a new piece is listen to many different interpretations by great pianists to draw inspiration from them.

Sakina Hatakeyama, 17, Japan 

1. ROLE MODEL: My biggest inspiration is Martha Argerich. When I first heard her perform a few years ago, I was moved to tears. It was the first time I had ever cried while listening to someone’s performance, and that experience had a profound impact on me.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance was the first time I performed with an orchestra. I had an incredible time, and I was deeply moved by how enjoyable it was to make music with other people. Until then, I had not realized just how rewarding performing together could be.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: To be honest, I am not very familiar with music outside classical music. Even in my spare time, I usually listen to classical music because I enjoy exploring different performances and interpretations of the repertoire.
4. HOBBIES: I enjoy reading books. I do not have as much time for it now, but when I was in middle school, I used to read more than 100 books a year. I also love learning about Japanese history.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I have learned is to read the score carefully from the very beginning. I sometimes discover, right before a competition or an exam, that I have been playing a wrong note all along. That experience has taught me that careful score study at the earliest stage can save a great deal of time and effort later.

Guillermo Hernández Barrocal, 18, Spain

1. ROLE MODEL: My wonderful friend, the Spanish pianist Martín García García. 
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My debut recital at the National Hall in Madrid (Spain) in the year 2024.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Great songs by Frank Sinatra. I love the 20th century American style.
4. HOBBIES: I love surfing!
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Be patient and enjoy music. Our profession is a true privilege.

Minwoo Hong, 18, South Korea 

1. ROLE MODEL: I would not say that I have a single specific role model. Rather than trying to become a particular kind of artist, I focus on developing my own voice and musical identity. I am inspired by many great pianists, such as Daniil Trifonov, Samson François, Vladimir Horowitz, and Ivo Pogorelich, though this often changes depending on the repertoire. My parents have also been a strong source of inspiration, encouraging me to explore, stay curious, and experience the world from a young age. These experiences continue to shape my imagination and musical ideas. In addition, my teachers have played an important role by offering new perspectives and helping me refine my interpretations. Finally, I draw inspiration from my own experiences and memories, which naturally shape my interpretation and performance unique.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: While every performance is meaningful in its own way, I think my “first” experiences remain the most memorable to me. My first solo recital, the Kumho Prodigy Concert at the age of 14, was especially significant. Until then, I had always thought of music as something I wanted to use to move others, but after that recital, I realized that performing also brings a deep sense of happiness to myself. I still vividly remember the feeling of hearing the sound I created resonate throughout the quiet hall. Another unforgettable experience was performing Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra. It was a turning point for me, as I had to go beyond individual practice and truly engage in musical connection with the conductor and the orchestra. It made me realize the importance of listening, reacting, and shaping the music together on stage. I also had a very meaningful experience when I was 15, performing in a hospital lobby with a friend for patients. As someone who has personally gone through illness, it was a deeply personal moment. I wanted my music to give even a small sense of comfort and healing, and it made me realize the power music can have in people’s lives. I hope to have more opportunities like that in the future.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I enjoy listening to a wide range of music beyond classical. My father has always loved music and enjoys collecting CDs and LP records. Because of that, I grew up listening to various genres of music at home, such as jazz, blues, chanson, bossa nova, film music and band music. Naturally I became interested in those styles as well. At the same time, I am also a typical Korean teenager, so I occasionally enjoy listening to K-pop.
4. HOBBIES: Outside of piano, I try to keep my life balanced. When I’m not practicing, my life is actually pretty simple but very full. On my days off, I enjoy challenging myself at the gym, reading books, watching movies with my parents, and playing soccer or baseball with my friends. I also enjoy exploring different kinds of music. And I especially love taking time to travel with my parents to different countries and cities. Traveling to unfamiliar places also gives me a lot of musical inspiration. Because I truly value my life and my time, I want to see, hear, and experience as much as I can. I believe all those experiences shape who I am – not just as a musician, but also as a person. That’s probably why my interests are a little diverse – I’m just genuinely curious about the world.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I think one of the most important things I have learned is that practicing is not only about solving technical problems. Of course, technique is essential, but truly preparing a piece also means spending time understanding its character, structure, and emotional world. Because music is ultimately an art rather than a sport, I believe that conveying emotion and meaning is more important than simply playing accurately. At the same time, we are performers, not composers, so I think it is important to find a balance between understanding what the composer may have wanted to express and discovering what I personally feel and want to communicate through the piece. I also think it is very important to listen to many different interpretations by great musicians who performed the piece before me. Whether I personally like a performance or not, hearing a wide variety of interpretations expands the range of colors and ideas I can use in my own playing. It feels as though the palette with which I can paint the music becomes richer and more diverse. I have also realized that music cannot be rushed. Some pieces need time to naturally grow within you. The more experiences and thoughts you accumulate in life, the more deeply you can connect with the music and express it in a personal way. Finally, I think it is important to stay curious and open-minded while practicing. Rather than forcing one fixed interpretation from the beginning, I try to continuously listen, question, and explore new ideas. To me, that process itself is one of the most meaningful parts of studying music.

Ryan Huang, 15, Canada/U.S.

1. ROLE MODEL: An important inspiration for me during my journey has been Paul McCartney. My dad introduced me to a lot of non-classical music and many bands from the 90s, the Beatles being one of them. Paul McCartney is, in my opinion, one of the greatest musicians of all time, and he is certainly one of my favourite musicians. He is also a major philanthropist, supporting over 30 causes in the world. All in all, he is a great musician, a great human being, and an incredible inspiration.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance to date has to be my performance with my fellow Young Scholars from the Lang Lang International Music Foundation on the Great Wall of China. When I was first notified of this performance, I was under the impression that the concert would take place on the ground beside the Great Wall. It was only when I arrived when I realized the concert would actually be taking place on the Great Wall itself. The piano was carried by crane, and as the sun set, thousands of lights lit up the wall for our concert. It was truly a once in a lifetime experience.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I enjoy many different types of music. I have a Spotify playlist with 1200 non-classical songs lasting around 78 hours. Some of my favorite bands and artists include Masayoshi Takanaka (a Japanese guitarist who released music during the 70s and 80s) Radiohead, Arcade Fire (an indie rock band from Montreal), and Pink Floyd. I find all genres of music to be incredibly captivating, and I’m willing to give everything a try.
4. HOBBIES: Outside of school, I enjoy reading, writing, and public speaking. I find public speaking to be especially entertaining, as it is one of the main ways (classical music is included in this list) that I am able to share my thoughts and emotions with a wider audience.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: In my opinion, one of the most important thing about practicing a piece is doing the research beforehand. It is absolutely imperative that you need to know the piece’s backstory (i.e. when the piece was written, what the composer was dealing with while writing the piece), in order to get ideas regarding interpretation and musicality.

Qinyaoyao Ji, 16, China

1. ROLE MODEL: Chopin
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Cleveland Junior Piano Competition
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: folk music
4. HOBBIES: Table tennis, badminton
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Understand the background of music creation

Ryusei Kobayashi, 15, U.S. 

1. ROLE MODEL: Myself
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My first concerto performance!
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Very specific video game tracks and non classical music. 
4. HOBBIES: Soccer
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Keep playing it if you like it. 

Bennett Larsen, 17, U.S. 

1. ROLE MODEL: I have many inspirations. It would be disrespectful and incorrect to not say my mom is the most important one. She’s never forced high expectations or ways of life onto me, which has allowed me to grow as a musician and a person naturally.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: This is hard because I remember all of my performances pretty well. I would say performing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto with the Murray Symphony.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I enjoy listening to a couple different bands. The Beatles, CCR, and RHCP to name some.
4. HOBBIES: I enjoy writing, composing, playing video games with my friends, and reading in the morning.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The absolute most important thing you can do is find a way to enjoy practicing. Be creative, thoughtful, and use your ears more than your fingers. You perform what you practice and if you’re not having any fun practicing you won’t have any fun performing.

