Rising Stars: Meet Jingwen Yang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jingwen Yang, an accomplished pianist.

In January 2024, the curtains fell on the Debussy International Music Competition. Among the distinguished winners in the Professional Piano category stood the brilliant Jingwen Yang, a prodigious young musician. Not only did she secure the first prize, but she also clinched the Art of Musical Interpretation Special Prize, adding yet another illustrious feather to her cap. This accomplishment was the latest in a series of remarkable feats, including previous first-place and Excellent Technique Special Prize wins in the Georges Bizet International Music Competition and first place in the World Melodia Champions Competition.

Jingwen is born into a household passionate about music. Her mother, Qi Meng, immersed her prenatal environment in a symphony of classical melodies. Jingwen’s early years were marked by an undeniable passion for music, expressing itself through spontaneous dance and melodic humming. Under the guidance of esteemed mentors, including Piano Professor Peng Peng from Nanjing University of the Arts and Keng Zhou, the Director of the Piano Department at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Jingwen’s talent blossomed, and achieved remarkable results by securing first place in numerous piano competitions in China.

During high school, she was invited to join the Young Musician International Competition “Città di Barletta” in Italy, achieving a second place. Upon her arrival in the United States, Jingwen continued to study under the mentorship of renowned figures like second-generation disciples of legendary pianists Arthur Rubinstein, Timothy Shafer, Steinway Artist Steven Mayer, Daniel Shapiro, Jeffrey Swann, etc.

A fervent performer, Jingwen has graced stages across continents, captivating audiences in China, Europe, and the United States. The pinnacle of her success came in 2024 when she received an esteemed invitation to showcase her performance at Carnegie Hall in New York, the hallowed sanctum of classical music.

Beyond the stage, Jingwen Yang has been gradually transforming her musical passion into works, signing contracts with multiple global music platforms. She has actively been working on advancing her debut piano album. With each carefully crafted note and nuanced interpretation, she seeks to transport listeners into the soul-stirring world of her musical narrative.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the realm of classical music, performing widely beloved and well-known pieces presents a significant challenge for every classical pianist. These compositions have been performed countless times, and audiences have deeply ingrained expectations about how they should sound. One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered is striking a delicate balance between honoring the composer’s intentions and infusing my own unique interpretation and style into these compositions.

This balance requires not only exceptional technical proficiency but also a profound understanding of the music itself. It entails introspection and creativity to breathe new life into familiar compositions while respecting their core essence.

Moreover, effective communication with the audience is paramount. It’s not merely about executing the notes flawlessly but also about conveying the emotional depth and narrative of the music in a way that resonates with listeners. This demands a high level of sensitivity, empathy, and authenticity in performance.
Looking back, I wouldn’t characterize my journey as easy or smooth, but rather as fulfilling and transformative. Each challenge I faced served as an opportunity for growth and learning, ultimately shaping me into the pianist I am today.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a pianist, piano pedagogue, chamber musician, and competition judge. While my repertoire includes solo recitals and piano performances in various settings, I am equally passionate about collaborative efforts with different instruments, particularly in the exploration and promotion of lesser-known contemporary music.

In addition to these pursuits, I am deeply committed to supporting and promoting the music of underrated female composers, such as Fanny Mendelssohn and Amy Beach. Despite their remarkable talents, the contributions of female composers to music history have often been overshadowed by their male counterparts. This is largely due to societal norms that constrained women to domestic roles, rather than recognizing them as professional musicians. For a significant period, women were not supported in pursuing careers in music.

I plan to host a lecture recital dedicated to showcasing the works of female composers in the near future. By spotlighting their music and delving into their significance within the broader landscape of music history, my aim is to raise awareness and provide more individuals with the chance to truly appreciate the remarkable compositions of these extraordinary women.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In today’s fast-paced world, classical music enthusiasts face challenges in finding time to attend live concerts in traditional concert halls. However, the proliferation of smartphones and the advent of the 5G era have transformed this landscape. People now have the opportunity to indulge in their passion for music while commuting or at home. The emergence of new streaming platforms further expands this accessibility, allowing classical music to reach a more diverse global audience.

For me, embracing this shift away from traditional physical CD albums and forging partnerships with various streaming services to release electronic albums represents a promising opportunity. This approach not only adapts to changing patterns in music consumption but also enables classical music to resonate with listeners worldwide in various settings, whether they are on the move or relaxing at home. By leveraging digital platforms, I aim to enhance the accessibility and reach of classical music, ensuring its enduring relevance in the modern era.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jingwenyangpianist.wixsite.com/jingwenyang