A Night of Musical Brilliance at Esterhazy Palace
Eisenstadt, Austria – June 14th, 2025 – The historic Haydn Hall at Esterhazy Palace once again resonated with the sublime sounds of classical music on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. The International Association of Professional Music Teachers (IAPMT) proudly presented an evening concert that showcased exceptional talent, drawing an appreciative audience to the opulent venue. The weather for the evening was fair, a pleasant 79∘F with a gentle 3 mph breeze, setting a perfect backdrop for the musical event.
A total of nine distinguished participants graced the stage, each delivering captivating concerto performances. Accompanied by a full orchestra, the rich and vibrant sounds filled the Haydn Hall, its wide acoustics providing a lush and immersive auditory experience that enveloped every listener.
Among the evening’s many highlights, Dongfang Lin’s virtuosic rendition of the 1st movement from Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 stood out as a truly remarkable moment. Lin’s command of the demanding piece was nothing short of breathtaking, a performance so compelling that it visibly captivated even the seasoned members of the accompanying orchestra.
The diverse program featured a rich tapestry of musical selections from some of the most revered composers in history. In addition to Tchaikovsky, the audience was treated to works by Chengzong Yin, Giuseppe Verdi, Ludwig van Beethoven, Max Bruch, Richard Addinsell, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ensuring a varied and memorable concert experience for all in attendance.
The IAPMT’s concert at Esterhazy Palace was a resounding success, a testament to the dedication of its professional music teachers and the enduring power of classical music.
Esterházy Palace Facts: The Esterházy Legacy
The Esterházy family’s acquisition of the palace in Eisenstadt in 1622 marked a pivotal moment in its history, transforming it from a medieval fortress into a magnificent Baroque residence. While initially obtained through political exchange, the family’s formal purchase in 1649 by Ladislaus Esterházy solidified their long-term ownership. For over three centuries, the palace served as the principal residence and administrative hub for this immensely wealthy and influential Hungarian noble family, who were staunch supporters of the Habsburg monarchy.
Under the Esterházys, particularly Paul I, 1st Prince Esterházy of Galántha in the mid-17th century, the medieval castle underwent extensive renovations, becoming the grand Baroque palace largely seen today. Later, Prince Nikolaus II (early 19th century) introduced Neoclassical elements, demonstrating the family’s continuous commitment to architectural grandeur and their adapting tastes. The Esterházys were also renowned patrons of the arts, most famously employing Joseph Haydn as their Kapellmeister for nearly four decades. This patronage cemented the palace’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse, particularly with the creation of the exquisite Haydnsaal, a testament to their dedication to music and lavish entertainment.
While the Esterházy family’s direct ownership in the traditional sense ended with the sweeping changes of the 20th century, their legacy is actively preserved. Today, the palace is managed by the Esterházy Foundation, established by Princess Melinda Esterházy (1920–2014), the wife of Paul V. Esterházy, the last reigning prince. This foundation ensures the preservation and cultural use of the palace and other family properties, safeguarding their historical and artistic significance for future generations and maintaining a tangible link to the family’s illustrious past.
Featured Performers
Bella Dang
Bella Dang resides in Orange County, California with her parents, her father a healthcare provider and her mother a professional entertainer. She is a 16-year-old junior at Mater Dei High School beginning her journey to achieve her aspiration as a lawyer. She loves to swim, surf, dance, volleyball and playing the piano. She excels with all these activities especially with the piano performing.
She started learning to play the piano at the age of 4 and with the guidance/teaching of her wonderful teacher, Ms. Molly Nguyen, Bella has reached the point in honor of receiving the prestigious invitation from the IAPMT (International Association of Professional Music Teachers) to perform at the renowned Carnegie Hall in January of 2024, where she performed one of Liszt’s sentimental pieces, Un Sospiro. This is one of her many accomplishments she has accumulated through her decade-journey piano performances.
In 2018, after receiving the valuable award as the Exceptional Young Talent sponsored by The Virtuoso International Music Competition, Bella was invited to perform at Musikverein Glaserner Saal Auditorirum in Vienna in June 2018.
In 2019, at the age of 10, she achieved 1st place in the Young Musicians Concerto Competition and was honored to be selected to perform with the Orchestra Collective of Orange County under the baton of Dr. David Rentz. Also, in the same year, she was invited to perform in the Carnegie Hall, New York after her winning in the Golden Classical Music Awards International Music Competition.
In 2022, Bella was invited to Italy performed alongside the Recanati City Orchestra led by the conductor Lorenzo Di Bella. It took place at the City Hall with the attendance of all city officials.
Furthermore, she is enjoying to create beautiful memories with her pianist-peers in chamber music and her team has won multiple valuable awards nationally and internationally throughout the years.
Another one of her accolades is appearing several times on Vietnamese local television playing the piano for her mom to sing.
