Matthew Kraemer, Conductor
Zhu Wang, Piano
About the Performance
As the nation marks 250 years of history, the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra opens its season with a program that celebrates the sound of America itself. From the soaring optimism of John Williams' Liberty Fanfare to the enduring words of Abraham Lincoln in Copland's Lincoln Portrait, this concert reflects the ideals, struggles, and aspirations that have shaped a nation.The evening features internationally acclaimed pianist Zhu Wang, Gold Medalist of the 2024 New Orleans International Piano Competition, performing Gershwin's iconic Rhapsody in Blue, a work that captures the energy, ambition, and unmistakable character of American music. Joined by selections from Porgy and Bess , Bernstein's vivacious West Side Story, and Copland's beloved Rodeo, this season-opening performance is both a celebration of America's past and a tribute to the power of music to unite us moving forward.
About the Artist
Praised as “especially impressive” and “a thoughtful, sensitive performer” who “balanced lyrical warmth and crisp clarity”(Tommasini–The New York Times), Chinese pianist Zhu Wang has won the 71st Maria Canals International Piano Competition of Barcelona, receiving the Fundació Occident Prize in March 2026. He was awarded First Prize in the 2020 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Gold Medalist at 2024 New Orleans International Piano Competition. Zhu was one of the finalists in the 2019 Clara Haskil International Piano Competition, and the prize of Audience Favorite during the Opening Play-off and Female Composer Prize of 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The world-renowned pianist Fou Ts’ong recognized Zhu as an “excellent pianist with a natural sense of harmony and imagination,” whose sensitive and engaging performances exhibit a remarkable depth of musicianship and poise.
Recent performances include appearing as soloist with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium, Columbus, Kansas City, Spokane, Memphis, and Richmond Symphony Orchestras, and solo recital for Hilton Head International Piano Competition. And highlights of the upcoming season include Grieg Piano Concerto with Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Matthew Kraemer. Solo recital for Broman Concert Series and Tuesday Matinee at Kaufman Music Center, chamber music concert at Big Arts in Sanibel Island, Concerts International Chesapeake Music Festival, and concert tour in Europe and North America with violinist Randall Goosby in the spring of 2026.
Celebrated for his “technical mastery and deep sense of lyricism,” (The Durango Herald), Zhu has appeared in recital at Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, Southampton Rising Stars, Music at Dumbarton Oaks, The Morgan Library & Museum, Hayden’s Ferry Chamber Music Series, Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Salon de Virtuosi, and Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, which made The New York Times’ “Best of Classical Music 2021” list.
An avid chamber musician, Zhu has appeared on series such as Chamber Music Detroit, Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, Vancouver Recital Society, La Jolla Music Society, Stanford Live, Hamilton College, Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Howland Chamber Music Series, Chesapeake Music, Clarion Concerts, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Zhu is an alum of Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School, Bravo! Vail, Caramoor’s Evnin Rising Stars, Music@Menlo International Program, and he regularly appears in chamber music recitals with violinist Randall Goosby.
A native of Hunan Province, China, Zhu started learning piano at the age of five following his grandfather’s love of music. Zhu is a graduate of Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School and received Gina Bachauer Scholarship, Mieczyslaw Munz Scholarship, and Mehlin Prize. His mentors are Robert McDonald, Mikhail Voskerensky, Emanuel Ax, Angela Hewitt and Zhe Tang. He gratefully acknowledges the support of the Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts. Zhu currently lives in New York City with his wife Chloe and their beloved three cats, Chaz, Tùzi and Juzí.