Jaeyong Lee, 17, South Korea

1. ROLE MODEL: I have always greatly admired my teacher, Ms. Chiao-han Liao and have long considered her as my role model. Whether in a lesson, a concert, or a daily conversation, she leaves me with something incredibly meaningful. The way she talks about music and life continues to shape and inspire me as both a musician and a person. I hope to grow into a great artist like her one day.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I believe that the recital I gave last year at the Kumho Art Hall Yonsei was the most memorable one for me so far. Not only because it was an opportunity after a competitive audition process, but also that the program reflected where I was artistically at the moment. I was especially thrilled to be able to play Brahms’ First Piano Sonata, a work that I found incredibly close to my heart.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Alongside classical music, I enjoy listening to jazz. I was first introduced to the genre by a close friend and I was immediately fascinated by its distinct rhythm and harmonies. I also like how everything seems to be so spontaneously done. For educational purposes, I find it a great thing to listen to as well, since it offers a fresh and creative perspective on how certain expressions could be made.
4. HOBBIES: I enjoy meeting new people, especially those whose backgrounds are different from my own. Even as an introvert, I find it valuable and exciting to connect with people from various cultures and experiences, observing how they express themselves and communicate with others. These encounters not only help me gain understand of the world around me but of myself and my perspective as well.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: When it comes to preparing a piece of music, I have learned that the most important thing is to trust your instincts. While it is essential to carefully study the music, I believe that the authenticity is what matters the most. When an artist remains true to their artistic conviction, certain things would be reflected in the sound they produce. 

Seoeun Lee, 17, South Korea

1. ROLE MODEL: Pianist Yunchan Lim has been one of my greatest inspirations. His artistic sincerity, musical imagination, and deep commitment to his craft inspire me to pursue music with greater passion and dedication.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: One of the most memorable musical experiences for me was attending Daniil Trifonov’s complete Ravel recitals in 2023. The colors, expression, and depth of his interpretation left a profound impression on me and inspired me to think more deeply about artistic expression and sound in my own playing.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my free time, I enjoy listening to K-pop. I love exploring different musical styles and appreciating how music can communicate emotions and connect with people in many different ways.
4. HOBBIES:I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring good food, and attending concerts. Experiencing live performances inspires me artistically and broadens my perspective as a musician. I value opportunities to experience different forms of art and expression beyond my own performances.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: When preparing a new piece, I first try to understand the composer’s life, historical background, and musical language. I believe studying the context behind a work allows me to build a deeper connection with the music and develop a more thoughtful and meaningful interpretation. Through this process, I have learned that musical preparation involves not only technical practice, but also curiosity, patience, and a deep artistic understanding.

Alexander Liu, 15, U.S. 

