2025 Radda Rise International Piano Competition
Jianyi Gu
1st Prize
•Category 4
Jianyi Gu began her piano studies at the age of eight, launching a path that has since taken her to some of the world’s leading conservatories and concert halls. She received her early training at The Central Conservatory of Music – Piano Academy in Gulangyu and went on to earn her Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory and her Master of Music from the Eastman School of Music. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Literature under the guidance of Alan Chow.
Gu has been recognized for her artistry in numerous international piano competitions, earning top prizes at the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra's Young Artist Competition, Los Angeles Liszt International Piano Competition, Orbetello Piano Competition, Pacific Stars International Piano Competition, Thousand Island International Piano Competition, and the Golden Classical Music Awards. These accolades reflect not only her technical mastery but also her expressive depth and stage presence.
Her performance career has brought her to esteemed venues around the world. In March 2020, she was invited to perform at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York, marking a significant moment in her solo career. She has also appeared at the Fumagalli Theater in Cantu, Italy, Weststadthalle in Essen, Germany, Joaquin Rodrigo Auditorium in Madrid, Spain, and major concert halls across China, including Gulangyu Concert Hall, Xiamen Hongtai Concert Hall, and Zhuhai Concert Hall. A recent highlight includes her appearance as soloist with the Mihail Jora Philharmonic Orchestra in Italy, performing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4.
Gu has participated in the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival (RPPF) and the Beijing International Music Festival & Academy, and will be attending the Bowdoin International Music Festival in the summer of 2025. Outside of music, she enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors, and exploring nature, which help her stay inspired and balanced in her artistic journey.