RSVP FORM
The Li Jian - Hai-Ye Ni - Siqing Lu
Piano Trio
at
CARNEGIE HALL
Zankel Hall
November 23, 2025
at 3 PM
881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Piano Trio
at
CARNEGIE HALL
Zankel Hall
November 23, 2025
at 3 PM
881 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Please RSVP by November 10, 2025
Presented at Carnegie Hall by US-China Cultural Foundation and Gong Family Foundation
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3 PM
Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall
The Li Jian - Hai-Ye Ni - Siqing Lu Piano Trio
An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 3 PM
Judy and Arthur Zankel Hall
The Li Jian - Hai-Ye Ni - Siqing Lu Piano Trio
An Afternoon of Cultural Splendor
L. van Beethoven - Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat Major, Op. 97 "Archduke"
INTERMISSION
F. Schubert - Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 100, D.929
INTERMISSION
F. Schubert - Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 100, D.929
Li Jian is a distinguished pianist and conductor, celebrated for his profound artistry and extensive contributions to the world of classical music. As Vice President of the Piano Society of the Chinese Musicians Association, and Artistic Director of the "Spaceless Chamber Series," his influence spans continents and generations.
Born into a musical family ni Shanghai, Li Jian's journey began at age five with piano lessons from Hong Teng and violin instruction from his mother, renowned violinist Yu Lina. His exceptional talent was evident early on, and he continued his piano studies under Hong Teng at the middle school of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
At just 16, Li Jian became the youngest competitor and Grand Prize Winner at the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris. This accolade earned him a scholarship from the French government and the Samson François Foundation to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris under Pierre Sancan. His musical talent." Adocumentary featuring Li Jian and violinist Cho-Liang Lin was awarded Documentary of the Year in Japan in 1983.
Li Jian further honed his skills at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with the legendary Mieczyslaw Horszowski, who hailed him as "a solo performer facing a brilliant career." Rudolf Serkin also lauded his "brilliant virtuosity and complete control of the instrument." In 1987, he toured the United States with the China National Symphony Orchestra, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The New York Times highlighted his performance of Ravel's Concerto ni G as a" fascinating meeting of East and West," noting the unique beauty of his interpretation.
Li Jian has performed as a soloist with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Radio Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre national de France, and the Atlanta Symphony, among others. His recitals have graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Musikverein ni Vienna, and Suntory Hal ni Tokyo. In 1989, he became the first musician from Mainland China to perform in Taiwan, a landmark event that captured national attention.
An avid chamber musician, Li Jian has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Cho-Liang Lin, and Anne Akiko Meyers. He has also organized the "Private Chamber Music Salons" ni Shanghai and the public "Spaceless Chamber Series" at Shanghai New Union Church, both of which have received high praise.
As a conductor, Li Jian served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Hunan Symphony Orchestra from 2002 to 2008 and was Associate Conductor of the New Jersey State Opera from 1999 to 2002. His repertoire includes works such as Aida, Madame Butterfly, and Pagliacci. He has conducted orchestras worldwide, including the Orchestra of St. Luke's ni New York and the Romanian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, he toured China with Chœur & Orchestre Sorbonne Université de Paris, conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
Li Jian's dedication to education is equally impressive. He served on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music and was Director and Professor of the Piano Department at Shanghai Conservatory of Music from 2009 to 2018. As a jury member for several prestigious international piano competitions, he continues to shape the next generation of pianists. Since 2019, he has been the Distinguished Professor at Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, where he embarked on a tour of Beethoven's Thirty-Two Piano Sonatas across China.
Li Jian has recorded extensively for labels such as EMI and BMG, with future plans ot release albums featuring Beethoven's sonatas and French Impressionist works.
On November 4 and 5, 2024, Li Jian joined the legendary Martha Argerich, one of the greatest pianists of all time, in a remarkable concert series at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. Together, they performed works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Saint-Saëns, creating an unforgettable celebration of classical music.
Hai-Ye Ni is an internationally acclaimed cellist, known for her fluid technique, expressive artistry, and brilliant tone. She has enjoyed a distinguished career as the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and as a sought-after soloist and chamber musician.
