HHH CONCERTS | MENGYANG PAN (PIANO)

Programme:
Debussy — Suite Bergamasque
Kye Rung Park — Prelude to a new moon (2016)
Debussy — Prèludes Book I: VI. Des pas sur la neige
Debussy — Prèludes Book II: XII. Feux d’artifice
Chopin — Variations on “La ci darem la mano”, Op. 2
Kalkbrenner — Variations Brilliantes on a Mazurka of Chopin, Op. 120

This concert takes place at St Christopher’s Church, St Christopher’s Green, Haslemere, GU27 1DD.

Born in China, Mengyang Pan embarked on her musical journey at the esteemed Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing before her path led her to the United Kingdom at the tender age of 14. She secured a full scholarship to the Purcell School, where she had the privilege of studying under the tutelage of the esteemed Tessa Nicolson. Furthering her education in music, Mengyang flourished at the Royal College of Music, honing her skills under the expert guidance of Gordon Fergus-Thompson and Prof. Vanessa Latarche.

Mengyang’s exceptional talents have garnered her numerous accolades, solidifying her reputation as a prizewinning virtuoso. Her triumphs span esteemed competitions such as the Rina Sala Gallo International Piano competition, Bromsgrove International Young Musician’s Platform, Dudley International Piano Competition, Norah Sands Award, MBF Educational Award, Chappell Gold Medal, Brent International Piano Competition, and Ettlingen International Piano Competition.

A seasoned performer, Mengyang has graced renowned venues throughout the United Kingdom, including the Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Birmingham Symphony Hall, and St. John’s Smith Square. Her musical pursuits have also taken her across continental Europe and her native China. Regarded for her exquisite touch and nuanced tonal palette, critics have lauded her playing as an ethereal experience, with one reviewer remarking, “……so fine that time seemed to stand still. Her shading, use of tone colour, and the most brilliantly clear and precise placing of the music in the highest register was a real joy to hear…’’

Collaborating with esteemed conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, John Wilson, and Mikk Murdvee, Mengyang has established herself as an artist of great distinction. Notably, her fruitful partnership with conductor Michael Rose and the Bedford Symphony Orchestra since 2016 has yielded numerous captivating performances of a wide array of piano concertos. Her recent rendition of Schumann’s Piano Concerto in February 2023 garnered resounding acclaim.

Beyond her illustrious performing career, Mengyang is deeply committed to education. As a faculty member at the Royal College of Music, she imparts her wisdom to aspiring pianists, while also serving as a chamber music coach at the RCM Junior Department. Mengyang frequently lends her expertise as an adjudicator for international competitions and imparts her knowledge through masterclasses and workshops at music festivals worldwide. Driven by her passion for piano pedagogy, she currently leads the postgraduate pedagogy module titled “The Art of Piano Teaching” at the RCM. Additionally, she serves as a tutor for the undergraduate module “Music Leadership.” Since 2021, she has held theMengy position of director of pedagogy at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College – The Thinking Pianist summer music programme.