In June 2025, 17 of the world’s finest young pianists will converge at Interlochen Center for the Arts for the Interlochen-Lang Lang International Music Foundation Piano Intensive - Becoming A Citizen Artist.
The one-week intensive is a new summer offering, resulting from a partnership between the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Lang Lang Young Scholars Program, a multi-year mentoring program for pianists under the age of 16 presented by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. During the intensive, which will run June 14-20, 2025, the scholars will focus on building their capacities as citizen artists and strengthening their abilities to communicate with and engage their audiences through a series of community concerts presented in partnership with Interlochen Public Radio.
“We’re delighted to welcome the Lang Lang Young Scholars to Interlochen and to share the core capacities of successful citizen artists with these emerging musicians,” said Trey Devey, president of Interlochen Center for the Arts. “This exciting opportunity not only allows us to play a role in preparing these remarkable young pianists but also to deepen our relationship with globally renowned pianist Lang Lang and his extraordinary Foundation.”
"We are thrilled to partner with Interlochen Center for the Arts to offer this unique opportunity to our Lang Lang Young Scholars,” said Leszek Barwinski-Brown, CEO of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. “This intensive represents a crucial step in their development, not only as musicians but as engaged citizen artists. We believe this program will equip these talented young pianists with the tools to communicate their passion and artistry, leaving a lasting impact on their audiences and communities around the world."
While at Interlochen, the Lang Lang Young Scholars will be mentored by an exceptional faculty of artist-educators from the top conservatories and universities in the U.S., led by Interlochen Marjorie Wood Drackett Piano Chair Dr. Kara Huber. Other instructors for the program include Curtis Institute of Music Eleanor Sokoloff Chair in Piano Studies Michelle Cann; Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Piano Department Chair Norman Krieger; Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Associate Professor of Piano Spencer Myer; and Interlochen Arts Academy Instructor of Piano Christopher Goodpasture.
Students also have unique opportunities:
1) They will work with renowned instructors, from some of the nation’s best schools, universities and conservatories, in private lessons and master classes.
2) They will work with Interlochen Public Radio Music Director Dr. Amanda Sewell to prepare for and present an interview, recorded and shared on IPR.
3) Students will work with Interlochen Director of Music Production & Engineering Marc Lacuesta, who will introduce them to the skills needed to collaborate with a studio engineer. Students will walk away with a studio recording.