This week’s episode will feature performances from pianists Michael Jiang and Alex Forbes. Their programmes will feature works from composers including Chopin, Shostakovich, Liszt, and Couperin. Continue reading to learn more about Michael and Alex.

---

Pianist Michael Jiang

Michael is a highly accomplished pianist currently progressing his musical endeavours at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music at Monash. From a young age, Michael was trained in the Russian Pianistic Tradition, under the tutelage of Mikhail Solovey and Igor Machlak, he has also worked with continuers of the French Piano School under the tutelage of Robert Chamberlain and currently expanding his development under different traditions through guidance by Aura Go. 

From a very young age, he has been awarded many prizes in numerous piano competitions and performed in various recitals and concerts. These experiences have also contributed to the achievement of obtaining his LMusA diploma in piano. 

Balancing the aspect of performing and teaching, Michael’s musical aspiration is to continue expanding his horizons in the music industry space, taking opportunities that will further his development as a pianist and educator. He wishes that in the future he becomes an inspiration and a role model for emerging musicians either through his performances or teachings.

Michael will perform:

• F.Chopin: Etude Op 10 no 9
• D.Shostakovich: Prelude and Fugue in D Major Op 87 no 5
• F.Liszt: Concert Etude No 2

---

Pianist Alex Forbes

Alex Forbes is an emerging pianist from Adelaide. He began playing the piano at age 10 and has since completed his AMEB AmusA diploma. Currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Adelaide with majors in French and Linguistics, he continues to take private piano lessons with Dr Diana Weekes. He has competed in and won prizes in the Adelaide Eisteddfod and was a finalist in the 2022 Accompanists Guild of South Australia Collaborative Pianists Award. He has performed recitals as part of the Recitals Australia Lunch Hour Series and has participated in various masterclasses with pianists such as Lucinda Collins and Anna Goldsworthy. He enjoys playing a wide range of repertoire including Baroque, Classical, Romantic and 20th Century works and particularly enjoys accompaniment work and chamber music. Going forward, Alex hopes to build a career combining his musical studies with his passion for languages.

Alex will perform:

• F.Couperin:
  • 1. La Logivière from Pièces de clavecin, 5^th ordre
  • 2. Les barricades mistérieuses from Pièces de clavecin 6^th ordre
• F.Chopin: Ballade no. 3 in Ab op. 47

Tune in to The Talent every Tuesday night at 7pm to 103.5FM 3MBS Melbourne. You can also stream the live broadcast at 3mbs.org.au or catch up later on our podcast! Just search for “The Talent 3MBS“ in your favourite podcast app and subscribe.