1. ROLE MODEL: One of my biggest musical inspirations is Sir András Schiff. I want to become someone like him — someone who has developed such an individual and personal sound that it feels recognizable no matter what piece he is playing. But what inspires me even more than his playing is the kind of musician and person he is. He is thoughtful, humble, deeply knowledgeable, and incredibly respectful toward music. I also admire the consistency of his love for music and the discipline he has maintained for decades. I remember watching an interview where he said that whenever there is a piano nearby, he begins his mornings by playing Bach for an hour. That affected me deeply. What moved me most was not just the discipline behind it, but the fact that after so many decades, the first thing he still wants to do when he wakes up is play music. I feel like every note he plays is deeply considered and refined, yet nothing ever feels exaggerated or unnecessary. Listening to him has shaped the way I think about music. To me, great music-making is not about trying to show yourself through the music, but about understanding the music deeply enough that the piano almost begins to speak on its own. That kind of depth, humility, individuality, and lifelong love for music is something I hope to develop in my own playing one day.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: The performance that has stayed with me most deeply was actually one in which I was not performing, but listening. At the very end of the Yellow Barn Summer Festival last summer, after a month of living and making music together, baritone William Sharp and harpist Charles Overton performed an improvised “Hallelujah” encore. William changed the lyrics in real time and included the names of many of the musicians he had spent the summer with. That moment moved me deeply. What stayed with me was not only their musicianship, but also the kind of musical life they had built throughout many years. There was so much warmth, trust, friendship, and shared history inside that performance, and it made the music feel incredibly human and genuine. It made me realize that being a musician is not only about performing well, but also about building meaningful artistic relationships and sharing music with people over a lifetime. Since then, I’ve often thought about how special it would be if many years from now, I might still be making music with some of the friends I have now at Juilliard.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my spare time, I enjoy listening to many different types of music, but recently I’ve become especially fascinated by microtonal music. As pianists, we grow up with the piano’s 88 fixed tones, but in microtonal music I feel like there are infinite gradations and fleeting colors within each note. I find that very eye-opening. It has changed the way I think about sound, color, and listening, and I also simply find it fun and exciting to listen to.
4. HOBBIES: Outside of music, I love reading and biking. I also enjoy roller coasters, teaching younger students, learning about science, and discussing philosophical questions and debates with friends and family. My favorite subject in school is chemistry because I love how logical it is while still feeling full of discovery and experimentation.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: One of the most important things I’ve learned about practicing and preparing a new piece is that practicing is only truly meaningful when you are mentally and emotionally invested in what you are doing. I think people sometimes become too focused on playing the right notes mechanically without asking enough questions — why the composer wrote something a certain way, why a phrase changes direction, or what the music is really trying to communicate. Of course accuracy is important, but I think what matters most is understanding the essence of what the composer is trying to express and communicating that honestly to the audience. That process requires a lot of thinking, questioning, listening, imagination, and emotional involvement, which can actually be quite exhausting, but also very meaningful and rewarding. I also think one of the most important things in music is learning how to keep your ego away from both practicing and performing. If you become too focused on yourself, it becomes harder to fully bring out all the different characters, colors, and emotions within the music. To me, the most honest performances happen when the musician is willing to step aside a little and let the music speak for itself.

Yau-Nam Ng, 18, Hong Kong, China

1. ROLE MODEL: I believe interpreting music has many ways. However it is true that every musicians perceive music in their own way. I would appreciate very logical (rational) plus a freedom form of playing. Among the living pianists, I love Andras Schiff, Alexander Kobrin, Elizabeth Leonskaja, Eliso Virsaladze and many more. However, speaking of the influences, it’s a must to talk about the Golden Ages performers. To enumerate a few, Sofronitsky, Cortot, Friedman, these figures truly display the balance between the obvious and the imagination. Their playing never exceeds the limits, but you still feel the great structure and great personality. Nowadays it’s a pity that many pianists play music similarly, this is not a good tendency and would probably destroy the growth of live performances. I really hope to show my own understanding of music, and don’t even care about the wrong notes! They often say Horowitz was “celebrating music with wrong notes”!
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I remember during a semifinal of a competition, I chose a combo of Beethoven Op. 109 + Scriabin 4th Sonata. I really enjoyed this programming because Op. 109’s ending just flows into Scriabin so naturally. I was really satisfied with my Op. 109, and it gave me huge confidence. Then my zone time happened.  Very hard to describe it, but I was flying (which, in coincidence, is the concept of Scriabin’s universal language). This competition didn’t allow the audiences to clap, however, one of the listeners told be at backstage that he felt his surroundings were all affected by those exuberant, swooned moments, and there were the tension of the final explosion of emotions.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Unfortunately, I don’t listen to popular music. I sometimes enjoy jazz music from Bill Ivans and Oscar Peterson. They often reminds me that a musicians should not be limited to play the written scores, in fact, it is essential to learn to improvise. I love Beatstrumental music, maybe it’s a new word for you, but this music is very relaxing, and full of rhythm. It makes you concentrated when doing tasks (compared to popular songs, the strong beats and lyrics might distract you). At the same time, it prevents you from falling asleep.
4. HOBBIES: I love playing table tennis. It is the most popular sport in China, you see the tables everywhere in the park. I usually go to table tennis competition, and this is closely related to the piano competitions. For example, you have to overcome the nervous feelings; you have to quickly adjust to the concert hall, just like adjusting to the tables because each of them is different.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Practicing a lot does not mean practicing with quality. Especially for the children, it is hard to stay focused for a few hours. Many of my friends, including me, had the experience of playing our phones during practice (and being caught by the parents), and it’s not a good thing. However, over practicing is also not a good idea because you might lose interest of the music. So, my advice is that practice smartly and efficiently, and keep a great discipline on your daily practice routine.

