Hong Kong-born pianist Rachel Cheung made her triumphant international debut at age 11 at the Vladimir Horowitz Competition in Ukraine. Additional awards followed at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod (2002), the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition (2004), and a historic fifth place at the 2009 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition.
Educated by Eleanor Wong in Hong Kong and Peter Frankl at the Yale School of Music, Cheung was a finalist and Audience Award winner at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017.
Cheung continued to perform as a Steinway Artist, and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council named her Artist of the Year in Music in 2019. To celebrate her birthday on 27 September, let’s have a look at her newest venture, the Rachel Cheung Music Academy in Hong Kong.
Rachel Cheung plays Sibelius: “Valse triste”
Sharing a Passion
Rachel Cheung
In April 2025, Rachel Cheung announced, “It’s my immense joy and gratitude to announce the establishment of the Rachel Cheung Music Academy. This is the beginning of a new phase in my musical journey, and I am excited to share my passion through education with the next generation of musicians!”
This education initiative gradually emerged after her Van Cliburn success. As she disclosed in an interview with Melanie Spanswick, “I had not realised how much I missed being a college student until most recently, when the younger generations and aspiring music students began asking me questions and suggestions about their school choices and future paths upon their graduation.” (Spanswick, Rachel Cheung, 2021)
Rachel Cheung plays Chopin: Prelude No. 6 in B minor, Op. 28
Learning Together
Rachel Cheung
At age 10, Cheung entered the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts as a junior student, studying under her long-time teacher Eleanor Wong.
“The junior classes took place every Saturday, where students under college age would attend a whole day of theory and aural classes, choir training and orchestral workshops for non-pianists. I particularly enjoyed the piano major classes, where we would take turns to play in front of teachers and fellow students.” (Spanswick, Rachel Cheung, 2021)
Despite her international successes, Rachel Cheung never stopped learning and continued to evolve. Above all, she was eager to bring her passion for music to the world, helping make it a better and more harmonious place.
Rachel Cheung plays Fauré: Impromptu No. 2 in F minor, Op. 31
A Place to Share Music
Rachel Cheung
Her decision to establish her own academy reflects her educational journey and signals her return to Hong Kong as a professional musician. As such, the RCMA is more than simply a venue for individual private lessons.
It mirrors the inspiring environment she experienced growing up. That means sharing and experiencing music together rather than practising in isolation.
For Cheung, the RCMA is a musical community centre that bridges elite instruction with live performance experience. Located in San Po Kong, the academy features a professional performance space equipped with Steinway pianos.
Rachel Cheung plays Prokofiev: “Suggestion diabolique”
A Platform for Young Musicians
Rachel Cheung
The Young Artist Series is an important part of the RCMA. Upcoming talent is featured in dedicated recitals and concerts, providing prize-winning local musicians with a platform to perform for public audiences. In July 2025, pianist Chan Ka-wah, a student of Rachel Cheung, performed works by Chopin, Schubert, and Mozart.
Cheung frequently hosts high-level events and masterclasses, and the academy also invites other pianists. In February 2026, Hong Kong pianist Wong Ka-ching led a three-hour masterclass featuring six students performing works ranging from Mozart to Liszt.
The RCMA is a small, performance-focused music academy that centres on piano masterclasses and performance opportunities within a vibrant musical community. Though still in its infancy, it has begun to make an impact, and we trust that Rachel Cheung’s vision will inspire many young musicians in the years ahead.
Rachel Cheung
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