In partnership with the Naumburg Foundation, SFCM presents the winner of the Naumburg Foundation's 2023 International Piano Competition, Yang (Jack) Gao. As part of the recital program, Yang Gao will also perform with students from SFCM's Chamber Music program.

This West Coast Debut recital is generously underwritten by Mr. Sin-Tung Chiu, in honor of his parents Bella and P.P. Chiu.

Program

Franz Liszt: Transcendental étude
     1. Preludio
     8. Wilde Jagd

Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E Minor, Op. 90
    ​​I. Mit Lebhaftigkeit und durchaus mit Empfindung und Ausdruck
    II. Nicht zu geschwind und sehr singbar vorgetragen

Liszt: Transcendental étude
     11. Harmonies du Soir

Béla Bartók: Piano Sonata, Sz. 80
    I. Allegro moderato
    II. Sostenuto e pesante
    III. Allegro molto

-Intermission-

Liszt: Transcendental étude 
     3. Paysage
     12. Chasse-neige
     5. Feux Follets

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 12 in A Major, K. 414
    I. Allegro
    II. Andante
    III. Rondeau. Allegretto
Yip-Wai Chow and Sammi Chan, violins
Isabel Tannenbaum, viola
Ayoun Alexandra Kim, cello
Soren Davick, bass

Artists

Yang Gao, piano

About the Walter W. Naumburg Foundation

The Walter W. Naumburg Foundation continues in the pursuit of ideals set out by Walter Naumburg. His desire to assist the young gifted musician in America has made possible a long-standing program of competitions and awards in solo and chamber music performance, composer recordings, conducting and commissions.

It was Mr. Naumburg's firm belief that such competitions were not only for the benefit of new stars, but very much for those talented young artists who would become prime movers in the development of the highest standards of musical excellence throughout America.

About the Chiu Family

The Chiu Family met Robert Mann and the Juilliard String Quartet in 1961 in Hong Kong during their maiden tour to the Far East. Robert and P. P. and Bella bonded immediately and this loving friendship lasted throughout their lives.

The Naumburg Foundation teamed up with the Chiu Family and Ruth Felt of San Francisco Performances to sponsor the first annual winner’s Debut recital in 1998 in San Francisco. It is gratifying to be part of the new collaboration between the Naumburg Foundation and SFCM.

On a personal note, Sin-Tung Chiu is forever grateful to Robert Mann for having been his mentor, coach and friend at The Juilliard School.