By Jennifer Chien and Austin
Pasadena, CA—Xiaolong (Michael) Liu, a 17-year-old pianist, demonstrated his talent and enthusiasm in a recital concert in Pasadena on May 12.
Liu started to play piano at the age of 4. His skills were later enhanced under the tutelage of Renaat Beheydt, a classical concerto pianist from Belgium, and Eduardo Delgado, a classical pianist from Argentina and professor at California State University Fullerton.
“Playing piano is out of his sheer interest and hobby,” said Zhou Ying, Liu’s mother. “He is so devoted and perseverant that he does not want to skip any opportunity to practice even when he has cold and fever.”
Liu has won numerous awards at various international competitions, including Russian Music Piano Competition, CAPMT Romantic / Impressionistic Competition, Southern California Junior Bach Festival, Russian Chopin International Piano Competition and San Jose International Piano Competition.
“Liu has a delicate personality, and a strong sense of music,” said Professor Delgado. “With his talent and efforts, he will travel far and stable in his pursuit of becoming a professional pianist.”
Liu performed Piano Sonata in f # minor Op.11 by Schumann, Moments Musicaux by Rachmaninoff, Etude Op.25 No.1 in Ab Major by Chopin, and Concerto Etude Op.28 No.4 in Bb Minor by Emo Dohnanyi.
The concert was sponsored by Lions Club of Arcadia and San Marino。After one hour’s solo performance, the president of US-Sino Cultural Communication Association, Fuxing Dong, awarded Letter of Congratulation to Xiaolong Liu in behalf of the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor, Hilda Solis. In view of the fact that during this concert, Xiaolong Liu provided his piano solo CDs to charity sale to raise funds for Los Angeles Blind Children Hospital, the president of San Marino Griffins Lions Club, Vivian Lu, also presented the Outstanding Contribution Award to Xiaolong Liu.
