Morningside Music Bridge (MMB) & New England Conservatory (NEC) present Yuja Wang in recital (July 12)
MMB alumna Wang returns to celebrate 30th anniversary season of groundbreaking, tuition-free summer program for exceptional 12–18yo musicians
(May 2026) — As an alumna of Morningside Music Bridge (MMB), Grammy-winning pianist Yuja Wang returns to celebrate the program’s 30th anniversary season with a solo recital at New England Conservatory (NEC)’s Jordan Hall on Sunday, July 12. MMB is a groundbreaking, international, fully funded summer program for exceptional young musicians, aged 12 to 18. Since its founding in Calgary, Canada in 1997, the program has brought together more than 1,000 of the world’s most promising young violinists, violists, cellists, pianists, and creative artists for a transformative month of training and performance. Now based in Boston, in partnership with NEC, MMB continues to foster extraordinary talent, global collaboration, tuition-free access to world-class training, and lifelong connections through a shared commitment to music.
It was through Morningside Music Bridge and its Founder and Executive Director, Paul Dornian, that Yuja Wang first came to the West. Having auditioned for Dornian in Beijing, the Chinese-born pianist attended the program three times as a student, starting in 1998, when she was just eleven years old. After her first two summers at MMB, she remained year-round in Calgary, where Dornian served as her legal guardian until she turned 18. Even after relocating to Philadelphia at 15, to continue her studies at the Curtis Institute of Music, she continued spending her downtime in Calgary. Since 2006, she has periodically returned to perform and teach at MMB, including appearances on tour in Poland and at the program’s tenth anniversary celebrations in Shanghai.
Dornian says:
“For 30 years, we have been privileged to support the great artists of the future. Yuja was an important part of the program in its early years and truly embodies our commitment to excellence and to creating meaningful opportunities for exceptional talent. Morningside Music Bridge serves as an initial meeting ground for world-class young artists – many of whom we continue to support and stay connected with throughout their careers.”
Wang comments:
“I first came to Morningside Music Bridge as a very young pianist and returned several times – experiences that ultimately led me to pursue my full-time studies in Canada and the United States. The relationships I formed with faculty, staff, fellow students, and generous supporters remain an important part of my life today. My time at Morningside Music Bridge was truly transformative, and I am honored to help launch the 30th anniversary celebrations in Boston.”
NEC President Andrea Kalyn adds:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Yuja Wang to NEC and to celebrate the tremendous impact of Morningside Music Bridge. Just as Yuja’s MMB student experience was transformative for her, we look forward to new generations of talented musicians experiencing and finding inspiration in Yuja’s extraordinary artistry.”
About Yuja Wang
Internationally celebrated for her charismatic artistry, consummate virtuosity, captivating stage presence, and spontaneous live performances, Yuja Wang appears with the world’s foremost conductors, orchestras, and musicians. Born into a musical family, she began studying piano at the age of six, before receiving advanced training at Morningside Music Bridge in Canada and under Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute of Music. Her international breakthrough came in 2007, when she replaced Martha Argerich as soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Two years later, she signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon and has since established her place among the world’s preeminent artists with a succession of critically acclaimed albums. Recognized with five Grammy nominations, this distinguished discography includes The American Project, winner of an Opus Klassik award and the 2023 Grammy for Best Classical Instrumental Solo. Her recent projects include a collaborative project with David Hockney at London’s Lightroom; European and South American tours on which she directs the Mahler Chamber Orchestra from the keyboard; an international duo recital tour with fellow pianist Vikingur Olafsson; and an artistic residency with the New York Philharmonic. More information is available here.
About Morningside Music Bridge
Morningside Music Bridge is an international, fully funded scholarship program for exceptional young musicians aged 12 to 18. Founded in 1997, the barrier-free program brings together approximately 65 outstanding young artists, selected by audition from applicants representing more than 30 countries, for a month of intensive training and performance each summer. Studying with renowned faculty from leading orchestras and conservatories, participants receive multiple private lessons and masterclasses each week, engage in chamber music coaching, and perform in more than 20 free public concerts. In recent years, the program has expanded to include young composers, filmmakers, and other creative artists through tailored residencies. All students attend on full scholarship, with tuition, travel, and living expenses fully covered through the generosity of the Chan family, the Morningside Educational Foundation, and other magnanimous sponsors.
Since its inception, Morningside Music Bridge has supported more than 1,000 young artists from six continents, many of whom have gone on to distinguished international careers. MMB’s faculty and alumni represent leading orchestras and institutions worldwide, the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Royal Academy of Music, and Shanghai Conservatory among them. Since 2017, the program has been in residence at New England Conservatory, where participants have access to world-class resources throughout their summer of study.
Morningside Music Bridge & NEC present Yuja Wang in recital
Sunday, July 12 at 7:30pm
Boston, MA
New England Conservatory (Jordan Hall)
Yuja Wang, piano
Program to be announced
Tickets start at $75
Performance co-presented by MMB and NEC
For tickets and information, click here.