“Juilliard has been reinforcing the training I got from Merit’s Conservatory. I have found myself being ahead of the curve in my classes and the reality is that Merit’s coursework is solid preparation for venturing into the professional music world.”
– Joshua Mhoon, Merit alum & Juilliard student
Merit School of Music alum, Juilliard freshman and pianist Joshua Mhoon (Merit Conservatory ’21) graced the stage of Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall on Friday, March 11, to perform in the Rising Stars: Lang Lang Foundation Young Scholars Concert. Josh was among six other talented young pianists hand-picked by Lang Lang among hundreds from across the globe to participate in his signature Young Scholars Class of 2020-22. Lang Lang Scholars receive extraordinary mentorship, tutelage, and performance opportunities through this highly coveted and competitive program. Although the pandemic significantly curtailed participants’ travel and performance schedules, these young pianists glean lifelong musical learning experiences from one of the world’s greatest musicians and concert pianists of all time.
With his characteristic vim and vigor, Josh performed Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia, Book 1 El Corpus Christi en Sevilla and Nikolai Kapustin’s Variations Op. 41.
Merit alum, Joshua Mhoon, featured with world renowned pianist, Lang Lang, founder and president of Lang Lang International Music Foundation.
The audience was wild with excitement when Lang Lang suddenly burst onto the stage to offer hearty congratulations and graduation certificates for each performer. A celebratory champagne reception followed the recital with relieved young performers and delighted parents, family members, and guests. Lang Lang greeted and chatted, posed for lots of photo ops, and made his 2020-22 class of Scholars feel very special, indeed. His warmth and vitality are infectious, and it was plain to see the friendship that has developed between Lang Lang and Josh. Lang Lang is thrilled that Josh is studying at Juilliard, and we at Merit are simply thrilled to see Josh’s star continue to rise.
Lukas Barwinski-Brown, CEO, Lang Lang International Music Foundation (left), Joshua Mhoon (center), and Lang Lang (right).