Sunny Ritter, 16, Austria 

1. ROLE MODEL: Gina Bachauer. She was an enthralling phenomenon, undeterred by setbacks, always ready with her enfolding generosity and warmth. She said, “music is an art that demands that you give and give. It doesn’t take half measures, you must devote all your life to it.” And that is just what she did. And because there was so much love in the gift, her legacy outlived her. Love is the only fortune that grows the more it’s given. Hence this unrivaled bequest. 
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: At thirteen I had my début in the Golden Hall of the Wiener Musikverein. I played Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21, with a cadenza I composed myself. The need for sharing music is baked into my flesh and blood, doesn’t matter where – stadium, salon, concert hall… But that night left me stunned and drunk with infinite empowerment. Because that night the music was more than it was, more than the Mozart I knew. And when I stood up to bow, there was a terrific woosh and swell as the audience came to their feet as well and stood shoulder to shoulder, rejoicing. Their standing ovation was living proof that music is a force for peace: Our playing had defied what divides us, connecting everyone with this gift that unites and literally uplifts. And guess who showed up backstage afterwards to congratulate me? My neighbour and bête-noire! The one who was always hammering on my wall when I practised too long, so like every day. But here she was, smiling, laughing, cheek-to-cheeking me for a selfie. Our feud died of musical causes! The orchestra loved my cadenza. They asked me who it was by, and I answered, “Oh, didn’t you hear? It’s a newly discovered manuscript by Beethoven.” I suppose it was plausible, because Beethoven did compose the cadenza for Mozart’s D-minor Concerto No. 20. But I was in stitches, because they actually fell for it!
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: All music shares the same roots, all music connects us. Any great music can get me in its grip, so I don’t really believe in distinctions between “types.” The beauty of music is that there is no “other.” And if I love my piano the most, it’s because it’s boundlessly versatile. I always laugh when my teachers say, “Evoke orchestral colors!” I’m like “Why limit yourself to an orchestra?” 8 is the number of infinity; the piano has 88 keys and infinite possibilities. It can be Mercury Venus Earth Mars, tenderness, rage, heartbreak, your tummy turning over on a magic carpet ride, immortality, even things that don’t exist – a phoenix, an untested promise, an amnesiac’s déjà-vu, the bubbles in champagne, the holes in Swiss cheese…
4. HOBBIES: When I’m away from the piano, my hands are as restless as hooked fish. To counteract that, I need hobbies that keep them busy. Chopping firewood or milking cows would be ideal. But those things aren’t often available to me, so I have to make do with immersive activities like reading Tolstoy, writing rap songs, skinny-dipping at my cottage… 
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: When you practice, it’s not enough just to love it and live it. God is in the details, so you strive to bring these out, exposed and enhanced to perfection. That means being humble, driven, hyper-conscientious. You obey your aesthetic imperatives. You subject yourself to solitary confinement, discipline your focus, boss around your fingers. But you practice like a slave for one reason only – so that you can be free on stage. Performing is liberation, a free-fall of total fulfillment! 

Jacob Rockower, 17, U.S. 

Answers are not available. Recent solo performances: MTAC Alameda Branch (2025) Berkeley; San Francisco War Memorial Building (2025); Noe Valley Ministry (2025) San Francisco. Recent competitions: Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (2025) South Bend: Gold Medal, Horszowski Trio Prize; Thomas and Evon Cooper Piano Competition (2025) Oberlin: Semifinalist; Aarhus International Piano Competition (2025) Aarhus, Denmark: Semifinalist.

Yichen Sang, 17, China

1. ROLE MODEL: Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff, Alfred Cortot, Dinu Lipatti, Vladimir Horowitz
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I gave my first solo recital when I was seven. It was during that performance that I truly felt the magic of music—the connection with the audience, the ability to share my thoughts and emotions through sound, and that profound, heartfelt joy. That experience was so powerful that it motivated me to commit myself to serious practice from then on.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Rhythm and blues, Jazz, popular music
4. HOBBIES: I love writing fantasy novels, playing table tennis.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: To be relax is the most important thing. 

