Once Upon a Piano, There Were Four Hands
Tales of New Beginnings, Wonder, and Remembrance
Strings on the Bay
Besse Center Theatre
Step into an evening of musical storytelling with mother‑son piano duo Amy I‑Lin Cheng and Alexander Burrow. Their imaginative program features solo works and music for piano four‑hands — two performers sharing one keyboard — and unfolds in three expressive “sets,” each illuminating a different facet of the piano’s voice.
Experience the elegance and fire of classical masters Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt, pieces that honor the classical roots that continue to shape the piano’s legacy. Relish the evocative landscapes of Debussy’s Preludes and selections from Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, a richly imaginative retelling of beloved fairy tales through music. And enjoy the fresh perspectives of today’s young composers, including new works composed and arranged by rising young artist Alexander Burrow, whose voice reflects the creativity and curiosity of the next generation.
A celebration of legacy and imagination, this program reminds us how music evolves while honoring the roots that shaped it!
This performance is dedicated to the memory of Robert Conway, a cherished and longtime contributor to this concert series, whose artistry and presence left a lasting imprint. Rob passed away in July 2025, and this concert pays tribute to him through new beginnings, wonder, and remembrance. Learn more about Rob’s legacy.
Strings on the Bay
Besse Center Theatre, Bay College, 2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829
(906) 217-4040, events.baycollege.edu
-
Born in Taiwan, pianist Amy I‑Lin Cheng is widely recognized not only for her expressive artistry but also for her deep commitment to teaching the next generation of musicians. A dedicated educator, she has built a distinguished career working with pianists and chamber musicians across the United States and abroad. Amy has given masterclasses throughout the U.S., Brazil, Taiwan, and Germany, guiding both college and pre‑college students with the same warmth, rigor, and musical insight that define her own performances. Her university students have earned top prizes in MTNA chamber competitions, solo and concerto competitions, and have gone on to graduate programs, summer festivals, and faculty positions in the U.S. and internationally.
Amy’s passion for nurturing young musicians extends beyond the university setting. She has taught at summer festivals, worked with youth chamber ensembles, and served on the faculties of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts in Massachusetts and the Community Music School of Ann Arbor. She currently maintains a small but devoted private studio in Ann Arbor, where she is known for her thoughtful mentorship and individualized approach.
A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale School of Music, and the New England Conservatory, Amy has held teaching positions at Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma City University. After joining the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 2012, she now serves as Assistant Professor of Music – Piano and Piano Chamber Music Coordinator, where she teaches studio piano, coaches chamber music, and continues to shape the artistic lives of young musicians with generosity, clarity, and imagination.
-
Alexander Burrow is an 18-year-old senior of Huron High School in Ann Arbor, MI. He was introduced to music at an early age, joining the Boychoir of Ann Arbor at age 7. Alexander played the violin and clarinet in middle school, and began serious piano studies at the age of 14. Since then, Alexander has received several honors and awards including the first prize of the 2026 Rosalie Edwards Youth Competition in Ann Arbor, MI, first prize of the 2026 Dorothy MacKenzie Price Piano Competition at the University of Toledo, OH, and second prize at the 2026 Sherer Piano Competition at Goshen College, IN. He was awarded 1st place at the Schoolcraft Honors Recital audition in November 2024, as well as 1st place for the 2025 Ravel 150th Festival Piano Competition (pre-collegiate) in Michigan. He was the 3rd prize winner of the 2025 Steinway Jr. Piano Competition, 2nd prize winner for the 2025 Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Student League Competition and a finalist at the Dearborn Symphony Young Artist Competition and Dexter Community Orchestra Youth Artist Competition. Alexander was the winner of the 2025 and 2026 Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Harry and Irene Elkins Helping Hand Fund, an essay scholarship competition for musical studies. Alexander was invited to participate in the 2025 Southeastern Piano Festival Piano Institute and has been accepted by the 2025 Anchorage Chamber Music Intensive. He is also a scholarship recipient for the 2025 BGSU Piano Camp. He was named a Finalist for From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program and invited to be featured on their Daily Joy series. In January of 2026 Alexander was award 2nd prize (senior high school division) for the Los Angeles Youth Philharmonic (LAYP) Piano Concerto Competition. As part of the prize, he received an opportunity to perform at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and will also be performing with the LAYP in Walt Disney Concert Hall. He will also be giving a solo recital on the Dorothy MacKenzie Price series next season.
Alexander has performed at the National Republic Ballroom in Columbia (SC), Steinway Piano Gallery in Detroit (MI), Cranbrook House and Garden in Bloomfield Hills (MI), Schoolcraft College in Livonia (MI), Kerrytown Concert House in Ann Arbor (MI), Britton Recital Hall at the University of Michigan, and All Seasons Ann Arbor Senior Living Community (MI). He has given solo recitals for the residents at Covenant Living Center in Tulsa (OK). Alexander has studied with Dr. Philip Solomonik and John Solari, in addition to receiving lessons from David Fung, Philip Bush (SEPF), and Jinzhao Xu. He is currently studying with Christopher Harding, professor of piano at the University of Michigan.
In addition to classical music, Alexander enjoys music production and has released several original pop instrumental soundtracks. He is also passionate about Taekwondo, earning his second degree black belt recently. Alexander enjoys studying Chemistry and Mandarin at school, and spending time with friends. He is a member of the National Honor Society at Huron High School and the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Student League. He is also the founder and creator of “pianoworlddaily,” an online media platform aiming to spread the joy of piano music to listeners.