Liang-Yu WANG

This October, 16mag's featured artist is Taiwanese pianist Liang-Yu Wang. With her graceful touch and emotional depth, she brings a unique blend of precision and spontaneity to her performances. She has performed in a variety of venues, ranging from prestigious concert halls such as the Romanian Athenaeum and Flagey in Brussels to more unconventional settings, including a correctional facility in rural New York. Her performances have been broadcast on WFMT, PBS, Klara (Belgium), and The Violin Channel, deeply resonating with audiences and enabling them to connect with the profound narratives embedded in her music. She is celebrated for her innate musicality, attentive listening, and dynamic stage presence. She has showcased her talent at various festivals and concert series throughout North America, enchanting audiences with her artistry. Her debut album, Balabille, highlights her versatility as a musician and garnered her a nomination for the Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan.

A passionate advocate of contemporary music, Liang-Yu Wang has collaborated closely with the Belgian composer Frank Nuyts, premiering his Piano Sonata No. 19 and touring with his avant-garde ensemble, Beat Love Oracle. This collaboration has played a pivotal role in her artistic journey, enabling her to explore new musical frontiers and broaden her creative vision. She currently serves as a collaborative pianist at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, utilising her considerable knowledge and expertise to support the development of aspiring musicians. She has also been a faculty artist at the Meadowmount School of Music since 2019, working closely with some of today's most promising young string players and guiding them as they develop their artistic identities. Furthermore, she has participated in the Banff Centre Summer Programmes' 'Masterclasses for Strings & Winds' and the Eastern Music Festival, engaging with vibrant music communities shaped by outstanding performers and educators and immersing herself in a nurturing environment that inspires her love of music. Earlier in her career, she was a visiting assistant professor of music (collaborative piano/strings) at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. She has also held faculty positions at Western Illinois University and the Bard College Conservatory, serving as a collaborative piano fellow. These roles have reinforced her dedication to collaboration, mentorship and artistry, while expanding her network and influence within the music community.