This concert, "Reflections & Influences," is an effort to foster a space for musical communication between the composer, performer, and audience. The two pianists, Minyoung Rho and Jeong Yun Yang present this concert with the belief that music presents diverse ideas and cultural dialogue, and therefore it can be a powerful way to build a community.

The program features well-known classical work such as Rachmaninoff's Sonata, as well as under-represented pieces by Amy Beach, Mel Bonis, and Clifton Callender. This selected program is shaped by significant influences, whether from other artists, fellow musicians, or life experiences beyond the musical realm. Through these works, we hope our audience explores how composers reflected their influences in music, and takes inspiration to shape their own creative stories.

Minyoung Rho, piano
Minyoung Rho is a pianist and organist, whose artistry spans solo, chamber, and collaborative performance. With a special focus on contemporary music, she has premiered and performed the piano music of Clifton Callender, on which she also wrote her doctoral treatise, reflecting her deep engagement with new repertoire.
Minyoung has appeared in recitals across the world, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Opperman Music Hall, Smith Memorial Hall, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Steinway Society of Puerto Rico, TLI Art Center, Yamaha Concert Salon, and IPAC Hall. As a concerto soloist, she has performed with Sinfonia da Camera and the Florida State University Philharmonic Orchestra.
Her performances have been recognized with numerous awards, including prizes from American Protégé International Music Competition, Singapore International Music Competition, and Rockwood Piano Competition. An active collaborator, Minyoung has worked with prominent artists such as Pamela Z, Øystein Baadsvik, Phyllis Pancella, and International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE).
In addition to her work as a pianist, Minyoung is also an accomplished organist, having presented solo recitals at St. Rita Catholic Church (Dallas, TX), St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Thomasville, GA), and Faith Presbyterian Church (Tallahassee, FL). She currently serves as principal organist at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Flower Mound, TX, while maintaining an active career as a solo and collaborative pianist.
Born in South Korea, Minyoung earned her Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance from Florida State University, where she also completed Master's degrees in both piano and organ performance. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Seoul National University.

Jeong Yun Yang, piano 
A dedicated musician who bridges performance, education, and scholarship, Jeong Yun Yang has built a dynamic career as a pianist. As a soloist, she has captivated audiences in prominent concert venues across the United States, France, Puerto Rico, and South Korea. 
In recognition of her talent, Jeong Yun has earned top honors at international competitions such as the American Protégé Music Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, Royal Sound Music Competition in Montreal, and the Ars Nova Competition in South Korea. Her artistry has been showcased in prestigious venues including Weill Recital Hall at the Carnegie Hall, Shalin Liu Performance Center, T. Earl Hinton Music Hall, Opperman Music Hall, and Sejong Center for the Performing arts. In 2019, she was named a Steinway Young Artist by the Steinway Society of Puerto Rico.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Jeong Yun is deeply involved in the local musical community, balancing her roles as a soloist, educator, collaborative musician, and festival director. As a piano instructor at the Winchester Community Music School, an educational partner with Steinway & Sons, and an active member of the New England Piano Teachers' Association, she is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of musicians and continuing pedagogical discussions around nurturing creativity and joy of learning music. As an assistant director for the Ian Hobson International Piano Festival, she is committed to creating a platform where the next generation of pianists can exchange their talents and share their music within the community.
Jeong Yun holds a Doctor of Music degree from Florida State University, along with Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan and Ewha Women’s University. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree at Ewha Women’s University.