Mengyao Sun's musical journey began at the tender age of four when she first embraced the enchanting world of the piano. Her prodigious talent quickly became apparent as she secured third place at the prestigious Liu Shi Kun Young Artist Piano Competition in Hong Kong by the time she was ten. This early recognition paved the way for her later career. At the age of twelve, Mengyao's exceptional skills caught the attention of experts, leading to her acceptance into the Music School of Tianjin Conservatory under the tutelage of Professor Alexander Sokolov. Her passion for the piano continued to flourish, and at eighteen, she was accepted by a full scholarship to the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersburg, Russia. Mengyao's pursuit of excellence in music manifested in her triumph on the international stage. In 2009, she seized the first prize at the International Young Musician Competition in Bulgaria, followed by a second-place win at the International Music Competition of Kabalevsky in Moscow, Russia, the following year. Her dedication to her musicianship was further showcased as she performed alongside the Saint Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, masterfully interpreting renowned compositions such as Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No.3, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.2, and Liszt's Piano Concerto No.1 during her time at the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Her journey reached new heights in 2011 when she secured a spot in the prestigious International Prokofiev Piano Competition, solidifying her status as an accomplished pianist. In 2012, Mengyao proudly earned her Master's Degree with excellent grades from the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory, a testament to her unwavering dedication and musical prowess. Continuing her pursuit of excellence, Mengyao's thirst for piano performance led her to the Mannes College for Music in NYC, where she studied under the guidance of Professor Irina Morozova, a luminary in the field. Seeking new horizons, she transferred to the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University in 2015, honing her skills under the tutelage of the acclaimed pianist Alexander Kobrin. In 2016, she attained an Artist Diploma, solidifying her expertise. Mengyao's career expanded into collaborative piano and chamber music. Her debut performance of "Eddie's Song" by James J. Orgburn in Atlanta, showcased her innovative spirit. Serving as a collaborative pianist for the International Tuba and Euphonium Festival (IET) since 2019, she graced the stage with luminaries like Øystein Baadsvik, Thomas Ruedi, Adam Frey, and more. Mengyao is collaborating with musicians across the spectrum. Her expansive repertoire encompasses collaborating with instruments ranging from saxophone, violin, and cello to euphonium, clarinet, tuba, flute, oboe, percussion, and vocalists. Currently living in Atlanta, Mengyao Sun's musical world continues to flourish. As a collaborative and solo pianist, she shares her artistry with audiences, leaving an impressive impression through her performances. Additionally, she will be serving dual appointments as a collaborative pianist at both the University of North Georgia, and Georgia State University. Her music journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and the timeless beauty of music.