Renowned for her soulful and superbly focused sound, Ms. Ni has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre National de Paris, Finnish Radio Symphony, and the Shanghai and China Philharmonic Orchestras. She has graced renowned recital venues such as Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Gardner Museum.
A passionate chamber musician, Ms. Ni has collaborated with artists such as Jean- Yves Thibaudet, Lang Lang, Yefim Bronfman, Joshua Bell and Gil Shaham. She has also performed at prestigious festivals,
including Marlboro, Ravinia, Aspen, Santa Fe, Kuhmo, and the Pablo Casals Festival. In 2009, she joined Lang Lang in a trio performance at Carnegie Hall for Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture.
Her concerto appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra have included Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Beethoven's works, as well as Tan Dun's The Map Concerto for Cello, Video, and Orchestra. She also led an All-Baroque concertos program as both soloist and conductor.
As a recording artist, Ms. Ni's 1998 solo CD on Naxos was named CD of the Week by Classic FM London. She has recorded Spirit of Chimes with violinist Cho-Liang Lin and pianist Helen Huang, featuring chamber music by Zhou Long, and was featured on the Philadelphia Orchestra's 2008
Shostakovich recording with Christoph Eschenbach.
Beyond performing, Ms. Ni is a dedicated educator, having served as a jury member for the V Paulo International Cello Competition in Finland and taught masterclasses at the Curtis Institute, Manhattan School of Music, Shanghai Conservatory, and Central Conservatory in Beijing. She was a faculty member at Rutgers University and a visiting professor at the Shanghai Conservatory.
Ms. Ni gained international recognition in 1990 when she won first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition, making her acclaimed debut at Alice Tully Hall the following year. She went on to win major awards, including a 2001 Avery Fisher Career Grant, first prize at the International Paulo Cello Competition, and honors at the Rostropovich and Tchaikovsky Competitions.
Born in Shanghai, Ms. Ni began her cello studies with her mother and at the Shanghai Conservatory before continuing with Irene Sharp at the San Francisco Conservatory, Joel Krosnick at The Juilliard School, and William Pleeth in London. She was associate principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic from 1999 to 2006 before joining the Philadelphia Orchestra as principal cellist.
Hai-Ye Ni's extraordinary musicianship continues to inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying her place among the most accomplished cellists of her generation.
Siqing Lu is an internationally acclaimed violinist, celebrated for his breathtaking performances and profound artistry. He is the President of the Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, Artistic Director of the May Music Festival at China's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), and Lifetime Artistic Ambassador of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. As the first Asian violinist to win the Gold Medal at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, Lu is recognized as one of the most distinguished and active Chinese violinists today.
Praised by The Strad as "an outstanding talent," Lu has performed in over 40 countries, captivating audiences at iconic venues worldwide.
His performances have graced the Musikverein Golden Hall in Vienna, Lincoln Center in New York, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Barbican Hall in London, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Seoul Arts Center, Sheikh Zayed Palace Auditorium, and NCPA Beijing, among many others.
Lu regularly collaborates with leading conductors and musicians and has served as a jury member for prestigious competitions, including the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition and the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition. In 2016, he founded the Lu Siqing-Shenzhen Futian International Strings Festival, bringing together world-class string musicians and educators. The festival has become a premier cultural event in Shenzhen, reinforcing Lu's dedication to musical excellence and education.
With over 20 solo albums, Lu has recorded for renowned labels such as Philips, Naxos, Marco Polo, ABC Classics, BIS, and NCPA Classics. His five recordings of the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto have sold millions of copies, widely regarded as the definitive interpretations of this beloved masterpiece.
Lu has been honored with numerous accolades, including an Honorary Certificate from the U.S. House of Representatives, the Outstanding Asian Artistic Achievement Award from New Jersey, and multiple honorary certificates from the California State Senate and Assembly. He received the Montblanc Outstanding Artist Award and was named one of 100 Young Figures Influencing 21st-Century China by China Youth magazine. Additionally, September 16, 2006, was declared Siqing Lu Day in Millbrae, California.
Born in Qingdao, China, in 1969, Lu began playing the violin at age four. At eight, he became the youngest student in the history of the Central Conservatory of Music Attached Primary School, studying with Professor Wang Zhenshan. At 11, he was selected by the legendary Yehudi Menuhin to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK. He later continued his studies at The Juilliard School under the guidance of Dorothy DeLay and Hyo Kang. In addition to his Paganini Gold Medal, Lu has won numerous international awards in Beijing, the UK, and the U.S.
