Reviews

Chamber Music New Zealand - Nocturne (2021):

Snatches of lyricism embellish this dark world of sound devoid of visual distractions. Liu exhibits a fine sensitivity to the nuances of phrasing and brilliance in the high trills. His performance of all the works was exquisite.
Otago Daily Times Article

In pianist Jian Liu’s programme “Nocturnes” he takes his audience on what he describes as a “journey” into a dark world full of mystery, magic and romantic splendours. The solo recital of 16 short works by as many composers is all about mood, atmosphere and the glories of piano sound. I enjoyed “Nocturnes” recently at the Public Trust Hall amongst Chamber Music New Zealand’s devoted Wellington audience, transported by this very accomplished pianist into an exploration of great musical variety.
Fivelines Article

Orchestra Wellington - Prokofiev Concerto no. 1 (2020):

Jian Liu is, as we all know, a superb pianist, and, backed by sharp orchestral playing, he gave us a performance that the composer would have loved.
Stuff Article

Schoenberg once said: ".. I would loved to have composed this piece..". And pianist Jian Liu played it with an ideal simplicity. There was never an attempt to gild the lily – just excellent pianism and a simple straightforward poetry.
Stuff Article

And what wonderfully polished and poised playing we heard from Jian Liu. Completely inside the work, and revelling in Britten's virtuoso writing, Liu caught Britten's distinctive sound world to perfection, ably supported by Taddei and the orchestra.
Stuff Article