Sylvia Jiang is coming home, although she's not based here yet.
The pianist and Juilliard graduate - joining the ranks of other renowned New Zealand alumni - is about to mark another "great Kiwi musician milestone" - her debut national tour as a soloist.
Under the banner of Chamber Music New Zealand, Jiang is embarking on a three concert tour of the South Island.
Currently based in vibrant New York - "the food is great, you can get anything you want at any time of day" - Jiang is back on home soil to perform Prokofiev’s 2nd piano concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia ahead of her solo New Zealand tour.
She says a piece like the Prokofiev concerto always makes her feel a little nervous, but she relishes the preparation process.
"It's fun to work really hard and get into the nooks and crannies, and the whole process of practicing. I've been really enjoying it."
Sylvia Jiang Photo: Sylvia Jiang
On the timing of her upcoming debut tour - 'why now?' - Jiang says she wanted to feel ready and have a programme she believed in.
"I'm at a stage in my own development where I really believe in what I'm saying. I think it's just taken this long for me to grow up a bit and mature as a musician."
Jiang's programme, based on the concept of 'home', will feature New Zealand, American, and Chinese music as well as "cornerstones in her journey" - Chopin's second sonata and Prokofiev's second sonata.
"I really wanted my first tour to have a programme that represents who I am. I am certainly somebody who feels very deeply about the place where I've grown and where I've come from."
Jiang will be performing with Auckland Philharmonia on Thursday July 4 at 7.30pm. For more details on her upcoming soloist debut visit: chambermusic.co.nz/sylvia-jiang
