Biography
Despite only being 16 years old, Alice has demonstrated profound passion for classical music and piano. Her love for music first began at the age of 5, when she was introduced to the piano. Back then, she vouched to commit herself to becoming a great pianist, thus began her journey to mastering the instrument.
When she was 8, Alice began learning piano from Fafan Xiao. Alice was given the opportunity to participate in numerous charity concerts. Presently, Alice has contributed to many heartwarming causes including those for the BC Children’s Hospital, Richmond Hospital, the North Wing Lions Gate Hospital, and the Kids Help Kids Charity Organization. One of Alice’s most memorable performances was in 2018 as she was invited to collaborate with the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Liu Peng) to perform Bach’s Piano Concerto in F Minor. Prior to the pandemic, Alice was one of the key pianists who performed monthly at the Crofton Manor and Arbutus Senior Residence. After the pandemic, Alice has become a member of the Steinway Young Artists Club and consistently performs in a variety of concerts.
Alice is presently studying piano with Dr.Eugene Skovorodnikov. In the past few years, Alice had piano class with Mr. K.K. Sum. In these times, Alice has matured as a pianist in terms of her musicality and technical skills. Moreover, Alice constantly seeks to challenge herself by dedicating herself to learning higher-level pieces. Through her determination and hard work, Alice has proved herself to not only be a fast learner, but also an individual who sets high standards for herself. Alice never fails to master each piece she plays and fulfill the teacher’s expectations and requirements. Alice’s persistence has also allowed her to complete the RCM Grade 10 examination with First Class Honors with Distinction.
In the past 2 years, Alice has participated in many events organized by Steinway & Sons, including the 6 Elite Young Artists concerts required for the Steinway Challenge cup, Music For Love Charity concert, and the Steinway Challenge Cup Gala concert. In July, 2023, Alice also won 2 gold prizes from the solo and concerto categories of the Steinway Competition. As a result, she will be heading to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall in October.
Right now, Alice is a part of her school’s senior strings orchestra as a piano accompanist. Under guidance from Mr. K. Olafsson and Mr. Adrian Kwan, her school’s orchestra was invited by the Vancouver School Board to perform at Chan Centre alongside other orchestras in the district. She and her school’s orchestra had also performed in Churchill’s Graduation Ceremony at the Orpheum for 2 consecutive years.
Recently, in January of 2023, Alice completed her second solo recital, performing a 45-minute program and an encore piece.
During the summer of 2023, Alice participated in the Casalmaggiore International Music Festival in Italy, studying with well-respected Professor Lee Kim Sing. During this period, Alice participated in numerous masterclasses and performed in 4 concerts. She also collaborated with two other string players, performing Haydn’s 39th piano trio in G major. This was her first time playing chamber music, and she accumulated valuable learning and performance experience.
After her dedicated time in Italy, Alice returned to Vancouver to attend Vancouver Piano Sessions, hosted by Mr. Sasha Starcevich. During the festival, Alice participated in many masterclasses and performed the first movement of Beethoven’s 21st piano sonata op.53 in C major, “Waldstein.” Vancouver Piano Sessions has deeply inspired and motivated Alice to improve her skills. She finished the festival with many fond memories and new friends.
Alice has had masterclasses from renowned professors such as John Perry, Michael Esch, Alexander Korsantia, Steven Spooner, Ilana Vered, Lee Kim Sing, Dan Zhao Yi, Hao Chen Zhang, Eugene Skovorodnikov.
On June 19th, 2021, Alice successfully performed her first solo recital at Tom Lee where she completed a program of 30 minutes with the addition of an encore piece.
In May of 2019, Alice participated in the 4th Vancouver Youth Piano Concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at The Orpheum Theatre. The event raised a total of $12,800, all of which were donated to the VGH and the UBC Hospital.
In 2018, after winning 2 gold prizes in the GOCAA International Piano Competition, Alice was invited to Wuhan to collaborate with the Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra (conducted by Liu Peng) to perform Bach’s Concerto in F Minor. She attended rehearsals and masterclasses consistently for 5 days to perfect her performance.
In May of 2017, at the age of 10, Alice collaborated with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra at the Chan Centre of Performing Arts in UBC to perform Bach’s piano concerto in F minor.
Alice’s awards include:
2023-The Gold Award of Division 4 in The Steinway Piano Competition
2023-The Gold Award of Division 4 in The Steinway Spirio/r Concerto Competition
2023-1st place, Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival Solo Piano--Senior Graded Division
2022-1st Place, Bulldog Music Festival
2022-2nd Place, CDMF Performing Arts Festival 16 years and under
2022-2nd Place,Vancouver Kiwanis Music Festival Concerto Group
2020-2nd Place, CDMF Performing Arts Festival 14 years and under
2019-2nd Place, GOCAA International Piano Competition Concerto Group
2019-2nd Place, GOCAA International Piano Competition Professional Group 14 and under
2017-1st Place, GOCAA International Piano Competition Repertoire Group
2017-1st Place, GOCAA International Piano Competition Concerto Group