Visiting concert pianist Junwen Liang will perform:

Sonata in c minor, D. 958..........Franz Schubert

Rondo for Piano (2001)..........Catherine Likhuta (b.1981)

Three Mazurkas, Op. 56..........Frederic Chopin

Jasmine Flower Fantasia (2003)..........Wanghua Chu (b.1941)

Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 in C-sharp minor, S. 244..........Franz Liszt

Celebrated as "captivating" (Stroll Magazine) and “an extremely gifted and promising young artist” (Rorianne Schrade, New York Concert Review), Chinese pianist Junwen Liang began his piano journey at nine, making his solo debut at thirteen. He has performed as a soloist with the Central Texas Philharmonic, Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra, and Ithaca College Symphonic Orchestra. His accomplishments include appearances at Carnegie Hall, the Kimmel Center, and broadcasts on WSKG and Philadelphia's WRTI Classical Radio. In the 2024-2025 season, Junwen will perform across the United States, Canada, and China.

Junwen has been invited to major festivals such as the Texas State International Piano Festival, Lunigiana International Music Festival, Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy, Orford Musique, Art of the Piano, and Aspen Music Festival. He has also secured major prizes in competitions including WPTA Spain, The American Prize, Juliusz Zarębski International Piano Competition, New York International Piano Competition, and Philadelphia International Piano Competition. Beyond solo performances, Junwen actively collaborates in professional duo and chamber projects on the East Coast and adjudicates state-level competitions in the D.C. area.

Praised for his “engaging stage presence, helpful spoken introductions to the music, and confident programming skills,” Junwen is “ready for a major career” (Michael J. Moran, In the Spotlight Inc). Currently based in Philadelphia, Junwen recently graduated from the Peabody Institute, studying under Richard Goode. His past mentors include Christopher Guzman, Roberto Plano, Edward Auer, and Charis Dimaras. Junwen teaches piano at the University of Pennsylvania and is represented worldwide by Price Attractions.

This program is in partnership with the City of Newton's Older Adult Services Department. This program is generously sponsored by the Jayne Colino Fund at the Senior Citizens Fund of Newton.

Please RSVP at 617-796-1675 or send your name, telephone number, and email address to our receptionists at seniorprograms@newtonma.gov