MEI-TING SUN PERFORMS AT NEWPORT MUSIC FESTIVAL

Mei-Ting Sun

NEWPORT, RI (July 12, 2002)—Mei-Ting Sun, a talented young Chinese/American pianist fresh off his first place win at the inaugural International Piano-e-Competition held last month in Minneapolis, performed at the Opening Night Gala concert at the prestigious 2002 Newport Music Festival on Friday, July 12.

Mr. Sun replaced Georgian Pianist Eliso Virsaladze, who was forced to cancel due to immigration problems.

Named one of the "Musicians of the Year 1996" by the Village Voice for his performance of the Etudes, Op. 10 of Chopin, the now 21-year-old pianist has performed in many of New York's concert halls, including Alice Tully Hall, where his performance of Ravel's Concerto in G was praised by The New York Times as a "stunningly fluid reading." Mr. Sun has been featured several times on WQXR Classical Radio as part of the "Young Artist Showcase" program and on National Public Radio's "Performance Today" program. He has been heard in recital in much of the U.S., Japan and China. Recent appearances include a presentation at the Caramoor Festival's Introduction Series, a Doctoral recital at The Juilliard School, and the Opening Gala at the Taubman Institute Festival. Upcoming engagements include another doctoral recital on October 12th, a concert tour of Spain in March of 2003, an Alice Tully Hall debut recital in the Spring of 2003, and concerto engagements with the Winnepeg and Richmond Symphonies in the 2004 season. A native of Shanghai, Mr. Sun received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the Mannes College of Music, where he studied with Edward Aldwell. Currently, he is a C. V. Starr Fellow at The Juilliard School, studying with Robert MacDonald. The Newport Music Festival is honored to present Mr. Sun in his Newport recital debut.

"My contacts at Yamaha Pianos sang his praises," said Dr. Mark P. Malkovich, General Director of the Festival.

For more information about Mei-Ting Sun, visit www.mp3.com/thepianist. The Newport Music Festival celebrates its 34th season starting this Friday July 12-28, with 64 concerts in the famed Newport mansions. Box Office information 401-846-1133.