The Gilmore and Le Piano Symphonique to Launch Transatlantic Concert Series with Sophia Liu
The partnership will bring Liu to Kalamazoo's Gilmore Rising Stars Series and Lucerne's Luzerner Sinfonieorchester.
The Gilmore and Le Piano Symphonique have announced a new international partnership aimed at supporting emerging piano talent through a transatlantic recital series. The inaugural collaboration will feature Canadian pianist Sophia Liu, who will perform connected recital programs on two continents: September 20, 2026, as part of The Gilmore Rising Stars Series in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and January 16, 2027, during the sixth edition of Le Piano Symphonique in Lucerne, Switzerland.
The initiative was conceived by The Gilmore Executive and Artistic Director Pierre van der Westhuizen and Le Piano Symphonique Artistic and Executive Director Numa Bischof Ullmann. While the two organizations serve distinct audiences and communities, both share a commitment to presenting world-class piano artistry, fostering international artistic exchange and supporting the next generation of performers.
“We are thrilled to partner with Le Piano Symphonique, an exceptional organization that shares our core values of identifying and nurturing young pianists,” said van der Westhuizen in a statement. “By teaming up internationally, we create a truly global launchpad for the next generation while giving audiences worldwide a rare opportunity to experience the brilliant artistry of pianist Sophia Liu.”
“The Gilmore and Le Piano Symphonique share a common vision: to discover and foster exceptional talent and to allow artists to share the depth and breadth of the piano repertoire with audiences around the world,” added Bischof Ullmann.
The announcement marks the second major collaboration between the two institutions. Earlier this year, they jointly presented The Kalamazoo Flow, a solo piano work commissioned by The Gilmore from Swedish composer Anders Hillborg. The piece received performances by 2024 Gilmore Artist Alexandre Kantorow at Le Piano Symphonique in January 2026 and later at the Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival in May.
At just 17 years old, Sophia Liu has emerged as one of the most sought-after young pianists on the international stage. Born in Shanghai, raised in Japan and later relocating to Montréal to study with renowned pianist Dang Thai Son, Liu has garnered acclaim for her technical command and musical maturity. Recent appearances have included performances with the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo and Osaka, the Vancouver Symphony, Calgary Philharmonic, and recitals throughout Europe, Asia and North America.
Her upcoming 2026-27 season includes debuts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, Malmö Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia, among others. She will also serve as Artist-in-Residence at Unione Musicale di Torino while maintaining an active international recital schedule.
Liu has earned top honors at several major international competitions, including the Ettlingen International Piano Competition and the Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition. In 2025, she released her debut solo album featuring works by Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin.
About Le Piano Symphonique
Founded in 2022 by the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Le Piano Symphonique has quickly established itself as one of Switzerland's leading international piano festivals. Held annually in Lucerne, the festival explores the piano through solo recitals, chamber music performances and orchestral collaborations. The sixth edition of the festival will take place January 11–17, 2027, and will feature internationally acclaimed artists including Hélène Grimaud and Gilmore Artist Alexandre Kantorow alongside emerging talent.
About The Gilmore
Founded in 1989 to honor the legacy of businessman and philanthropist Irving S. Gilmore, The Gilmore is one of the leading organizations in the United States dedicated exclusively to piano performance, commissioning and artist recognition. Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the organization presents concerts and educational programs year-round and is internationally recognized for its prestigious Gilmore Artist and Gilmore Young Artist Awards. The Gilmore Rising Stars Series has helped introduce audiences to future stars including Lang Lang, Igor Levit, Connie Han and Emmet Cohen.
Program and Ticket Information
Sophia Liu will perform a recital featuring works by Charles-Valentin Alkan, Frédéric Chopin, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Mily Balakirev. The program includes selections from Alkan's 12 Etudes in All the Minor Keys, Chopin's Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53 ("Heroic"), Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite in Mikhail Pletnev's piano arrangement, selections from The Seasons, and Balakirev's virtuosic Islamey.
RISING STARS: SOPHIA LIU
September 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. ET
The Gilmore
359 Kalamazoo Mall
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Tickets go on sale August 6, 2026. For tickets and information, visit TheGilmore.org or call 269-359-7311.
Lunch Concert With Sophia Liu
January 16, 2027 at 12:00 p.m.
Le Piano Symphonique
Hotel Schweizerhof
Lucerne, Switzerland
Tickets are available now.
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