Siqing Lu performs on the ex-Ricci Guarneri del Gesù violin, crafted in 1734 by the renowned Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri. His exceptional musicianship continues to inspire audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the foremost violinists of his generation.
Born into a musical family ni Shanghai, Li Jian's journey began at age five with piano lessons from Hong Teng and violin instruction from his mother, renowned violinist Yu Lina. His exceptional talent was evident early on, and he continued his piano studies under Hong Teng at the middle school of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
At just 16, Li Jian became the youngest competitor and Grand Prize Winner at the Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud International Piano Competition in Paris. This accolade earned him a scholarship from the French government and the Samson François Foundation to study at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris under Pierre Sancan. His musical talent." Adocumentary featuring Li Jian and violinist Cho-Liang Lin was awarded Documentary of the Year in Japan in 1983.
Li Jian further honed his skills at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with the legendary Mieczyslaw Horszowski, who hailed him as "a solo performer facing a brilliant career." Rudolf Serkin also lauded his "brilliant virtuosity and complete control of the instrument." In 1987, he toured the United States with the China National Symphony Orchestra, earning acclaim from audiences and critics alike. The New York Times highlighted his performance of Ravel's Concerto ni G as a" fascinating meeting of East and West," noting the unique beauty of his interpretation.
Li Jian has performed as a soloist with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Radio Symphony, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestre national de France, and the Atlanta Symphony, among others. His recitals have graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Musikverein ni Vienna, and Suntory Hal ni Tokyo. In 1989, he became the first musician from Mainland China to perform in Taiwan, a landmark event that captured national attention.
An avid chamber musician, Li Jian has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Yo-Yo Ma, Cho-Liang Lin, and Anne Akiko Meyers. He has also organized the "Private Chamber Music Salons" ni Shanghai and the public "Spaceless Chamber Series" at Shanghai New Union Church, both of which have received high praise.
As a conductor, Li Jian served as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Hunan Symphony Orchestra from 2002 to 2008 and was Associate Conductor of the New Jersey State Opera from 1999 to 2002. His repertoire includes works such as Aida, Madame Butterfly, and Pagliacci. He has conducted orchestras worldwide, including the Orchestra of St. Luke's ni New York and the Romanian Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, he toured China with Chœur & Orchestre Sorbonne Université de Paris, conducting Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.
Li Jian's dedication to education is equally impressive. He served on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music and was Director and Professor of the Piano Department at Shanghai Conservatory of Music from 2009 to 2018. As a jury member for several prestigious international piano competitions, he continues to shape the next generation of pianists. Since 2019, he has been the Distinguished Professor at Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts, where he embarked on a tour of Beethoven's Thirty-Two Piano Sonatas across China.
Li Jian has recorded extensively for labels such as EMI and BMG, with future plans ot release albums featuring Beethoven's sonatas and French Impressionist works.
On November 4 and 5, 2024, Li Jian joined the legendary Martha Argerich, one of the greatest pianists of all time, in a remarkable concert series at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center. Together, they performed works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Shostakovich, Debussy, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Saint-Saëns, creating an unforgettable celebration of classical music.
Hai-Ye Ni is an internationally acclaimed cellist, known for her fluid technique, expressive artistry, and brilliant tone. She has enjoyed a distinguished career as the principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra and as a sought-after soloist and chamber musician.
Renowned for her soulful and superbly focused sound, Ms. Ni has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony, New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, Orchestre National de Paris, Finnish Radio Symphony, and the Shanghai and China Philharmonic Orchestras. She has graced renowned recital venues such as Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Gardner Museum.
A passionate chamber musician, Ms. Ni has collaborated with artists such as Jean- Yves Thibaudet, Lang Lang, Yefim Bronfman, Joshua Bell and Gil Shaham. She has also performed at prestigious festivals,
including Marlboro, Ravinia, Aspen, Santa Fe, Kuhmo, and the Pablo Casals Festival. In 2009, she joined Lang Lang in a trio performance at Carnegie Hall for Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture.
