A Night of Musical Brilliance at Carnegie Hall
New York, NY – November 25th – The International Association of Professional Music Teachers (IAPMT) hosted a captivating concert on Monday, November 25th, at the prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. The evening, which commenced promptly at 7:30 PM, was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Kawai America Corporation, whose commitment to musical excellence continues to enrich the performing arts.
Despite the cloudy skies, a temperature of 48°F, and a gentle 5 mph breeze, the atmosphere inside the historic venue was one of warmth and anticipation. The hall buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered for a program showcasing diverse musical talents.
The concert featured a remarkable total of 30 participants, each contributing to a rich tapestry of performances. A particular highlight of the evening was the special group performance by the Hope & Dream Chamber Choir. Their rendition of “Arirang,” a traditional Korean folk song, was described by many as heavenly, resonating deeply with the audience and adding a profound cultural dimension to the program.
The musical selections presented throughout the night spanned a wide array of composers, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the participants’ repertoires. The program included works by revered masters such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Johanns Brahms, Frédéric Chopin, Claude Debussy, George Gershwin, Franz Liszt, Maurice Ravel, and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Contemporary and classical pieces by Bernard Krol, Francois Devienne, Fritz Kreisler, Jean-Baptiste Arban, Kyuhwan Kim, Rolf Loveland, Tan Dun, and Vítězslav Novák further enriched the evening, ensuring a memorable experience for all in attendance.
The International Association of Professional Music Teachers extends its gratitude to all participants, the Hope & Dream Chamber Choir, and the Kawai America Corporation for their invaluable contributions to this successful and inspiring musical event.
Carnegie Hall Facts: Andrew Carnegie
The creation of Carnegie Hall was the embodiment of Andrew Carnegie’s profound philanthropic vision. The steel magnate, who had amassed an immense fortune, believed deeply in “The Gospel of Wealth”—his philosophy that the wealthy had a moral obligation to use their riches for the betterment of society. Carnegie, a lover of music himself, envisioned more than just a concert hall; he sought to establish a grand “Music Hall” that would serve as a democratic space for the arts, a place where all good causes, not just classical music, could find a platform. His determination to create a venue of unparalleled acoustic excellence, designed to stand “for ages,” underscored his commitment to leaving a lasting legacy that would enrich the cultural life of New York City and, by extension, the nation. It was a gift born from a desire to uplift and educate, a testament to his belief in the transformative power of art and knowledge.
Featured Performers
Aaron Zhang
Aaron’s journey of dedication, artistry, and personal growth started with a profound fascination for the piano at the age of five. In 2021, Aaron embarked on an international stage performance odyssey, consistently demonstrating his commitment and artistry. He won top honors in competitions like the American Protégé International Music Competition, the United States Open Music Competition, the Concours International de Musique de Chambre by IAPMT, and the Piano Star International Competition. His exceptional talent earned him global recognition, including three invitations to Carnegie Hall.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Aaron continually explores innovative avenues for self-expression and personal growth. He fuels his imagination with art, writing, and programming, blending creativity with logical thinking and inspiration. His deep passion for cars has also sparked curiosity about automotive design and engineering, which is just another one of his diverse passions.
Dongfang Lin
Dr. Dongfang Lin is a young pianist from China who holds two doctoral degrees from the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music in Moscow and the Gensin State Conservatory of Music. At the 145th graduation ceremony of the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, he was the sole pianist invited from the entire conservatory to lead a performance for the faculty and students.
His performances span various countries, including a successful rendition of the Liszt Piano Concerto with the Crimean State Symphony Orchestra of Russia in November 2015. During his school years, he toured as a piano soloist with the Russian Silantiev Model Symphony Orchestra in Russia, Italy, Poland, the UK, and France. In December 2016, he collaborated with conductor Sima Jiannan and the Northwest Teachers University Conservatory Orchestra to perform Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto in B-flat Minor at the Lanzhou Concert Hall to great acclaim. Since 2020, Lin Dongfang has showcased his talent in over 20 solo and repertoire performances at the Poly Theater, garnering widespread attention and admiration. In 2023, he performed Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto with the Kunming International Philharmonic Orchestra.