Bella really enjoys attending these honorable performances since she gets to meet other talented friends and learn from many esteemed music professionals. She has learnt to be more focused and display self-confidence. Her goal is to have the opportunity to travel the world. She will continue to sharpen her skills while continue her education and become an outstanding individual.
Cayden Croswhite
Cayden Croswhite is a 6 th grader attending Valley Christian Schools in San Jose, California. He started learning piano when he was 5 years old and currently studies with Dr. Yu-Chi Tai. At age 7, Cayden won 1 st Prize and Outstanding Gold Medalist at U.S. Open Music Competition. Since then, he has participated and won top prizes in many competitions including MTAC Piano Concerto Competition, CAPMT Honors
Competition, CAPMT Contemporary Competition, CAPMT Concerto Competition, and USIMC. In 2024, he won First Place at the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition and gave his debut performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
Cayden has been honored to participate in master classes from renowned pianists including Ian Hobson, Meng-Chieh Liu, Antonio Pompa-Baldi, Victor Rosenbaum, Jean-David Coen, Vyacheslav Gryaznov, Sandra Wright Shen, Joachim Reinhuber, Yu-Jane Yang, and Ratko Delorko. Meanwhile, he loves playing chamber music and has been selected to perform at music festivals such as C’est Bon Chamber Music Festival, Peng Piano Academy, and Oclef Contemporary Music Festival. He is a member of Valley Christian Junior Conservatory Chamber Ensemble.
In addition to piano, he has been learning violin for three years and is part of Valley Christian Middle School Orchestra. Apart from music, Cayden is a competitive swimmer, having participated in Age Group Championships and Far Western Championships multiple times. Cayden aims to achieve excellence as an athlete in the future.
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.
Melody Hou
Yu (Melody) Hou
Young Pianist living in the United States. Yale University PHD, Harvard University MBA , Azusa Pacific University MA and AC, Founder of “fingertips of China international music competiton. Teaching Certificate of ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and MTAC (The Music Teachers’ Association of California); Yu (Melody) Hou began playing the piano from the age of four, Her teachers included professor Dr. Yunjie Chen, one of the most outstanding contemporary pianists, from the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, Professor Денис Владимирович Чефанов from the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and Dr. Joel Clifft from Azusa Pacific University, Dr. Eugene Alcalay from The Cirtus Institue of Music and The Julliard School. Yu(Melody) Hou received a full scholarship while pursuing her piano performance degree in the United States. She got the master degree from Northwest Normal University and Azusa PacificUniversity USA, PHD from Yale School of Music, and MBA from Harvard University. She used be an instructor from Tsinghua University, Yale University and University of Nevada, USA. She also works for some famous international competition, such as Chopin Youth International competition in Macao, IAPMT international competition and Liszt International competition. She was invited to be an instructor of some famous music festival, such as Golden State International Chamber Music Festival. Her performance career has taken her to three continents and such famous places like the Great Hall of People in China, Carnegie Hall in New York City, Spoleto Concert Hall in Italy, and other world-renowned concert halls. Pianist Dr. Eugene Alcalay from Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard School emphasized “her performing is full of imagination, color, temperament, beautiful line and extraordinary qualities.” During the period of study, she has participated and received numerous awards in many well-known competitions both in her home country and abroad. These include the American Liszt International piano competition, the Hong kong international piano competition, and the Italian international piano competition. She has received praise from domestic and foreign judges from these competitions, and was invited to play in competition ceremony as the winner. During her studying career in the United States, she was invited several times to participate in international music festivals and master classes without auditioning. As a professional piano instructor, she devoted all her passion to the students. Furthermore, both the domestic and foreign students have made outstanding achievements in competitions and she has won the fame of being an excellent instructor. As a music education scholar, she has published music articles in some of the most influential music publications in China, such as “Literary Life”, “music time.”
Pietà Baca
Pietà Myka Baca, 9, is from Laguna Niguel, CA. She sings in 5 languages. At 6 she was awarded 1st in Classical Vocal Repertoire for MACOC. To date, she's First or higher in over 80 competitions. Annual Champion Vocalist for the European Music Grand Prix 2023 and 2024. 2023, 2024 & 2025 First in live Classical for the Concordia Music Competition, and 1st in the Musical Theatre Repertoire, 2024. First for the International Grande Music Competition, Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, Grand Prize Virtuoso IMC, and LYM of the Year 2024 - Annual Outstanding Vocalist Special Award Winner and 2025 Vocalist of the Year. IYMC First with Honors for Classical Solo. First 2023 and 2024 for the U.S Grand Concours International. Commissioned for Own Your Worth in Las Vegas, performing for 3000 attendees. Performances at Carnegie Hall, Disney Concert Hall, Solitar Mozarteum, Salzburg, Petit Palau, Barcelona. World Online Music Competitions Organization distinguished 2024 WOMCO Supreme Musician title with 152 Category Firsts and 2nd overall world musician at age 8! This is her premiere with an orchestra.
