Pei-Wen Liao, a Taiwanese collaborative pianist, specializes in vocal arts.
Before embarking on her pianistic journey, she devoted over a decade to playing the violin in various orchestras, enriching her piano performances with a distinctive orchestral richness. She also crafts her own orchestral piano reductions, achieving a more authentic orchestral sound.
Pei-Wen has actively participated in prestigious music festivals and performances worldwide, including her first opera production "The Turn of The Screw" by Benjamin Britten as a coach at Indiana University and Songfest at Pomona College, where she showcased her expertise in Art songs and American songs. Notably, she contributed to significant projects such as "A Celebration of Leonard Bernstein" and "On The Wings of Song," curated by Liza Setpanova. Pei-Wen refines her artistry through coaching sessions with esteemed Schubert experts Graham Johnson and Lydia Brown, chair of collaborative piano at Juilliard.
Beyond her performances, Pei-Wen's deep-seated passion for lieder and opera extends into advocacy. She is the founder of the podcast "Get Music with Me," dedicated to her profound love for lieder and opera. Additionally, she captures her global experiences through photography, reflecting her appreciation for beauty in all its forms.
Pei-Wen's performances are imbued with narrative depth and emotional exploration, guiding audiences through the compelling stories of composers. She has actively participated in projects such as "Sound of Formosa" and the Indiana Song SLAM competition, premiering works by contemporary composers. Additionally, she has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned composers including John Musto and Libby Larsen, and conductor Arthur Fagen.
Academically, Pei-Wen completed her Master’s degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Spencer Myer at Indiana University in 2024. Currently, she is pursuing a Performance Diploma in Collaborative Piano with Kevin Murphy, refining her skills in supporting and enhancing vocal performances.
Vocal music remains an integral part of Pei-Wen's life, and she remains steadfast in her commitment to sharing the beauty of these musical narratives with audiences worldwide.