Her concerto appearances with the Philadelphia Orchestra have included Saint-Saëns, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Beethoven's works, as well as Tan Dun's The Map Concerto for Cello, Video, and Orchestra. She also led an All-Baroque concertos program as both soloist and conductor.
As a recording artist, Ms. Ni's 1998 solo CD on Naxos was named CD of the Week by Classic FM London. She has recorded Spirit of Chimes with violinist Cho-Liang Lin and pianist Helen Huang, featuring chamber music by Zhou Long, and was featured on the Philadelphia Orchestra's 2008
Shostakovich recording with Christoph Eschenbach.
Beyond performing, Ms. Ni is a dedicated educator, having served as a jury member for the V Paulo International Cello Competition in Finland and taught masterclasses at the Curtis Institute, Manhattan School of Music, Shanghai Conservatory, and Central Conservatory in Beijing. She was a faculty member at Rutgers University and a visiting professor at the Shanghai Conservatory.
Ms. Ni gained international recognition in 1990 when she won first prize at the Naumburg International Cello Competition, making her acclaimed debut at Alice Tully Hall the following year. She went on to win major awards, including a 2001 Avery Fisher Career Grant, first prize at the International Paulo Cello Competition, and honors at the Rostropovich and Tchaikovsky Competitions.
Born in Shanghai, Ms. Ni began her cello studies with her mother and at the Shanghai Conservatory before continuing with Irene Sharp at the San Francisco Conservatory, Joel Krosnick at The Juilliard School, and William Pleeth in London. She was associate principal cellist of the New York Philharmonic from 1999 to 2006 before joining the Philadelphia Orchestra as principal cellist.
Hai-Ye Ni's extraordinary musicianship continues to inspire audiences worldwide, solidifying her place among the most accomplished cellists of her generation.
Siqing Lu is an internationally acclaimed violinist, celebrated for his breathtaking performances and profound artistry. He is the President of the Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao, Artistic Director of the May Music Festival at China's National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), and Lifetime Artistic Ambassador of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. As the first Asian violinist to win the Gold Medal at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, Lu is recognized as one of the most distinguished and active Chinese violinists today.
Praised by The Strad as "an outstanding talent," Lu has performed in over 40 countries, captivating audiences at iconic venues worldwide.
His performances have graced the Musikverein Golden Hall in Vienna, Lincoln Center in New York, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Barbican Hall in London, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, Seoul Arts Center, Sheikh Zayed Palace Auditorium, and NCPA Beijing, among many others.
Lu regularly collaborates with leading conductors and musicians and has served as a jury member for prestigious competitions, including the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition and the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition. In 2016, he founded the Lu Siqing-Shenzhen Futian International Strings Festival, bringing together world-class string musicians and educators. The festival has become a premier cultural event in Shenzhen, reinforcing Lu's dedication to musical excellence and education.
With over 20 solo albums, Lu has recorded for renowned labels such as Philips, Naxos, Marco Polo, ABC Classics, BIS, and NCPA Classics. His five recordings of the Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto have sold millions of copies, widely regarded as the definitive interpretations of this beloved masterpiece.
Lu has been honored with numerous accolades, including an Honorary Certificate from the U.S. House of Representatives, the Outstanding Asian Artistic Achievement Award from New Jersey, and multiple honorary certificates from the California State Senate and Assembly. He received the Montblanc Outstanding Artist Award and was named one of 100 Young Figures Influencing 21st-Century China by China Youth magazine. Additionally, September 16, 2006, was declared Siqing Lu Day in Millbrae, California.
Born in Qingdao, China, in 1969, Lu began playing the violin at age four. At eight, he became the youngest student in the history of the Central Conservatory of Music Attached Primary School, studying with Professor Wang Zhenshan. At 11, he was selected by the legendary Yehudi Menuhin to study at the Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK. He later continued his studies at The Juilliard School under the guidance of Dorothy DeLay and Hyo Kang. In addition to his Paganini Gold Medal, Lu has won numerous international awards in Beijing, the UK, and the U.S.
Siqing Lu performs on the ex-Ricci Guarneri del Gesù violin, crafted in 1734 by the renowned Italian luthier Giuseppe Guarneri. His exceptional musicianship continues to inspire audiences worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the foremost violinists of his generation.