By: Yujie Wang
May 3, 2025 | Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church, Lawrenceville, NJ
In a heartfelt fusion of artistry, pianist and educator Xiaoya Gao led an engaging and meaningful concert on Saturday evening titled Xiaoya Gao and Friends, a benefit recital in support of The English School, an immigrant outreach initiative dedicated to offering accessible and affordable ESL education in Mercer County and surrounding New Jersey communities.
Held at Lawrence Road Presbyterian Church, the concert gathered a warm audience of supporters, music lovers, and community members, all drawn not only by the high-quality performances on stage but also by the mission behind the music. The evening’s performances served a greater cause: raising funds and awareness for The English School, which since 2004 has been an important resource for non-native English speakers, offering instruction, childcare, and citizenship preparation. With students from over 30 countries—including Ukraine, China, Brazil, and Mexico—the school reflects the cultural richness and resilience of the immigrant experience in the region.
At the heart of this evening stood Xiaoya Gao, a pianist and pedagogue from Urumqi, China, whose career has spanned continents and concert halls. A respected performer and dedicated teacher, Gao is recognized for her expressive interpretations and technical mastery, with awards including the Diamond Prize at the 2025 Carl Reinecke International Music Competition. Her leadership in organizing this recital highlighted her deep commitment to community service through the arts.
The program opened with Mozart’s Piano Sonata in D Major, K. 284, setting an uplifting tone with its bright, animated style. Gao’s clarity and nuance were immediately evident, reinforcing her reputation as both a skilled performer and a gracious host of the evening.
Photo Courtesy: Yujie Wang
The concert featured a rotating ensemble of guest artists—Maya Grove and Ruihong Chang on violin, and Colin Levins on piano—each bringing depth and character to the program. Grove delivered a compelling performance of Schumann’s Violin Sonata No. 1 in A minor, and later returned with a touching arrangement of Joe Hisaishi’s “Ashitaka and San” from Princess Mononoke, co-arranged with Roshan Lath.
Photo Courtesy: Yujie Wang
Chang’s lyrical phrasing in Amy Beach’s Romance for Violin and Piano and Dvořák’s Romance in F minor brought emotional depth to the evening, while Levins and Gao offered a richly textured, meditative interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Barcarolle, Op. 11 No. 1.
Photo Courtesy: Qin Ling
The program also included contemporary solo piano works, such as Chu Wang-Hua’s Jasmine Flower Fantasia (2003) and the New Jersey premiere of Florian Hecher’s Alchimist (2025), which added a fresh perspective to the evening’s historically rooted repertoire. A memorable moment was Water Droplets (2023) by Shupeng Cao—a delicate and evocative piece dedicated to Gao, showcasing her expressive sensitivity and wide artistic range.
More than a concert, Xiaoya Gao and Friends was a celebration of cultural dialogue, education, and compassion. It served as a reminder that music not only entertains but also connects, uplifts, and empowers.
As the final note faded, the recital left a lasting impression, uniting artistry with purpose and suggesting the potential for change through every note played.
Published by Jeremy S.
