Derek Wang

Pianist Derek Wang is recognized in the classical music industry for his performances as a soloist, collaborator, curator, and communicator. Wang holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Juilliard, where he received a Kovner Fellowship and the Peter Mennin and Joseph W. Polisi Commencement Prizes. He also holds a degree from the Yale School of Music, and his principal teachers have included Stephen Hough, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Matti Raekallio, and Boris Slutsky.

Wang is known for his interpretations of the original works and transcriptions of Franz Liszt. He was awarded second prize at the International Liszt Competition in the Netherlands and first prize at the New York Liszt Competition, which included a debut recital in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. His final round performance with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic conducted by Christian Reif received positive reviews from de Volkskrant. Wang is a returning guest artist at the Moab Music Festival in Utah, the Rome Chamber Music Festival in Italy, and the Vail Dance Festival in Colorado.

A supporter of contemporary music, Wang held a three-summer fellowship as pianist for the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble at the Aspen Music Festival, performing more than 50 works from the 20th and 21st centuries, including premieres by composition fellows. He has performed at venues such as the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the rotunda of the Guggenheim Museum, Lehrman Hall at the Morgan Library and Museum, and the West Gallery of the Frick Collection. Wang has served as Creative Enterprise Fellow at Juilliard, curating programs including celebrations of composer Charles Ives and poet Rainer Maria Rilke, as well as an interdisciplinary program featuring George Crumb's "Vox Balaenae."

Wang is recognized for his ability to communicate about music to diverse audiences through pre-concert talks, podcasts, and digital media. He has served as guest host for WQXR New York's Young Artists Showcase and appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk video series for a special episode of "From the Top," where he emceed, interviewed, and performed with young instrumental soloists. Wang partnered with violinist Sophia Stoyanovich to produce "American Stories," a podcast series exploring American identity through music. His work on stage and in digital media continues to contribute to the reach and relevance of classical music.