Classical Concert by The Piatigorsky Foundation

A program featuring classical masterpieces performed by two outstanding Piatigorsky Foundation artists Keng-Yuen Tseng, violin and Chun-Ru Wei, piano

A native of Taiwan, Keng-Yuen Tseng began studying the violin at the age of five and made his performing debut at the age of seven.  Upon his arrival in the United States in 1980 Mr. Tseng was awarded a full scholarship at Manhattan School of Music, where he studied with Erick Friedman and Glenn Dicterow.  Mr. Tseng has won numerous top prizes at national and international competitions both here and abroad.  He has performed in recital and as soloist with orchestras throughout the United States, Europe, Central and South America, and the Far East, and has appeared at such venues as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and The Phillips Collection in Washington D.C., Palais des Beaux-Arts in Belgium and Theatre Des Champs-Elysees in Paris.  His 1995 performance in Beijing was televised throughout China.  A dedicated teacher, Mr. Tseng is currently Chair in Strings and faculty member at The Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.  He travels to his native Taiwan several times each year to conduct master classes, seminars, and mentor a growing list of prize-winning students.  Since the appointment of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Chair in Strings at The Peabody Institute in 2006, Mr. Tseng has been visiting Singapore annually.  In addition, Mr. Tseng also serves as the Artistic Director of Shuan Yin International Music Festival and is a recording artist under both Dynamic and SYArts label.

A native Taiwanese, pianist Chun-Ru Wei came to the United States under a full scholarship at the age of 14.  She received B.M. and M.M. degrees in Piano Performance from The Peabody Institute in 1994 and 1995 respectively.  She later received her M.A. in Arts Management from the American University in Washington D.C.  In addition to teaching and performing, Ms. Wei has served as the Assistant Orchestra Manager of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan) in 1998 and was the former Executive Director of the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra (Taiwan) from 1999~2001. 

 In an effort to showcase young talents, violinist Keng-Yuen Tseng will bring a guest student artist to join the program: violinist Ms. Mingying Zhang

Evan Drachman established The Piatigorsky Foundation in 1990 in honor of his grandfather Gregor Piatigorsky.  Piatigorsky deeply believed in the healing and inspiration power of classical music.  He once said, “Music makes life better.  Music is a necessity.  It is rich.  It is imaginative.  It is magnificent.  And it is for everyone”.  Through his sizzling artistry and charismatic personality, Piatigorsky thus enlivened his mission by performing for millions of people around the globe.  The Piatigorsky Foundation is committed to carrying on Piatigorsky’s noble aspiration by evoking cultural curiosity through educational and accessible live performances. 

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