Matthew Scott, 18, U.S. 

1. ROLE MODEL: All of my teachers (Christina Kim, Konstantyn Travinskyy, Gabriel Sanchez, Sara Daneshpour, and Carol Leone). I am grateful to be able to call them teachers and friends.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance was playing all three movements of Beethoven Piano Concerto 3 with the orchestra. Three of my teachers (past and present) were able to attend, as well as most of my family, so that made it very special and memorable.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Jazz 
4. HOBBIES: I’ve always enjoyed studying geography, with the hopes of being able to travel more in the future. My favorite subjects all involve music, but I have especially liked composing. One of the best collaborating classes I had was with a vocalist. I learned many new things about music in that class, and it was a lot of fun.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: I’ve learned to take my time studying each piece and to expect some constructive criticism from teachers. All of the input I receive from teachers and in masterclasses is valuable, even if the ideas from each are different. One teacher told me that I’d most likely play each piece for the rest of my life, and it will develop and change over time. This has helped me have a genuine appreciation for the composer, as well as for the practice time.

Ziyu Shao, 16, China

1. ROLE MODEL: My parents are musicians, and they were a huge source of inspiration to me throughout my childhood. I grew up sitting in the audience listening to their performances, and that experience made me fall in love with music instantly. 
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Two years ago, I performed a concerto with an orchestra in the Grand Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. It was an unforgettable experience for me because, during the second movement, the lights suddenly went out while I was playing. I consider it an invaluable experience, especially for an artist and concert pianist. I am deeply grateful for what this extraordinary moment taught me.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: In my free time I like to perform jazz.
4. HOBBIES: I love sports, especially taekwondo and swimming. I also love traveling and cooking.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: For me, learning a new piece is like entering the inner world of the composer. Beyond technique, it requires historical understanding, imagination, and the ability to uncover the deeper emotions and symbolism hidden in the music.

Xinran Shi, 16, China

1. ROLE MODEL: My mom 
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My orchestral debut (with Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, 2023)
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: alternative R&B, jazz, pop/rock
4. HOBBIES: reading, going to concerts/operas/ballets, hanging out with friends, traveling
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: To always imagine, feel from the heart, and explore every possible idea

Sizhe Wang, 17, China

1. ROLE MODEL:Krystian Zimmerman
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: A couple of years ago, I took on the challenge of playing Bach’s complete Goldberg Variations. It’s definitely a tough nut for me to crack. With thirty variations plus the opening and closing Aria, playing through the whole thing leaves both my hands and brain completely drained. But through all my hard work, I finally pulled it off! It was a real milestone for me and I am so proud of myself!
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: I love traditional Chinese Music because my grandparents used to be traditional Chinese instrumentalists. On top of that, I also listen to the the pop music young people at my age are into right now, e.g, Guofeng (Chinese-style pop) is a massive trend—it’s just incredibly soothing and healing.
4. HOBBIES: I enjoy working out at the gym or hiking in nature. I also like practicing calligraphy, and I’m absolutely fascinated by rail transit.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: Read, listen, and analyze first, and I won’t just copy other people’s interpretations exactly the same way. I want to embrace the spiritual world the composer intended to express, while weaving in my own understanding and interpretation, ultimately making this piece a performance that bears the unique mark of “Sizhe Wang”.

Kyle Yeung, 18. U.S. 

Answers are not available. Recent solo performances: Chapman University Salmon Hall (2026) Orange, California; New World Center (2026), Miami; Concerto Performance: Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra (2026), Canada. Recent competitions: Osaka International Music Competition (2025) Japan: First Prize; Vancouver Piano Sessions Concerto Competition (2025) Canada: Winner; Palm Springs International Piano Competition (2025): Silver Medal.

