Jian Liu is a renowned classical pianist from China who has made a name for himself in the international music scene. Born in 1980 in the city of Xi'an, Liu showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. His parents, both music teachers, recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. Liu's early training was rigorous, and he spent many hours practicing under the guidance of his parents. He quickly developed a strong technical foundation and a deep understanding of the classical repertoire. At the age of ten, he won his first piano competition, and by the time he was a teenager, he was performing regularly in concerts and recitals. In 1997, Liu was accepted into the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where he studied under the renowned pianist and teacher Professor Yin Chengzong. During his time at the conservatory, Liu honed his skills and developed a deep appreciation for the works of Chopin, Liszt, and other great composers. After graduating from the conservatory in 2001, Liu moved to New Zealand to continue his studies at the University of Auckland. There, he worked with the acclaimed pianist Rae de Lisle and earned a Master of Music degree in piano performance. He also won several awards and competitions, including the New Zealand National Concerto Competition and the Kerikeri International Piano Competition. Liu's talent and hard work soon caught the attention of the international music community, and he began receiving invitations to perform in concerts and festivals around the world. In 2005, he made his debut at the Sydney Opera House, playing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and Liu was hailed as a rising star in the classical music world. Since then, Liu has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, the China Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Liu's repertoire is wide-ranging and includes works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, and many other composers. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Chinese composers, such as Tan Dun and Chen Yi, and has been praised for his ability to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions. In addition to his performing career, Liu is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He has taught at several universities and conservatories around the world, including the University of Auckland, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. He is known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and many of his students have gone on to successful careers in music. Throughout his career, Liu has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the classical music world. In 2010, he was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to music, and in 2012, he was named a Steinway Artist, joining a select group of pianists who are recognized for their exceptional talent and artistry. Today, Liu continues to perform and teach around the world, sharing his love of music with audiences and students alike.

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