JI LIU (Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London, UK)
20 November @14.00-17.00 & 18.00-20.00 in C-405
22 November @10.00-14.00 in B-309
Ji Liu is a celebrated pianist, composer, and educator whose career spans a rich blend of performance, composition, research, and pedagogy. Dr Ji Liu (BMus, MMus, DipRAM, ARAM, PhD) studied Piano Performance with Professor Christopher Elton and Composition with Professor Ruth Byrchmore at the Royal Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music (supervised by Prof. Daniel Leech-Wilkinson) from King’s College London. Dr Ji Liu is the Head of Piano and Keyboard Department at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London.
Dr. Liu’s repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary music, with special focus on Bach, Schubert, and modern composers like Philip Glass and Frederic Rzewski. His performances are known for interweaving classical and contemporary works, often to provoke thought and expand traditional concert experiences. Notable performances include his innovative pairing of Cage’s 4’33” with Bach’s Goldberg Variations at the Bristol Proms, and his Schubert Project in Shanghai.
A dedicated advocate for new music, Ji Liu has premiered significant contemporary pieces, including Ludovico Einaudi’s Domino and Philip Glass’s Complete Piano Etudes, bringing these works to new audiences globally. His concert appearances span prestigious venues worldwide, from London’s Royal Albert Hall to New York’s Carnegie Hall, and he has collaborated with leading orchestras like the Philharmonia and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
As a recording artist, Dr. Liu’s albums have achieved critical and commercial success, with his debut album Piano Reflections topping UK classical charts and earning him recognition as a breakthrough artist. His ambitious 18-hour The Book of Moments earned a Guinness World Record and exemplifies his innovative spirit. His recent project, The Richter Project, reflects his engagement with contemporary issues through music.
Dr. Liu’s work as a composer is marked by a blend of Western and minimalist styles, often reimagining existing works. His compositions have been published and performed widely, with pieces like Fantasia – Frozen Starry commissioned for philanthropic causes. As a researcher, he is deeply invested in Schubert studies, exploring unfinished works and innovative programming strategies.
Beyond performance, Dr. Liu is devoted to music education, holding a visiting professorship at Shenzhen University and leadership roles at Kent International Piano Course and Trinity Laban. His pedagogical approach combines artistic exploration with intellectual rigor, inspiring students and audiences alike. He is also recognized as a Steinway Artist and an honorary ambassador for several prestigious institutions.