Gianni Chung, a senior at Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough, California, discovered his passion for the harp at age eleven, following four years of piano study. Under the guidance of Alexandra Perdew for seven years, Gianni has flourished as a harpist, now serving as Principal Harpist for the Peninsula Youth Orchestra. His dedication has earned him numerous international awards, including the First Prize at the Arpademia International Celtic Harp Competition in 2023 and multiple wins at the Charleston International Music Competition (2021, 2022), and the Scandinavian International Music Competition (2023). In 2021, he was recognized as the Most Promising Performer in the 20th & 21st Century Composers category, at the KPU International Music Festival, judged by Nancy Allen from the Juilliard School. Gianni finds joy in the harp’s soothing sound and the connections it fosters whether through collaboration with fellow musicians, orchestra performances, or creating tutorials for beginners.
Gianni’s interests extend beyond music, encompassing leadership, athletics, and community service. He leads the “Crystal Startup” club, serves as a youth climate action ambassador for the local government, and co-founded “From Farm To Family,” a non-profit aimed at reducing food waste and forging connections between farmers and underserved communities. Additionally, he loves mentoring children as a camp counselor, fostering their confidence and enriching their summer experiences. On the basketball court, Gianni embodies sportsmanship and discipline, qualities that enhance his professionalism in music performances.
You can find Gianni’s 2021 Contemporary Music Competition harp performance here.
You can find Gianni’s 2022 20th Century Music Competition harp performance here.
You can find Gianni’s 2022 European Music Competition harp performance here.
You can find Gianni’s 2022 Romantic Music Competition harp performance here.
You can find Gianni’s 2024 Winter Music Competition harp performance here.