Join us next Friday, November 20, at 1:30 pm for a Fran Randall Classical Concert at the Levy Senior Center! Enjoy an afternoon of beautiful classical music featuring talented young musicians: pianist Zhen Liang, pianist Xingyao (Cherry) Li, and violinist Hyeon Grace Hong, accompanied by pianist Cameron Akioka.

​

Don't miss the chance to experience performances by these accomplished young musicians! Admission is free, and registration is not required.

​​

Meet the Musicians:​

 

Zhen Liang is a pianist from Shanghai, China, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he studies with Dr. Chi-Chen Wu. He began studying piano at age four and received Gold Awards at the Shanghai Student Arts Solo Competitions in 2022 and 2024. He has presented solo piano recitals in Shanghai and has experience in chamber music and choral accompaniment. His musical interests span a broad range of repertoire, particularly works from the Classical, Romantic, and Impressionist periods.

​

Cherry Li is a classical pianist known for her expressive playing and interpretations of a wide range of repertoire. She began studying piano at age five and has received numerous awards, including First Prize in the 2023 IAPMT Concerto Competition and recognition as a finalist in the 2021 YoungArts competition. She has performed at festivals and special events in the United States and China and released an album, Xiwang de Chuntian (Hope for Spring), recorded at age six. Cherry has a particular affinity for early 20th-century repertoire, especially the works of Sergei Prokofiev. Born in Zhengzhou, China, she later moved to Los Angeles and studied at the Orange County School of the Arts before earning her bachelor's degree from the Manhattan School of Music under Alexandre Moutouzkine. She is currently pursuing her Master of Music in Piano Performance at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, where she studies with Christopher Guzman.

​

South Korean violinist Hyeon Grace Hong has performed in concert halls around the world. She made her recital debut at the Berlin Philharmonie at age 14 and has since appeared at venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Jordan Hall, Zipper Hall, and Seoul Arts Center. She has performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Bucheon Philharmonic, Sun Symphony, and Seoul National University Philharmonic. A dedicated chamber musician, Hyeon has collaborated with distinguished artists including Clive Greensmith, Wu Han, Fabio Bidini, Orion Weiss, Nina Lee, Estelle Choi, and Paul Watkins. She has also served as concertmaster of the Colburn Orchestra, New England Conservatory Philharmonic, Boston Chamber Orchestra, and Pacific Music Festival Orchestra. Hyeon earned degrees from Seoul National University, New England Conservatory, and the Colburn Conservatory and is currently pursuing her doctorate at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music with Jinjoo Cho.

​

Japanese-Korean American pianist Cameron Akioka performs and competes as both a solo and chamber musician. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Northwestern University, where she studies with James Giles, and holds master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Southern California and Rice University, respectively. This year, she received the gold medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition, first prize at Northwestern's Thaviu-Isaak Endowed Piano Competition, and won Northwestern's Concerto/Aria Competition. She has also received top prizes in the Chicago Musician's Club of Women Competition and San Jose International Piano Competition. Her performances have taken her to venues including the Théâtre du reflet in Vevey, Switzerland, Benaroya Hall in Seattle, and the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., and she has appeared as a soloist with the Downey Symphony and Peninsula Symphony. Akioka is also an active chamber musician who has participated in festivals including Tanglewood, Music Academy of the West, Taos School of Music, and Kneisel Hall. She made her Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall on November 15.​