Wei-Yi Yang is a Taiwanese-American pianist who has established himself as a prominent figure in the world of classical music. Born in Taipei, Taiwan in 1973, Yang began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the National Taiwan Normal University and the Juilliard School in New York City, where he earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees in piano performance. Throughout his career, Yang has been recognized for his exceptional talent and musicianship. He has won numerous awards and competitions, including the Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition, the Hilton Head International Piano Competition, and the World Piano Competition. He has also been a finalist in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Leeds International Piano Competition. Yang has performed with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also collaborated with renowned conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, Christoph Eschenbach, and David Robertson. One of Yang's most notable performances was his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2002, where he performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 under the baton of Leonard Slatkin. The New York Times praised his performance, stating that "Mr. Yang played with a sense of poetry and refinement that was both elegant and deeply felt." In addition to his performances as a soloist, Yang is also an avid chamber musician. He has collaborated with many distinguished artists, including violinist Cho-Liang Lin, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and the Emerson String Quartet. He is a founding member of the Formosa Quartet, which has been praised for its "passionate playing, articulate phrasing, and glowing tone" by The Strad magazine. Yang is also a dedicated educator and has served on the faculty of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance since 2002. He has given masterclasses and workshops at many institutions around the world, including the Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. In addition to his performing and teaching career, Yang is also a recording artist. He has released several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of the complete Beethoven piano sonatas. His recordings have been praised for their "impeccable technique, musicality, and sensitivity" by Gramophone magazine. Throughout his career, Yang has been committed to promoting classical music and engaging with audiences around the world. He has performed in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. He has also been involved in many outreach programs, including the New York Philharmonic's Very Young Composers program and the Formosa Quartet's Music for Food concerts, which raise money for local food banks. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Yang has received many honors and awards. He was named a Steinway Artist in 2002 and was awarded the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the Juilliard School in 2013. He was also awarded the Taiwan Presidential Cultural Award in 2015, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and culture of Taiwan.

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