Eunseo Yoo, 18, South Korea

1. ROLE MODEL: One of my greatest inspirations is undoubtedly Seong-Jin Cho. I love how he explores a diverse palette of tone colors and weaves such detailed soundscapes at the piano, particularly in Romantic pieces. Beyond his artistry, I look up to pianists like Kate Liu and Martha Argerich, whose striking individuality and sheer intensity on stage never fail to move me.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: My most memorable performance to date is undoubtedly my solo recital at Kumho Art Hall in 2018, when I was just ten years old. It was my very first time sharing an entire program alone in such a grand venue. I still vividly remember the pure joy of completely losing myself in the music, simply letting the sound flow naturally. As the final notes faded, the warmth of the audience’s applause and cheers completely overwhelmed me. I felt such profound gratitude and happiness that I could barely hold back my tears while taking my bow. That precise moment remains etched in my memory.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Besides classical music, I find myself drawn to worship music and CCM most frequently. In my spare time, I also thoroughly enjoy the gentle nuances of calm indie music and jazz. Ultimately, I love music that carries an inherent warmth and emotional depth. Immersing myself in these diverse genres not only provides a space for genuine relaxation but also subtly sparks new creative inspiration for my own playing
4. HOBBIES: Outside of music, I really enjoy creative activities like photography and drawing, and I love going on quiet walks. I always feel the most relaxed and inspired when I spend time in beautiful nature. Immersing myself in different landscapes and atmospheres helps me recharge emotionally and often gives me fresh artistic ideas. I also find simple joy in eating delicious food and quietly exploring new places. These small activities help me unwind, slow down, and truly appreciate the little things in everyday life
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: One of the most important things I have learned is that practicing is not just about repeating notes perfectly, but about understanding the music deeply and listening carefully to every single sound. I believe the core of preparing a new piece is thinking deeply about what the composer intended and wanted to express. Rather than focusing solely on technique, I always try to look closer at the structure, atmosphere, and the emotions hidden behind the piece.

Linda Yuan, 16, Germany 

1. ROLE MODEL: Martha Argerich
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: Prizewinners Concert in Semperoper Dresden
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Pop-Music
4. HOBBIES: sport, listening to music, going shopping, travelling
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: try to understand the composer’s intention and the background of the piece

Wenting Zhang, 17, China 

Answers are not available. Recent solo performances: Yehudi Menuhin Hall (2025 and 2024) Qingdao, China; Infanta Leonor Theater (2025) Jaén, Spain. Recent competitions, Premio “Jaén” International Piano Competition (2025), Jaén, Spain: Quarterfinalist; Beijing International Music Festival and Academy Junior Piano Competition (2024). Qingdao, China: Second Prize; U.S. Federal International Piano Competition (2023) Qingdao, China: Finalist, Excellence Award.

Yiran Zhou, 18, China

1. ROLE MODEL: The legendary pianist Radu Lupu has always been my greatest source of inspiration. His performances were always filled with a profound reverence and respect for the music. I deeply admire his humble approach to every note and his focus on the composer’s voice. I hope to become an artist like him, who is truly sincere, dedicated, and persistent in the pursuit of art.
2. MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE: I remember a charity concert I played in 10th grade. Most of the performers were not professional players, but regular students. They practiced simply because they loved music. Even so, their playing was just as good as any professional’s because they performed with so much heart and respect for the music. I was deeply moved by them. That night, my performance became more powerful and persuasive than usual. I feel like I found my original passion for music through watching them.
3. OTHER MUSIC TO ENJOY: Jazz Pop and Country Pop. I love listening to Laufey and Taylor Swift. I’m drawn to Laufey because she incorporates many classical elements into her music, and her melodies are incredibly beautiful. As for Taylor Swift, I’ve been a fan since I was a child. Her songs always make me feel energetic and full of life.
4. HOBBIES: Outside of music, I enjoy photography and traveling. I find that capturing moments through a camera lens helps me appreciate the beauty of details, much like interpreting a piece of music. For example, film photography has a sense of nostalgia, which reminds me the music of Schumann and Schubert. Both have a warm and dreamy quality. Traveling around the world helps me to explore different cultures, in order to broaden my perspective and enrich my musical expression.
5. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS: The most important thing I’ve learned is to be meticulous from the very first step. I force myself to notice and memorize every single marking on the score right when I start learning a new piece. I constantly remind myself of these details during practice. This discipline has taught me that true musical freedom comes from a deep respect for the composer’s original intentions.