Grace Fong – Concert Pianist

Long Beach, CA

To me, the Taiwanese people are a free people –a people who represent strength, independence, and kindness.

fong.grace1Who are you?

I am a happy Taiwanese American woman who was born and raised in Southern California by hard-working Taiwanese parents. They came to America in1977 and a couple years later, began raising me as a girl with Taiwanese traditional values in an American culture. I appreciate that I can speak Taiwanese and Mandarin fluently! My parents provided the support for me to grow up as a person with high ambitions and passion no matter what I pursue. I strive to make as many positive and kind contributions to this world!

What do you do?

I am a Concert Pianist and the Chair of the Piano Department at Chapman Conservatory of Music at Chapman University in Orange County, teaching college students. Most of my days involve teaching or traveling and performing, which I all love! I’ve performed internationally as a concerto soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician and have gained critical acclaim in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, making appearances at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Phillips Collection, Hollywood Bowl. Some of my radio/television broadcasts have included British Broadcasting Company, the “Emerging Young Artists” series in New York, and “Performance Today” on National Public Radio. I was previously awarded a medal of honor as a Presidential Scholar of the United States by former President Clinton, and most recently, I am proud to have won one of America’s most prestigious piano awards, the 2009 Christel DeHaan Classical Fellowship of the American Pianists Association. This summer, I am being sent by the United States State Department to represent the United States to perform in Uruguay, Montevideo, and to perform at the Ambassador’s home.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

As a U.S. born, I have always been proud to say that I am “Taiwanese American.” My family tree includes a line of entirely enthusiastic Taiwanese people! I am able to speak Taiwanese because my grandma lived with my family during my childhood –this shows the typical familial love that is so strong in the culture. To me, the Taiwanese people are a free people –a people who represent strength, independence, and kindness. When I visit Taiwan every couple of years, I am always reminded of the loving and bonded culture Taiwan represents, not to mention that I can never get enough Taiwanese food!

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

I have noticed a strong, young population of Taiwanese Americans who are fervent about Taiwanese rights and awareness, and I think the future looks positive and optimistic! Hopefully soon there will be a “Taiwanese American” checkbox that replaces “Other Asian,” and hopefully there will be a team “Taiwan” in the Olympics instead of team “Chinese Taipei.” My hopes are to preserve and share Taiwanese culture, tradition, and language. I am proud to be able to speak Taiwanese fluently and hope to pass it on to my children in the future.

Any additional information you would like to share?

www.pianistgracefong.com

fong.grace3

One Response to “Grace Fong – Concert Pianist”

  1. Paul Primeau

    Hi Grace:

    You may or may not remember me while at CIM. Heard some wonderful performances of yours
    including the Rachmaninoff Cello sonata, which I have on DVD.

    Had the good fortune recently of hearing Yuja Wang play the Rachmaninoff 3rd – wonderful performance – at Severance.
    Have sent my musical and non-musical friends a copy of her 7 min. Rachmaninoff/Prokofiev video,
    which I think you may enjoy.

    However, the only email address I have of yours bounced. Would still like you to hear if I can get a workable address.

    Hope all is going well.

    Paul

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *