Charlotte Hu

Charlotte Hu has been called a “first-class talent” (Philadelphia Inquirer) possessing a “superstar quality” (Jerusalem Post). The Taiwanese American pianist (formerly known as Ching-Yun Hu) has built an illustrious career as a soloist, educator, and entrepreneur. Winner of top prizes at the 12th Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition and the Concert Artists Guild Competition, she has been praised by audiences and critics across the globe for dazzling virtuosity and magnetic stage presence.

As a soloist, Hu has astounded audiences across the US, Europe, and Asia, performing sold-out concerts at many of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, the Concertgebouw, Taipei National Concert Hall, and Osaka’s Symphony Hall. She is a frequent guest at music festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival, Ruhr-Klavier Festival, and Oregon Bach Festival. Her concerto engagements have included performances with the Philadelphia Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and Taiwan Philharmonic, among others.

With a vast repertoire encompassing the works of composers from the 18th century to the modern era, Hu presents captivating programs that juxtapose audience favorites with underperformed treasures and new commissions. An active recording artist, her debut album, Chopin (on ArchiMusic), was named Best Classical Album of the Year by Golden Melody Award. Her recordings released on CAG/Naxos and BMOP/sound have received critical acclaim. Her Rachmaninoff album on Centaur/Naxos received a five-star review by the UK’s Pianist magazine, which called it “essential listening for Rachmaninoff admirers.” Her latest album, Liszt Metamorphosis, was released worldwide by PENTATONE in July 2024.

Hu is the founder of two piano festivals across two continents: the Yun-Hsiang International Music Festival in Taipei and the Philadelphia Young Pianists’ Academy (PYPA). Now in its 13th year, PYPA has become an important fixture in the classical music world, cultivating a deeper appreciation for classical music and serving as a cultural bridge between East and West.

A Steinway Artist, Hu has served on the faculty at Temple University in Philadelphia. She holds degrees from the Juilliard School, Cleveland Institute of Music, and Germany’s Hanover University of Music. 

Awards and Recognitions  

• Golden Melody Award, Best Classical Album of the Year: Chopin (2012)
• Winner, Concert Artists Guild Competition, New York (2009)
• Award winner, Hattori Foundation, London (2009)
• Award winner, Solti Foundation, Waterloo, Belgium (2009)
• Top Prize and Audience Favorite Prize, Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition, Tel Aviv (2008)
• Honorary Award, Taiwan Ministry of Culture and Education (2008)
• Gold Medal and First Prize, World Piano Competition, Cincinnati (2007)