Vivien Huiwen Jiang is a DMA Piano Performance Candidate at the Ohio State University. She has MM and BM degrees in Piano Performance and an MA degree in Music Theory from the Ohio State University. Ms. Jiang has won several international and national piano competitions: She received 1st place in The 2024 Charleston 20th Century Music International Music Competition, 1st place in The 2024 Charleston Spring International Music Competition, 2nd place in The Ohio Music Teachers’ Association Piano Solo and Ensemble Competition in 2024, 2nd place in The Maurice Ravel Competition Paris 2024 in Profession Solo Division, 3rd place in The Maurice Ravel Competition Paris 2024 in Four Hand Piano Division, 1st place of The United States Classical International Music Competition 2017, 1st place in the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition Fall 2016, 2nd place in The American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music 2016, 1st place and 2nd place in Steinway & Sons International Piano Competition, 1st place in Eastern Youth Arts Stars Competition, and 1st place in National Talent Competition. She has performed three times at Carnegie Hall in 2016 and 2017.
Hailing from a Peruvian-American background, Manuel Vizurraga pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at the University of West Georgia, studying under the guidance of Carol Gingerich. During his time there, he showcased his skills by winning the institution’s Concerto, Honors Day, and Wright Scholars competitions. He was also actively involved in the Opera program, serving as a soloist and rehearsal pianist. He took additional lessons with George Mann. Continuing his education, Manuel went on to pursue two Master of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy at Florida State University. Under the mentorship of Read Gainsford for performance and Diana Dumlavwalla for pedagogy, he further honed his musical abilities. Manuel completed an Artist Certificate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, where he studied performance with Sean Chen and pedagogy with Christopher Madden. During his time at UMKC, he achieved success in various international piano competitions Manuel’s dedication to his craft has led him to accept a Graduate Enrichment Fellowship at The Ohio State University, where he is pursuing a Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Caroline Hong. During his time, he has been a medalist in several competitions in the international level. These competitions include The Barum International Piano Competition, American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Charleston International Music Competition, and The Nevada School of the Arts International Music Competition. During his time at OSU, he has received invitations for upcoming solo performances in places such as the Worlds Resort (Las Vegas, Nevada), and Carnegie Hall (New York, NY). He has participated in several masterclasses with world-renowned teachers such as Christopher Harding, Spencer Meyer, and Uta Weyand.
Manuel’s performances are characterized by a genuine passion, sensitivity, and a personal touch. Throughout his journey, Manuel has received several awards and recognitions, including first prize in the Master’s division of The International Association of Professional Music Teachers’ Concours International de Musique Online (2023). He also achieved recognition by placing 3rd in the American Protege International Piano and Strings Competition (2016), which granted him the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2022, he was a finalist and secured 2nd place in the Chopin/Liszt Special Division of the International Piano Professionals Association Competition. He recently was awarded 2nd place in the Barum International Piano Competition. In addition to his performance career, Manuel Vizurraga is devoted to sharing his knowledge and experience as a teacher, working with aspiring pianists of all backgrounds and ages. He has been highly sought after as a teacher for his approachable personality, effective teaching, and unique ability to relate music to students. He has served as a piano instructor and collaborative pianist at the UMKC Conservatory Academy, and many of his students have scored highly in music festivals, won piano competitions, and successfully gained admission to prestigious music programs and universities.
You can find the duet’s 2024 Summer Music Competition performance here.