Swiss Alps Classics 2022
Swiss Alps Classics 2022: A Stage for Rising Talent from the Lang Lang International Muisic Foundation
The 2022 Swiss Alps Classics festival once again shone a spotlight on young piano prodigies from the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF). Held in the breathtaking setting of the Swiss Alps, the event celebrated its partnership with LLIMF, a collaboration that began in 2018 when Lang Lang himself performed alongside his students.
This year’s festival commenced on June 9 at the iconic Park Hotel Vitznau, featuring remarkable performances by two young pianists: Elizabeth Zietz, 21, and Shuheng Zhang, 19. The duo captivated audiences with their dynamic program, which culminated in a stunning rendition of Mozart’s Sonata for Piano Four Hands in D major. The evening concluded with encores of Schubert’s compositions, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The event’s artistic director, Clemens Hellsberg, commended the performers for their talent and interpretative depth. The picturesque surroundings of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss mountains added to the enchanting experience, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for both the artists and the audience.
The collaboration between Swiss Alps Classics and LLIMF, supported by the POK Pühringer Privatstiftung, continues to offer a prestigious platform for emerging pianists to showcase their skills. By fostering young talent, the festival not only highlights the future stars of classical music but also enriches the cultural heritage of the region.
Swiss Alps Classics remains a beacon for music enthusiasts, seamlessly blending exceptional artistry with the stunning natural beauty of the Alps.
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Elizabeth Zietz is privileged to have been chosen as a 2016 Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholar. Her goal is to share the enjoyment and beauty of classical music with others.
“I am so excited! I feel extremely privileged to join the Lang Lang International Music Foundation family, and to meet and learn from the master Lang Lang, and my peers. I look forward to sharing myself and my music to benefit others. Music brings beauty to the world. Its true power lies in its ability to inspire and influence anyone. It is a special form of human expression that can transform and connect people of all ages and backgrounds together under the common appreciation for music. By cherishing music, we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us better. I can’t wait to start my Young Scholar journey!”
Born in California, fifteen year old Elizabeth is a sophomore at Northwood High School in Irvine, and she began studying the piano at the age of six. She is thankful to her teachers who have helped her develop her musical talents, including Claudia Xi, Valentina Gottlieb, Chun-Yi Wang, and Ethan Dong. Additionally, she has participated in masterclasses with William Grant Naboré, Stanislav Ioudenitch, Sergey Schepkin, Baruch Meir, Bernadene Blaha, and Roza Yoder.
At the age of seven, Elizabeth made her debut performance at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. She made her concerto debut at age thirteen with the Orange County Symphony.
Elizabeth won the Grand Prize at the Glendale Piano Competition and was the first prize winner of the Lansum International Music Festival. She has also won first prizes at the CAPMT Young Musician’s Concerto Competition, CAPMT Sonata Festival, and first alternate at the MTAC Southern Region State Concerto/Solo Competition. In 2014, she was a prizewinner at the Los Angeles International Liszt Competition. She was also a six time consecutive first prize winner in open categories at the Southwestern Youth Music Festival.
In third grade, Elizabeth performed in a benefit concert for the County of Orange United Way of America, and has been involved in fundraising ever since. She has performed in many community service venues and has appeared as guest soloist for public service events and gala and kickoff campaigns. She also regularly appears in recitals for senior citizens. Recently, Elizabeth was an invited artist to perform at the National Association of Music Merchants Convention.
Outside of music, Elizabeth enjoys swimming, reading, spending time with her family, and traveling. Elizabeth is a Johns Hopkins CTY SET (Study of Exceptional Talent) Member. She was invited to John Hopkins University for the Grand Ceremony, a special event honoring students for their outstanding academic achievement.
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At the age of 3, he began to learn piano from his mother. At the age of 10, he continued to study piano with Matti Raekallio. He was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall twice.
At the age of 9, he was signed by KNS Classical Records in Europe. Debut solo album “True Love” – Sencheng Zhang. He collaborated with the Cross-Strait Arts Youth United Symphony Orchestra on the whole movement of Mozart Concerto KV488/537, which was highly praised. In 2023, he was invited again to participate in the GOCAA International Concert Festival and cooperated with Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra on Mozart’s Coronation Concerto and achieved a complete success. In the 5th World Piano Teachers Association Finland International Piano Competition, Junior Section – Category D, he received Absolute Awards (and won scholarships to participate in master classes and art exchange activities in Weimar, Germany). At the American Protege International Concerto Competition 2023, Sencheng won a First Place (Age Category 12 and under). In 2023, Sencheng was invited to Russia to cooperate with the “ГУБЕРНСКИЙ СИМФОНИЧЕСКИЙ ОРКЕСТР” Symphony Orchestra and perform two sets of Mozart and Poulenc concerto concert. The performance was a complete success.
