Rising Stars from The Piano: Career Milestones and Upcoming Events

A group of young pianists who gained public recognition after appearing on the ABC television program The Piano have reached various career milestones, including performance debuts and academic placements. The following summarizes verified facts from multiple sources regarding their activities and upcoming events.

Tasmanian Pianist CJ Jones

Background and Recognition

CJ Jones, a 17-year-old pianist from Launceston, Tasmania, appeared on the second series of ABC's The Piano. He performed at the Brisbane Queen Street Mall and later at the series final at Sydney's City Recital Hall, where he played Queen's Don't Stop Me Now and Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor.

Upcoming Performance

Jones is scheduled to make his debut with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the ABC Classic 100 in Concert in Melbourne. He plans to perform an arrangement of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor that incorporates classical, stride, Latin, and blues elements.

"Never quit."

Statements from Jones

• He practices daily with a routine that includes scales, hand exercises, and study pieces.
• He stated that his long-term aspiration is to headline venues such as Melbourne's Hamer Hall and the UK's Wembley Stadium.
• He said he values connecting with audiences and finds performing in aged-care homes rewarding.
• He advises other young musicians to "never quit," based on his experience.

Broadcast Information

The ABC Classic 100 in Concert will be broadcast on ABC TV, ABC iview, and ABC Classic on Saturday June 27 at 7:30pm.

Victorian Pianist Stefania Robu

Recognition and Competition Win

Stefania Robu, a 14-year-old from Melbourne, gained public recognition after appearing on The Piano. She performed in the show's final concert, playing a piece by Clara Wieck Schumann. At age 13, Robu won the Brooklyn Music Teachers' Guild Intercontinental Music Competition in both the piano concerto and solo categories.

Carnegie Hall Performance

Following her competition win, Robu received an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. She described the experience as a "dream come true."

Ongoing Activities

Robu continues to schedule concerts, focusing on Clara Schumann's work, and plans to record her music professionally. She integrates these activities with her school and social life. She characterizes the piano as a means to express emotions.

NSW Pianist Malik Traki Johnston

Academic Placement

Malik Traki Johnston, a 17-year-old from Bangalow, New South Wales, also participated in The Piano. He was accepted into the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. To facilitate his move to Melbourne, he organized a fundraiser concert which quickly sold out.

Current Status

Johnston relocated to Melbourne in February and is currently the youngest student at the conservatorium. He stated that his career aspiration is to become a concert pianist in Europe. He values the act of creating music and interpreting composers' works.

Sydney Pianist Vincenzo Pandolfi

Performance and Motivation

Vincenzo Pandolfi, an amateur pianist from Sydney, appeared on The Piano and dedicates his performances to his late wife, Elaine. He stated that participating in the show motivated him to continue developing his piano skills.

Community Activities

Pandolfi maintains connections with other The Piano participants. He is planning a concert for the Stroke Recovery Association with DJ, another participant who experienced a stroke. Pandolfi regularly practices, busks weekly, and performs at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, a cancer hospital.

He emphasizes the importance of musical delivery over technical difficulty and notes the positive impact his music has had on listeners and aspiring young pianists.

Program Host Andrea Lam

Background and Career

Andrea Lam, a concert and recording pianist for over 30 years, is also the host of ABC TV's The Piano. She made her orchestral debut with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at approximately age 13. She won the ABC Young Performer of the Year in her final year of school, performing Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Performance History

Lam has performed as a soloist with all major Australian symphony orchestras and internationally with the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Notable venues include Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. She has received the ARIA Award for Best Classical Album twice, in 2021 and 2025.

Teaching and Mentorship

Currently, Lam teaches and mentors piano students. Her teaching methods encourage physical engagement with the music, such as moving around the room or leaning into the keys.

Creative Process and Performance Preparation

Lam incorporates guided imagery and visualization techniques into her musical preparation. She visualizes music during walks, without a piano or sheet music, focusing on understanding the composer's original intent. She emphasizes the importance of accurately interpreting and conveying the composer's spirit.

"The key is understanding the composer's original intent."

Lam began experiencing nervousness during performances at a young age and adopted visualization practices, influenced by her father's interest in psychology and self-help, to mentally prepare for stage appearances.