My Heartfelt Thanks

Performing the last movement of the Mozart Piano Sonata No. 13, K. 333.

As I reflect on the past two months, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. My recitals at at Carnegie Hall on May 3 and at Suntory Hall on June 28 are memories that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life. These performances were not simply concerts; they were the realization of dreams that began when I first sat down at the piano as a young child. To stand on the stages of two of the world's most distinguished concert halls within the span of only a few weeks was both a tremendous honor and a deeply humbling experience. Looking back now, I realize that May and June of 2026 will forever represent turning points in my career—months that affirmed my commitment to music and strengthened my desire to continue growing as an artist.

First, there are no words that can fully express my gratitude to my family. From the very beginning, they recognized my love for music and quietly devoted themselves to helping me pursue it. They made countless sacrifices, giving generously of their time and resources, while constantly offering unwavering encouragement so that I could study, practice, and grow. They continue to stand beside me with patience, love, and complete faith in me, which gives me strength on a daily basis.

I also fully realize that these events of the last two months would not have been possible without the extraordinary kindness, encouragement, and generosity of so many other people, so to everyone who attended my performances, sent messages of support, offered prayers and good wishes, or simply believed in me, I offer my deepest thanks. 

I am especially grateful to the Alexander & Buono Foundation for believing in me and for providing opportunities that have helped shape my artistic journey. Their dedication to young musicians has allowed me to develop not only as a performer but also as someone who understands the importance of sharing music with others. I will always be thankful for the confidence they have placed in me and for the remarkable experiences they have made possible.

I also owe a debt of gratitude that cannot easily be measured to my teacher, Cosmo Buono. For the past seven years, he has patiently guided me through every stage of my artistic development. His lessons have never been limited to learning notes or refining technique. Instead, he has shown me how music can become a language through which we express our deepest thoughts and emotions. He has encouraged me to search for meaning in every phrase, to listen with greater sensitivity, and to discover my own voice at the piano. His remarkable ability to inspire, challenge, and encourage has helped me become not only a better pianist, but a more thoughtful musician and, I believe, a better person. The lessons I have learned from him extend far beyond the keyboard and will remain with me wherever my career leads.

As I now begin the next chapter of my life as a concert artist, I do so with a heart filled with hope and gratitude. The memories of Carnegie Hall and Suntory Hall will always remind me that every meaningful achievement is made possible by the love, encouragement, and guidance of others. May and June of 2026 will forever remain among the most important months of my life—not only because of the concerts themselves, but because they represent years of perseverance, learning, friendship, and faith.

I know that there are many new challenges and opportunities waiting ahead, but wherever this journey may take me, I will always carry these memories with me. To my family, my friends, my audiences, the Alexander & Buono Foundation, my teacher Cosmo Buono, and to everyone who has walked beside me along this path, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your belief in me has been one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, and I will strive every day to honor that gift through my music.

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