Rising Pianist Ching-Yi Lin to Perform Free Concert at CNU

The Taiwanese-born pianist will present an all-Schumann program as part of the university's visiting artist series.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:19am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a grand piano's glossy black lacquered surface, capturing the luxurious, glamorous texture and dramatic lighting to conceptually represent a high-caliber classical music performance.The gleaming black lacquer of the grand piano stage reflects the dramatic lighting, setting the scene for a captivating classical performance.Chevy Chase Today

Pianist Ching-Yi Lin, a rising star on the classical music scene, will give a free performance at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia on Saturday. The 34-year-old, who is on the faculty at Montgomery College in Maryland, will present an all-Schumann program consisting of 'Arabesque,' 'Kreisleriana,' and 'Symphonic Etudes' as part of CNU's Sarah Elliott Visiting Pianist Series.

Why it matters

Lin's performance showcases the university's commitment to bringing world-class musical talent to the local community, providing a rare opportunity for residents to experience a professional classical piano recital free of charge. As a Taiwanese-born pianist who has found success in the United States, Lin's story also highlights the international reach of classical music and the ways in which it can transcend borders.

The details

Lin, who received his bachelor's degree from Soochow University in Taiwan, overcame a potential setback when he had to complete two years of mandatory military service before moving to the U.S. in 2016. He went on to earn master's and doctoral degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. Lin has won numerous awards and performed as a featured soloist in venues across the U.S. and Asia, including Carnegie Hall. For his CNU performance, he has selected works by the Romantic composer Robert Schumann that showcase the composer's emotional range and intensity.

  • The free concert will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2026 from 5 to 6 p.m.
  • Lin previously performed a recital tour celebrating Rachmaninoff's 150th birthday in 2024.

The players

Ching-Yi Lin

A 34-year-old Taiwanese-born pianist who is on the faculty at Montgomery College in Maryland and previously taught at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University.

Christopher Newport University

A public university in Newport News, Virginia that is hosting Lin's free performance as part of its Sarah Elliott Visiting Pianist Series.

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What they’re saying

“His music exists in a space where intimacy and intensity constantly transform, unfolding as a deeply human narrative.”

— Ching-Yi Lin, Pianist

“The military allowed me to experience discipline and through that, the ability to achieve bigger things.”

— Ching-Yi Lin, Pianist

What’s next

Lin's performance is part of CNU's ongoing Sarah Elliott Visiting Pianist Series, which will continue to bring other renowned classical pianists to the university for free public concerts throughout the year.

The takeaway

Ching-Yi Lin's journey from Taiwan to the U.S. and his rise as an acclaimed classical pianist exemplifies how music can transcend borders and inspire people around the world. His free performance at CNU provides a valuable opportunity for the local community to experience world-class musical talent up close.