Acclaimed Accordionist Hanzhi Wang Performs at The Octagon

The Young Concert Artists winner brings virtuosic artistry to a program spanning Baroque, classical, and contemporary works.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:04am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration in the style of Saul Bass, featuring bold geometric shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast colors to represent the dynamic performance of an accordionist.Hanzhi Wang's fearless virtuosity and breathtaking artistry on the accordion will captivate audiences at The Octagon.Stanford Today

Internationally renowned accordionist Hanzhi Wang, the first accordionist to win the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions, will perform a dynamic program at The Octagon in Stanford, California. The concert will feature works by Rameau, Mozart, Barber, and Wang's own composition 'Mountain Song,' inspired by her pilgrimage to a sacred mountain in China's Yunnan Province.

Why it matters

Hanzhi Wang is a groundbreaking artist who is redefining the accordion's capabilities with her fearless virtuosity and global artistic perspective. This concert at The Octagon provides a rare opportunity for Bay Area audiences to experience the accordion in a brilliant new light, from sparkling Baroque to jazz-infused contemporary works.

The details

The program will showcase the full range of Wang's artistry, from the sparkling brilliance of Rameau's 'La Livri' and 'Le Rappel des Oiseaux' to the luminous lyricism of Mozart's 'Andante in F Major' and the electrifying, jazz-infused 'Excursion' by Samuel Barber. At the heart of the concert is Wang's own composition 'Mountain Song,' inspired by her pilgrimage to the sacred Kawagarbo mountain in China's Yunnan Province.

  • The concert will take place on April 9, 2026.
  • A wine reception will follow the performance, allowing audience members to meet the artist.

The players

Hanzhi Wang

An internationally acclaimed accordionist and composer who is the first accordionist in history to win the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions. She has performed at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, and is known for her 'staggering virtuosity' and groundbreaking artistry that redefines the capabilities of the accordion.

The Octagon

A premier performing arts venue in Stanford, California that hosts a wide range of classical, jazz, and contemporary music performances.

Chamber Music Maryland

A non-profit organization that presents chamber music concerts and educational programs in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What’s next

Tickets for the concert are available for purchase on The Octagon's website.

The takeaway

This concert showcases the accordion's versatility and artistic potential in the hands of a virtuosic performer like Hanzhi Wang, providing Bay Area audiences a rare opportunity to experience the instrument in a bold, innovative program spanning centuries of music.