“… [Pius Cheung] surmounts the contrapuntal hurdles and offers a stylish, deeply expressive interpretation [of the Goldberg Variations] notable for its clear voicing, eloquent phrasing and wide range of color and dynamics.”
– The New York Times
“Tuneful, neo-Romantic yet technically difficult, [Pius Cheung’s Études] not only showcased Mr. Cheung’s mastery of his instrument but also demonstrated his considerable skill and promise as a composer in his own right – one who writes the kind of music people will want to hear.”
– The Washington Times
Hailed by the New York Times as “deeply expressive” for his groundbreaking recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on solo marimba, Pius Cheung has presented solo recitals at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, National Concert Hall in Taipei, Kyoto Arts Center (Japan), as well as music festivals around the globe such as the Usedom Music Festival (Germany), Hong Kong Arts Festival, Taiwan International Percussion Convention, Chiapas International Marimba Festival (Mexico), Drum Fest (Poland), Percussion Plus Festival (Denmark), Italy PAS International Percussion Festival, Osaka Percussion Festival and Shenyang International Percussion Festival (China).
As one of the most sought-after composers for percussion today, Pius Cheung’s latest works include Allegro Brutale, commissioned by Dame Evelyn Glennie; Heaven and Earth, a 40-minute ballet for percussion ensemble and dancers; two percussion concerti, Princess Chang Ping and Heaven and Earth, for the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra; Theater, Resonance, and Zen, a percussion duo concerto for the Taiwan Chinese Orchestra; Yuen, for piano and percussion quartet, commissioned by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council; Samsara, for violin, clarinet, cello, piano, and percussion, commissioned by the Moab Music Festival; and Hibiki, a marimba concerto for the Eugene Symphony Orchestra.
Furthermore, Mr. Cheung frequently serves as a judge at national and international competitions, as well as presents masterclasses at renowned institutions such as the Juilliard School, Curtis Institute of Music, Manhattan School of Music, Amsterdam Conservatory, Paris Conservatory, Toho Gakuen (Japan) and Beijing Central Conservatory.
Mr. Cheung endorses Yamaha, Zildjian, Remo, and Innovative Percussion, which produces his signature mallet series. Mr. Cheung is currently a Professor and Chair of the Percussion Area at the University of Oregon.