The BU music performers, who participated in a multi-stage competition and selection process run by CFA School of Music, performed works by Henri Vieuxtemps, Jenö Hubay, Enrique Granados, Jake Heggie, Jörg Widmann, and Akira Miyoshi. The 2024 slate of performers and program was crafted under the curatorship of the director of the School of Music, Gregory Melchor-Barz, and led by artistic director Michelle LaCourse, Associate Professor and Chair of Strings.

Concert and reception photos by Craig Williston / Qool Foto

Program Book

About the 2024 concert

Presented by Boston University School of Music

• Capriccio, Op. Posth. No. 9 – Henri Vieuxtemps (1820-1881) – Valentina Pulido Pardo, viola
• Friendly Persuasions: Homage to Poulenc – Jake Heggie (b. 1961) – Andrew Bearden Brown, tenor • Richard Rivale, piano
• Goyescas, I. Los requiebros – Enrique Granados (1867-1916) – Yuyeon Lee, piano
• Carmen Fantasie Brillante, Op. 3 No. 3 – Jenö Hubay (1858-1937) – An-Chi Lin, violin • Richard Rivale, piano
• Fantasie – Jörg Widmann (b. 1973) – Zhen Wang, clarinet
• Ripple – Akira Miyoshi (1933-2013) – Sheng Chan, marimba

Meet the musicians

Andrew Bearden Brown (CFA’24) • Tenor 

PD, studio of Lynn Eustis

Andrew Bearden Brown is a tenor pursuing a Performance Diploma in Opera under the tutelage of Dr. Lynn Eustis. With the Boston University Opera Institute, Andrew has performed the roles of Stage Manager (Rorem’s Our Town), Laurie (Adamo’s Little Women), Oronte (Handel’s Alcina), and the tenor (Glass’s Hydrogen Jukebox). Additional operatic highlights include Torquemada (Ravel’s L’heure espagnole – Royal College of Music), Marzio (Mozart’s Mitridate – Opera Neo), and Ferrando (Mozart’s Così fan tutte – Felici Opera). As an oratorio soloist, Andrew has performed with groups such as the Washington National Cathedral Choir, Tempesta di Mare, Academy of Ancient Music, and Voces8. A Washington, D.C. native, Andrew grew up singing as a boy chorister at Washington National Cathedral, where he has sung for services of national importance, including the state funerals of Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, John McCain, Colin Powell, and Madeleine Albright. Later obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Brown University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Royal College of Music. In 2023, he received Second Prize at the Handel Aria Competition, the William Grogan Award at the Oratorio Society of New York’s Lyndon Woodside Oratorio-Solo Competition, and won the Rhode Island Civic Chorale & Orchestra’s Collegiate Vocal Competition. Upcoming performances include Le Prince Charmant (Massenet’s Cendrillon – BU Opera Inst.), Tito (Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito – BU Opera Inst.), and covering the world premiere of John Singer Sargent (Geter’s American Apollo – Des Moines Metro Opera).

Sheng Chan (CFA’25) • Marimba

MM 2025, studio of Samuel Solomon

Sheng Chan, a Taiwanese percussionist, embarked on a musical journey from childhood, fostering a deep love for the art. His achievements include securing Third Place at the National College Music Art Joint Recruitment Examination (2017) and notable rankings in national competitions. Demonstrating consistent musical prowess, Sheng achieved commendable fourth places in the National Music Competition’s percussion ensemble (2015) and marimba categories (2023). His versatility is evident in collaborations with Kimball Gallagher and performances at prestigious venues like Taipei’s Zhongshan Hall (2018) and the Seoul Art Festival. Fueled by a passion for early music, Sheng engaged in Baroque workshops, learning from esteemed musicians in the field. Currently pursuing studies at BU under Samuel Solomon and Nancy Zeltzman, he continues to expand his musical horizons. Having been a percussionist in the NKSH Percussion Ensemble (2015-2017), Sheng embraced diverse performances, including cross-border collaborations with dance schools. With an innovative spirit, Sheng pushes the boundaries of his craft, inviting fellow music enthusiasts to join him on a captivating musical journey. His odyssey resonates with a genuine passion for percussion and an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

An-Chi Lin (CFA’27) • Violin

DMA, studio of Bayla Keyes

An-Chi Lin is a violin player from Taichung, Taiwan. Growing up on a small island, she has a deep love for oceans and mountains. She started to play violin when she was five. She is currently in her second year of the DMA degree studying with Professor Bayla Keyes. Besides music, she is a big fan of basketball. She is also an animal lover, having two dogs and two cats.

