Interlochen deepens connection with acclaimed pianist Lang Lang through summer piano intensive
Supported by the generosity of the US-China Cultural Foundation, 15 pianists from the Lang Lang Young Scholars program visited Interlochen for a special one-week intensive focused on citizen artistry.
The Lang Lang Young Scholars pose in front of Interlochen’s Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall before their end-of-session concert.
Earlier this summer, 15 exceptional emerging pianists visited Interlochen Arts Camp for a special one-week intensive thanks to a generous grant from the US-China Cultural Foundation.
Formally titled the Interlochen - Lang Lang International Music Foundation Piano Intensive - Becoming A Citizen Artist, the June 14-20 program enabled musicians from the Lang Lang Young Scholars Program to learn about audience engagement and perform a series of public concerts under the guidance of Interlochen’s renowned piano faculty.
Interlochen Trustee Doug Hsieh and his brothers—who are members of the US-China Cultural Foundation’s Board—were inspired to support the intensive because of its alignment with Interlochen’s values.
“This program is an example of Interlochen’s role as a leader in creative youth development and reflects Interlochen’s mission of promoting world friendship through the universal language of the arts,” Hsieh said.
The intensive also exemplifies the philanthropic priorities of Hsieh’s late mother, Shirley Young. A businesswoman, cultural diplomat, and Interlochen Center for the Arts Emeritus Trustee, Young was dedicated to nurturing the talent of artists with particular promise.
“There’s not a better place to do so than at Interlochen with a program like this,” Hsieh said.
The intensive deepens the relationship between Interlochen and globally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang, who will make his Interlochen debut on Saturday, Aug. 2 with a performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra. The performance is the inaugural event in the Shirley Young Distinguished Artist Series, which is named in Young’s honor and is also supported by the US-China Cultural Foundation.
Beyond his role as one of the world’s most sought-after piano soloists, Lang Lang is also a passionate educator and philanthropist. He inspires the next generation of musicians and music lovers through the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF). The Lang Lang Young Scholars Program—a multi-year mentoring program for pianists under the age of 18—has been a cornerstone of the foundation’s initiatives since its launch in 2008. The current class of scholars includes pianists from the United Kingdom, China, Canada, and several U.S. states.
“This intensive was not only a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation—which is doing tremendous work in increasing access to music education and fostering cultural exchange—but also to instill the values of citizen artistry in these remarkable pianists and to share their gifts with our neighbors in northern Michigan,” said Interlochen Provost Camille Colatosti.
During the intensive, students attended private lessons, master classes, and recitals by Interlochen’s faculty. Instructors included Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Dean Charles H. Webb Chair in Music Norman Krieger; Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Associate Professor of Piano Dr. Spencer Myer; and Interlochen Arts Academy Instructor of Piano Chrisopher Goodpasture. Interlochen Marjorie Wood Drackett Piano Chair Dr. Kara Huber served as the artistic director for the intensive.
“Working with the Lang Lang Young Scholars at Interlochen was truly inspiring,” Huber said. “These young pianists are not only extraordinarily talented, but also incredibly bright and engaged artists. What struck me most was witnessing their growth throughout the week as they prepared for their recitals. In our private lessons, I found myself learning as much from them as they were from me—there's something magical about working with young people who are already operating at the highest levels of their craft.”
Students also worked with Interlochen Public Radio Music Director Dr. Amanda Sewell to learn how to prepare for and present an interview, then put their skills into practice by recording segments for the Interlochen Public Radio program Intermezzo with host Christy L’Esperance. Interlochen Director of Music Production & Engineering Marc Lacuesta led a session on the skills needed to work with a studio engineer and collaborated with students to produce professional-quality studio recordings.
Throughout the intensive, students presented performances at venues across northern Michigan in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio. In addition to formal concerts at the Oliver Arts Center, Music House Museum, and Kawai Piano Gallery, students performed at a block party in Traverse City’s new 8th Street Social District. The intensive concluded with a recital at Interlochen’s Dendrinos Chapel and Recital Hall.
“The piano party we threw in Traverse City was something unique Interlochen could create with the talented artists who came here and IPR's constant efforts to make classical music part of public life in our region,” said Peter Payette, Executive Director of Interlochen Public Radio.
“One of our key focuses was helping these students develop their skills in speaking and engaging with audiences, and it was wonderful to see them apply this during their outreach concerts,” Huber said. “They brought such enthusiasm and connection to their performances, reminding me why I'm so passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians. These students weren't just technically excellent—they were genuine artists who understood that music is about communication and connection.”
As the students of Interlochen Arts Camp prepare to take the stage with Lang Lang this weekend, Colatosti is optimistic that this summer’s events are just the beginning of a mutually beneficial relationship with the acclaimed pianist and his foundation.
“I hope that the success of this intensive will pave the way for future collaborations with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, enabling our organizations to expand our reach and amplify our impact on students and audiences across the globe,” she said.
Want to learn how you can support life-changing initiatives like this intensive? Contact the Office of Philanthropy at philanthropy@interlochen.org or 231.276.7623.
