International Association of Professional Music Teachers Winter Concert Shines at Carnegie Hall
New York, NY – January 19, 2025 – Despite a light snowfall and brisk winter conditions, the International Association of Professional Music Teachers (IAPMT) hosted a captivating winter concert on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall provided an elegant backdrop for an evening of exceptional musical talent.
The weather presented a true New York winter scene, with a light snow falling and temperatures hovering around 30∘F. A steady 13 mph wind, gusting up to 25 mph, added to the atmospheric chill, but it did little to deter the enthusiastic audience and performers.
The concert featured a diverse program showcasing the talents of 25 participants. A highlight of the evening was the special guest performance by the acclaimed violinist Junqi “Sophie” Tang. Ms. Tang delivered a powerful and nuanced rendition of Johannes Brahms’ “Scherzo in C Minor from F-A-E Sonata,” captivating the audience with her masterful technique and expressive interpretation. She was beautifully accompanied on piano by the talented Kelly Lin, whose sensitive playing provided a perfect complement to the violin.
The program also included a rich selection of works from a wide array of esteemed composers, demonstrating the breadth of musical artistry within the IAPMT. Audiences were treated to compositions by Alberto Ginastera, Alphonse Hasselmans, Antonín Dvořák, Billy Waldman, Danhong Wang, Edvard Grieg, Franz Anton Hoffmeister, Frédéric Chopin, Jason Sifford, Ludwig van Beethoven, Max Bruch, Mikhail Glinka, Nikolai Kapustin & Eryao Lin, Robert Schumann, Shuai Zhang, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Yiqun Deng, and Zhongshan Wang. Each performance contributed to a memorable evening, celebrating the dedication and artistry of professional music teachers and their students.
The International Association of Professional Music Teachers extends its gratitude to all performers, their accompanists, and the audience for making the Winter Concert at Carnegie Hall a resounding success.
Carnegie Hall Facts: Three Legendary Venues
While its grand façade and legendary main stage often capture the spotlight, Carnegie Hall is, in fact, a complex featuring three distinct performance venues, each offering a unique experience. The most renowned is the Isaac Stern Auditorium / Ronald O. Perelman Stage, the iconic main hall that seats 2,804. This five-tiered, curvilinear space is celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled acoustics, making it a dream for both performers and audiences of large-scale orchestral works, grand recitals, and renowned popular acts. Below the main hall lies Zankel Hall, a modern and versatile space that opened in 2003. With a capacity of 599, Zankel Hall boasts flexible seating configurations and state-of-the-art technology, making it ideal for contemporary classical, jazz, and world music performances, as well as educational programs. Finally, on the third floor, is the intimate Joan and Sanford I. Weill Recital Hall. Seating 268, this elegant venue evokes a classic salon, perfect for chamber music, solo recitals, and master classes, offering a more personal connection between artist and audience within the hallowed walls of Carnegie Hall.
Featured Performers
Grace Jordan Francois-Rosa
American pianist Grace Jordan is an emerging classical artist whose performances are shaped by both a deep love for the classical tradition and a thoughtful curiosity about the stories behind the music she performs.
Grace began studying piano at the age of six and has pursued advanced musical training under Mrs. Olga Corcoran. Alongside her formal studies, she has participated in numerous music festivals and masterclasses with world-class pedagogues, experiences that have further enriched her artistic development. In 2025 she performed in Vienna, Prague, and Dresden, and completed summer music studies in Cremona, Italy, a city long associated with the great traditions of European musical craftsmanship.
Grace has completed the upper levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program, earning First Class Honors and Honors with Distinction, and has also received high distinction in music theory through both the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Music Teachers’ Association of California. She has consistently earned Superior Ratings in the National Guild of Piano Teachers Auditions and has been regularly invited to perform in the National Federation of Music Clubs Honors Recital, recognizing her continued musical excellence.
Grace was awarded First Place in the Grand Concours International Piano Competition for Romantic repertoire, presented by the International Association of Professional Music Teachers (IAPMT), an honor that led to her performance at Carnegie Hall in 2025. In 2026, she earned First Place in the U.S. International Open Music Competition (Advanced Category) for both Baroque and Contemporary repertoire, along with Second Place honors in the Classical, Romantic, and Young Artist divisions.
Her repertoire spans the classical tradition from Bach and Beethoven to Chopin and Schumann, alongside modern composers such as George Gershwin. Her performances reflect a thoughtful approach to interpretation and a curiosity about the musical ideas that shape the works she studies. Particularly drawn to the historical and cultural context behind the music she performs, Grace enjoys sharing these insights through written reflections that accompany her performances.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Grace continues to develop her work as both a performer and emerging scholar. She plans to pursue future studies in piano performance and musicology, seeking to deepen her understanding of the classical tradition while sharing its beauty and meaning with audiences of all ages.
