Breathing Life into the Orchestra
About
Jacky Jiaqi Liu (b. 2002) is a multi-award-winning Chinese composer based in New York City. Recognized for his poetic, diverse, and dramatic expression, Liu writes music that reflects universal values such as compassion, belonging, and love, inspired by philosophical and literary influences. Liu earned his BM in Composition at Juilliard under Melinda Wagner and will pursue his MM with John Corigliano.
A recipient of the 2026 John Adams Award of the BMI Composer Awards, Liu is also a two-time winner of the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Awards (2023, 2026) and the Arthur Friedman Prize from the Juilliard Orchestra Competition (2024, 2026). Other accolades include the Charles Ives Award in Chamber Music from the 2024 American Prize and the 2023 Juilliard Gena Raps String Quartet Prize. Liu’s compositions have been performed internationally, including premieres with Grammy®-winning conductor Lucas Richman, conductor Jeffrey Milarsky, members of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, and the Juilliard Orchestra.
What They’re
Saying
(01)
“Liu represents the best values and abilities of musicians in his generation, bringing dignity, kindness, grace, and a distinct artistic voice to every endeavor.”
Lucas Richman, Composer & Conductor
(02)
“Liu is a strong composer with much to say musically and in his unique artistic message.”
David Serkin Ludwig, Dean & Director of the Music Division at Juilliard
(03)
“It has been my personal joy and honor to conduct Liu's stunning masterpieces, filled with inspiration and musicality.”
Jeffrey Milarsky, Conductor
(04)
"Liu's music is both moving and meaningful"
John Corigliano, Composer