Date:
11/11/2008
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 575.562.2253
Reporter: Robin Haislett
PORTALES—Chenggang Wang, a junior piano performance major at Eastern New Mexico University, has won first place in the Young Artist’s Piano Competition for New Mexico. Wang, a native of Changji, Xiagjiang, China, is studying piano with Dr. John Olsen, professor of music.
Wang competed Nov. 1 at University of New Mexico’s Keller Recital Hall and performed Beethoven’s Sonata “Tempest,” three Etudes from Chopin, Schumann’s “Papillons” and Bach’s “Italian Concerto.” According to Wang, he spent over half a year practicing the pieces.
The next step for Wang is the Regional Young Artist’s Competition at the University of Arizona in Tucson from Jan. 9–11 where he will compete against the winners of six other states. This competition, sponsored by the Music Teacher’s National Association, requires pianists to perform a 45-minute program including a complete piano concerto from memory.
Wang is happy with the award but will be working hard in the coming months. “I was very happy and excited when I got the award and I will try to win in Arizona,” says Wang.
Wang is a participant in the 1-2-1 program at the Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu, China which allows students to study one year in the Sichuan Conservatory, two at Eastern New Mexico University and their final year in China.
For more information,, contact Olsen at 575.562.2734.