Two alumni from Miami University's Graduate Music program are set to return to their alma mater for a special performance on March 20th. Phoenix (Wenyin) Deng, acclaimed violinist, and Chyh Shen Low, accomplished pianist and composer, will perform at Souers Recital Hall at 5 p.m.

Phoenix Deng was honored with one of the prestigious Top 18 of Last 9 Awards in 2019. After graduating with her Master’s Degree in 2017 she continued her musical journey, obtaining an Artist Diploma from DePaul University in Chicago, performing with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and completed her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro.

During her tenure at Miami University, Deng crossed paths with fellow graduate student Chyh Shen Low, hailing from Malaysia. Low also pursued a DMA, earning his degree from James Madison University. Following their Miami experience, the duo's professional and personal lives intertwined as they eventually tied the knot, becoming a Miami Merger.

Now based in Chengdu, China, Deng and Low have both been honored with faculty positions at China West Normal University. Their journey comes full circle as they return to Oxford, their educational alma mater, to share their musical talents and experiences with the Miami University community.

The recital promises an evening of enchanting melodies and virtuosic performances, showcasing the extraordinary talents of these Miami University alumni. All are welcome to join in celebrating their success and musical prowess on March 20th at Souers Recital Hall at 5 p.m.

Chyh Shen Low

Chyh Shen Low has appeared as a soloist in concerto performances with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra in China, Selangor Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Miami University Symphony Orchestra in the United States. He has performed in some of the most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London. In 2013, Chyh Shen won third prize in the Ohio Music Teachers Association-Graves Young Artist Piano Competition. His passion for chamber music has given him the opportunity to play in various chamber music ensembles, and he performs extensively with singers and his Piano Trio group in the United States.

Chyh Shen holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance from James Madison University and acquired his master’s degree from Miami University. Piano professors with whom Chyh Shen has studied include Gabriel Dobner, Eric Ruple, Siok Lian Tan, and Bang Hean Loo. Chyh Shen currently serves as the piano and chamber music professor at China West Normal University School of Music in China.

Wenyin Deng

Wenyin Deng is a violinist who has performed with world-renowned musicians such as Yo-yo Ma, Augusta Reed Thomas, Ricardo Muti, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Cho-Liang Lin, and Lynn Harrell. Wenyin appeared as soloist with DePaul Baroque Orchestra, Miami University Symphony Orchestra, and Sichuan Symphony Orchestra. She served as the Concertmistress with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra for their debut performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. In recent years, Wenyin performed at some of the most prestigious concert venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Center for Fine Arts in Brussels. Wenyin was the associate concertmistress of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra in China. In 2016, she was awarded a permanent violin position at the Greensboro Symphony Orchestra and played under the baton of Artistic Director Dmitri Sitkovetsky. From 2014 to 2016, she was an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. As an active performer, Wenyin has been invited to perform with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra at the prestigious National Concert Hall in Beijing and at the Contemporary Music Festival at Zhejiang Conservatory in the year 2022. In 2019, Wenyin was selected as one of the "18 of the last 9" honorees at Miami University, which aims to recognize 18 outstanding alumni who have graduated in the last nine years.

Wenyin holds a Doctorate in Violin Performance at University of North Carolina Greensboro under the guidance of Marjorie Bagley. Her musical education journey also includes mentorship from distinguished instructors such as Harvey Thurmer at Miami University where she earned her Master Degree of Music and Janet Sung at DePaul University, where she earned a Certificate in Music Performance. Currently, Wenyin is a full-time faculty at China West Normal University School of Music in China.