American Voices in Classical Piano, with Junwen Liang

We're thrilled to welcome Philadelphia-based pianist Junwen Liang to the Pink Parlor! A student of the eminent Richard Goode and on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania, Junwen will perform an all-American program of Florence Price, Amy Beach, Tan Dun and more. Don't miss this rare Chicago appearance.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

Described by Richard Goode as “a very gifted pianist and a musician of great sensitivity,” Chinese pianist Junwen Liang has earned recognition for performances of poetic refinement and intellectual depth. Stroll Magazine praised his “captivating” artistry, while New York Concert Review described him as “an extremely gifted and promising young artist.” The American Prize commended his playing as “subtle, refined, and beautifully executed,” and In the Spotlight affirmed that he is “ready for a major career.”

Junwen has appeared as soloist with the Central Texas Philharmonic, Penn State Philharmonic, and Ithaca College Symphony Orchestra, with performances broadcast on WRTI Classical, WSKG, and KPR Public Radio. Equally accomplished in chamber music, he was named Outstanding Collaborative Pianist at the Peabody Institute and received the Clara Ascherfeld Award in Accompanying. He was subsequently invited, alongside fellow Peabody musicians, to appear at Carnegie Hall's Master Class Series in collaboration with Ludwig Quandt, principal cellist of the Berliner Philharmoniker. In 2024, he also participated in the Puccini Concert Project at NYU Casa Italiana, presented in partnership with the Festival Puccini Torre del Lago.

Since 2023, Junwen has established himself as a distinctive recital artist, presenting more than fifty performances across North America and China over the past two seasons. He has appeared in prominent series including the Arts Club of Washington, the Sunday Recital Series at Saint Thomas Church (New York), Trinity Concert Series, Sevenars Music Festival, Fripp Island Friends of Music, Saugerties Pro Musica, Chamber On The Mountain, and Boston Court Pasadena, alongside recital tours and university residencies throughout the United States and China. Recent engagements have also taken him to Canada, where he made his debut with the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, while his 2026 China tour included recital and masterclass appearances at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, as well as performances in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Nanning.

His debut EP, Colombine, featuring works by Amy Beach and Florence Price, was released in June 2026 through the California-based Manus imprint and is available on major digital streaming platforms worldwide. He is currently preparing his debut full-length album with Sheva Collection in collaboration with Naxos of America, Inc.

A graduate of the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he studied with Richard Goode, Junwen is based in Philadelphia and teaches piano and chamber music at the University of Pennsylvania. He is represented worldwide by Price Attractions.

What's the music?

Junwen Liang (he/him)