Krannert Center Debut Artist: Chin-Hsuan (Sharon) Cheng, piano

Chin-Hsuan (Sharon) Cheng, a Taiwanese pianist, has actively performed on many occasions around the world. In addition to giving solo recitals regularly and performing in music festivals in the United States, Poland, South Korea, and China, her recent accomplishments include a recital performance at the 2025 MTNA Collegiate Symposium, master class performance at the 2024 ISMTA Conference, and guest speaking and performance at the 2024 Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association National Conference. Competition highlights include first place at the 2025 Krannert Debut Artist competition, the runner-up of the 2022 UISO concerto competition, and first prize in the 2022 Charleston International Competition.

Ms. Cheng is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance and literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with Dr. Rochelle Sennet, and she is also the group piano graduate teaching assistant under Dr. Christos Tsitsaros’ supervision. Previously, she has been honored with academic excellence awards and graduated summa cum laude from National Taiwan Normal University. She holds a master’s degree in piano performance and literature at the U of I, where she was awarded the Reid Alexander Piano Scholarship and worked as a student blogger to share her unique experiences and perspectives on campus.

Program

Yi-Chih Lu: Longing for Spring Breeze
Johann Sebastian Bach: Capriccio on the Departure of His Most Beloved Brother, BWV 992
Maurice Ravel: Le Tombeau de Couperin

Intermission

Teresa Carreño: Corbeille des Fleurs, Op. 9
Franz Schubert: “Wanderer” Fantasie in C Major, Op. 15

The Krannert Center Debut Artist concert beautifully embodies the nature of Krannert Center as a collaborative laboratory, classroom, and public square. Together, Krannert Center and the School of Music choose by audition an outstanding student. This performer then receives a professional contract for their Debut Artist performance, working with members of Krannert Center’s staff and School of Music faculty to plan, present, promote, and document their recital. Audience members receive a special opportunity to hear a rising University of Illinois performer and to experience history in the making.

Salon-style performances offer a close connection between artists and guests as audience members sit in six rows of seats on stage with the performer. Light refreshments are served before and after the performance. Balcony tickets (without refreshments) are also available.