In 2023, he was invited to conduct a national Piano Duo Concert tour alongside famous pianist Lu Chao. The tour included performances at prestigious venues such as the Harbin Grand Theatre on June 9, Chongqing Grand Theatre on June 11, Mogao Art School Music Hall on June 15th, Fuzhou Strait Cultural and Art Center Music Hall on July 31, Zhangjiagang Jiangsu Grand Theatre on August 2, QinTai Music Hall in Wuhan on August 4, Xiangjiang Hall at the Changsha Concert Hall on August 5, Dongguan Yulan Grand Theatre on August 6, and Huizhou Cultural and Art Center Music Hall on August 7.
Additionally, as a soloist performer, he received invitations to conduct Piano Solo Concerts from 2021 to 2022. Notable performances included those at the Guangxi Cultural and Art Center on October 16, Huai'an Grand Theatre on December 28, 2021, Xiamen Jiageng Theatre on May 21, 2022, Fuzhou Strait Cultural and Art Center Music Hall on September 17, 2022, and Shanghai Poly Grand Theatre on October 22, 2022.
Furthermore, showcasing his versatility as a collaborative pianist, he was also invited to lead the National Piano Trio Concert tour from 2020 to 2021. This tour featured performances at various venues, including the Hefei Grand Theatre for the "Moving Light and Shadow, Tribute to Classics" Film Music Piano Trio Concert on December 5, 2020, Hangzhou Yuhang Grand Theatre on December 6, 2020, Lishui Grand Theatre on December 11, 2020, Fuzhou Strait Art Center on December 18, 2020, Zhuhai Grand Theatre on December 27, 2020, Dongguan Yulan Grand Theatre on January 15, 2021, QinTai Music Hall in Wuhan on January 23, 2021, and Xiamen Jiageng Theatre on January 24, 2021.
Currently serving as an associate professor at the School of Music of Northwest Normal University and a master's degree tutor, Dr. Lin's journey in music began at the age of 4 when he commenced piano lessons with Associate Professor Dr. Guo Hua at the School of Music of Northwest Normal University, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors. In 2005, he was admitted to the Middle School attached to the Xi'an Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Associate Professor Li Zhuangzhuang. Under the mentorship of Prof. Yuri Slesilev, the Russian People's Artist and pianist, Dr. Lin honed his skills during his 9 years of study in Russia, delivering over 40 successful performances at prestigious venues such as the Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, the Rachmaninoff Hall, the Miaszkowski Hall, the Moscow International House of Music, the Yamaha Center for the Arts, and the St. Petersburg Concert Hall.
Throughout his career, Dr. Lin has achieved remarkable success in international piano competitions, including winning numerous gold medals. Some notable accolades include winning the 1st Moscow State Piano Competition, the 1st International Piano Competition "Maimonides" in Moscow, the 4th International Piano Competition "St. Petersburg" in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Piano Competition of the "Fermata" Festival in Moscow. He was also the winner of the 2018 "Silk Road Piano" Ningbo International Piano Invitational Competition and secured second place in the Teachers' Group of the Northwest Region "Yangtze Piano" Higher Education Scholarship Competition. In November 2017, he was selected as a finalist in the 11th China Music Golden Bell Award.
Dr. Dongfang Lin's extraordinary talent, coupled with his dedication to music education, has cemented his reputation as a virtuoso pianist and an esteemed educator in the field of music.
Elena Miyamoto
Elena Miyamoto, a 16-year-old violinist, is a Junior at Woodbridge High School. With an impressive musical background, Elena began her musical journey with start playing piano at age of three and playing violin at the age of seven. She is currently a member of the Pacific Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Elena has been under the instructor, David Chang. to hone her violin skills, and has also been learning piano under the guidance of Hisae Baird. Her passion for music extends beyond her personal development, as Elena regularly mentors students with their violin skills and takes time to tutor math for younger students.
Elena's talent has earned her accolades in multiple competitions since 2021, cementing her position as a promising young musician with a bright future ahead. Elena and her musician colleagues in chamber music have earned awards in competitions. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to helping others make her an excellent role model for aspiring musicians everywhere.
