Qilin Sun Piano
Hailed by The Irish Times as a brilliant performer with “unfettered enthusiasm,” pianist Qilin Sun is a soloist and a collaborative musician currently holding the youngest piano professorship in China at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. Recognized globally for her musical achievements, she has received numerous accolades, including winning the first prize in the 2021 Golden Bell Music Award in China. Her recent recital at Carnegie Hall was described by the New York Concert Review as “in the league of mastery” that exhibited a “liquid beautiful tone, fine rhythmic spine, and many layers of sound in her voicing.”
Ms. Sun made her debut with orchestra at age eleven, playing Mozart Piano Concerto K.488 with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, she has performed in various venues throughout Asia, Europe and North America. After winning the most prestigious music award in China, The Golden Bell Music Award, she embarked on a recital tour throughout the major cities of China. Her recent highlights include performances with the Shanghai Symphonic Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphonic Orchestra, and the opening gala concert with the Chengdu Orchestra and Sichuan Conservatory Philharmonic Orchestra in City Concert Hall in China. In addition, she has made her appearance in Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, Royal Dublin Society of Ireland, Ruïnekerk in Netherlands, Imperial Palace of Goslar in Germany, Aspen Chapel in Colorado, Chateau of Fontainebleau in France, Studzinski Hall of Bowdoin College, Juilliard School’s Paul Hall, Morse Hall and The Peter J. Sharp Theater, along with other various venues throughout New York City. Ms. Sun has also been invited to participate in music festivals worldwide including the Aspen International Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Fontainebleau Summer Music Program, Goslar International Concert Working Weeks, and Mozarteum International Summer Academy.
As an enthusiastic collaborative musician, Ms. Sun is also a member of the Altezza Piano Trio. Having been promoted by The Juilliard School’s Honors Chamber Music Program, the trio made its recital debut at Alice Tully Hall, and is quickly establishing itself as an exciting and promising ensemble in the New York City. In addition, Ms. Sun premiered several new works on the piano and celesta in Alice Tully Hall as a member of The New Juilliard Ensemble.
Born in Sichuan, China, Ms. Sun began playing the piano at three. In 2012, she was admitted to The Juilliard School where she received her bachelor’s degree (2016), master’s degree (2018) , and Doctor of Musical Arts degree (2023) under the tutelage of Yoheved Kaplinsky and Matti Raekallio.
Through her performances, Ms. Sun explores the unifying power of music, bringing people of all backgrounds together. The selection of her repertoires is often a tribute to the phenomenon and celebration of the diversity and beauty of the world, in which she hopes to reflect the many wonders she has encountered on her journey, and ultimately serving as a reminder of the power of music to bridge cultural differences.