Yuyeon Lee (CFA’27) • Piano

DMA 2027, studio of Boaz Sharon

Yuyeon Lee, a South Korean pianist renowned for her brilliant technique and delicate touch on the piano, has distinguished herself with outstanding performances held on various esteemed stages in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall and the Tsai Performance Center in the United States, along with the Seoul Arts Center, Mozart Concert Hall, Suseong Artpia, and Youngsan Art Hall in South Korea. In 2023, Yuyeon was selected as a winner in the Carnegie Competition and won first prize in the Richmond Piano Competition, notable achievements that led to a concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Hall in New York and a solo recital at the Tsai Performance Center in Boston in 2024. She also received multiple awards, such as The Soloists’ Competition at Boston University, Eumag Chunchu Piano Competition, and The 12th Citiphilharmoni Orchestra Music Concours, Seoul Orchestra Piano Competition, The Music Education News Piano Competition, Yum Classic Music Award, and Korea Art Development Association Piano Competition in South Korea. Her performances as a soloist with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra, Kammersinfonie Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra, and Daegu MBC Symphony Orchestra showcased a repertoire that includes works by Franz Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Yuyeon has been the pianist for master classes conducted by prominent artists such as Timothy Ehlen, Sara Davis Buechner, Kenneth Drake, Ian Hobson, Jerome Lowenthal, Attila Némethy, Tomislav Baynov, Soo Jung Shin, Hie Yon Choi, and Younghyun Cho. Yuyeon is currently pursuing a doctoral degree program at Boston University College of Fine Arts, where she studies under the guidance of Professor Boaz Sharon. She also holds a master’s degree from the same institution. She completed her bachelor’s degree from Sookmyung Women’s University, studying under Professor Hae Jeon Lee in South Korea.

Valentina Pulido Pardo (CFA’24) • Viola

MM 2024, studio of Michelle LaCourse

Valentina Pulido Pardo was born in Ibagué, Colombia. Her musical career started in 2007 at the Conservatory of Ibagué where she played the violin for four years before switching to the viola. She participated in the IX International Music Festival of Cartagena in 2015 and was a member of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra of Colombia for six consecutive years, where she toured with the orchestra in Europe, Central America, and Colombia. She also participated in Britt Music Festival and Kent Blossom Music Festival. She has performed in master classes for artists such as Anibal Dos Santos, Richard Young, Béatrice Muthelet, Julia Bullard, Joan Derhovdepian, and Antoine Tamestit among others. Ms. Pulido Pardo received her undergraduate degree in viola performance from the National University of Colombia in 2019 under the guidance of professor Sandra Arango. In 2019, Valentina received a scholarship to study in the United States with the Gabo Quartet and pursue a master’s degree in chamber music at Kent State University in Ohio. During her time at the university, she was presented with an honorable mention in the orchestra competition in her first year and first place during her second year, performing the Romanze by Max Bruch with the university orchestra. Additionally, in 2021, Valentina won the Leopold Sipe Memorial Award for Musical Excellence. During her time at Kent State University, she received teachings from distinguished mentors such as Keith Robinson, Cathy Robinson, Si- Yan Li, and Joanna Patterson Zakany. Currently, Valentina is in her second year of master’s studies in Viola Performance at Boston University under the guidance of Professor Michelle LaCourse.

Zhen Wang (CFA’27) • Clarinet

DMA, studio of Robert Patterson

Hailing from the heart of Taiwan, Zhen Wang’s passion for the clarinet is a testament to dedication and profound love for the instrument. Her musical odyssey began at Taipei National University of the Arts, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (BM) degree. This devotion continued as Zhen earned a Master of Music (MM) degree, a milestone showcasing her commitment to the art of clarinet performance. Currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree at prestigious Boston University, Zhen’s academic journey reflects her dedication to mastering clarinet music under the guidance of her mentor, Professor Robert Patterson. Zhen’s earnest desire to grow and learn in the musical sphere is exemplified through participation in esteemed competitions, including the Coltman Chamber Music Competition, the Buffet Crampon Clarinet Competition, and the Plowman Chamber Music Competition. Her experiences as a finalist and semi-finalist in these competitions inspire Zhen to cherish the remarkable path that celebrates her profound love for the clarinet and the opportunity to share that love with others. Her heart resonates most vividly when sharing her music with live audiences. As the 2nd Clarinet in the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra at Jordan Hall or the Boston University Symphony Orchestra at the illustrious Boston Symphony Hall in 2022, each performance is a heartfelt expression of her love for the instrument and the pure joy of creating music. Zhen Wang, a devoted clarinetist, paints a unique musical path. Her love for the clarinet and dedication to the craft have enriched her musical journey. Zhen’s story is an authentic narrative of passion and perseverance, where her love for the clarinet continues to blossom with each note played.

Richard Rivale (CFA’24) • Piano

DMA, studio of Shiela Kibbe

A third-year DMA student in Collaborative Piano, Richard Rivale is interested in all musical styles. He continues to explore not only all classical music genres but has ventured into performances on the organ, harpsichord, and orchestral keyboard instruments, including playing the organ part in Holst’s “The Planets” at Symphony Hall in Boston. Richard enjoys singing and conducting and has participated in school and church choirs and conducting small groups for new music premieres of student composers. He has played in masterclasses and coachings with Isabel Leonard, John Harbison, John Heiss, and Donald Palma. He has studied with Meng-Chieh Liu and Stephen Drury at the New England Conservatory of Music, Jonathan Feldman, and Lydia Brown at The Juilliard School. He hopes to perform and teach at the collegiate level. 

Performer portraits by Michael Rotiroti and Tom Tranfaglia