Junwen Liang grew up in Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi Province in southern China. He began studying the piano at the age of 9 and first discovered his passion for classical music.

“Although I started later than many professional pianists,” he told the Local last week, “those early years taught me the importance of curiosity, perseverance and enjoying the process of learning.”

Liang, who will be performing in concert at Ebenezer Maxwell Mansion in Germantown on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 3 p.m., won the senior division of the 10th annual Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy Piano Festival in August 2022. He earned a master’s degree at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and a doctorate in musical arts at Penn State University. For the past two years he has been teaching piano at the University of Pennsylvania, coaching chamber music and collaborating with students in the school’s Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop.

After he won the Piano Festival competition, the Triumph Music Festival invited Liang to present a recital in the Academy of Music ballroom.

“Those experiences gave me my first glimpse of Philadelphia’s remarkable musical community,” he said. “I loved the city’s artistic energy, its rich cultural history and the warmth of the people I met along the way. When the opportunity arose to join the University of Pennsylvania as an instructor and collaborator in piano, it felt like the perfect opportunity to make Philadelphia my home. Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to both perform and teach in a city that has inspired me for so many years.”

Of course, audiences only see the finished product of a classical soloist but not, as with professional athletes, all the work that went into the preparation.

“During the summer,” he told the Local, “I typically practice between three and five hours a day. Once the fall begins, I do my best to maintain at least three hours of practice each day alongside my teaching responsibilities and concert travel.”

Although Liang officially moved to Philadelphia in 2024, his connection with the city began many years earlier. As a student, he returned several times to participate in the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA) in 2018, 2019 and 2022, as well as the Triumph Music Festival. His first-place finish in the 2022 PYPA festival led to a return recital invitation, an interview with WRTI and a broadcast performance.

“I did not always want to be a classical piano soloist,” he said. “At first, I simply enjoyed playing the piano and discovering new music. As I grew older and began performing more frequently, I realized that what I loved most wasn’t simply practicing or playing difficult pieces. It was sharing music with audiences and creating meaningful experiences together. That gradually led me toward a career as a concert pianist.

“It is difficult to choose just one classical composer as my favorite because my favorites have changed throughout different stages of my life. However, Frédéric Chopin has always remained close to my heart. His music combines extraordinary beauty with emotional depth, and every time I return to it, I discover something new. I feel that I continue to grow alongside his music as both a pianist and as a person.”

One of Liang’s most memorable experiences was returning to China this past summer after several years abroad. Performing for audiences in his hometown and other cities in China while reflecting on everything he had experienced through studying, teaching and performing in the United States was very meaningful, he said.

“It reminded me,” he said, “that music has the power to connect people across cultures and that no matter where we come from, we can communicate through music in a very human way.”

Liang said the one piece of advice that has stayed with him came from his teacher, Richard Goode. “Always let the music speak before trying to impress the audience. Technique is important, but honesty, patience and sincerity are what people remember long after a performance has ended,” Liang recalled. “That philosophy continues to guide me every time I walk onto a stage.”

Building an international performing career has meant that Liang spends long periods away from his family while adapting to new countries, cultures and opportunities. There have certainly been moments of uncertainty and challenge, he said, “but those experiences have also taught me resilience, gratitude and the importance of building meaningful connections wherever I go.”

Although he is grateful to his musical mentors, Liang wanted to point out that he is particularly grateful to his parents. “They encouraged me to pursue music from a young age,” he said, “and supported me through every stage of my education, even when it required tremendous sacrifice.

“Their belief in me gave me the confidence to continue pursuing a career that has taken me around the world. I have also been deeply influenced by my teacher, Richard Goode, whose musical wisdom, humility and generosity continue to shape me as both a musician and a person.”

For more information, visit junwenliangpianist.com. Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.