About this episode
Dr. Angelin Chang is an internationally acclaimed classical pianist, educator, and trailblazer in the world of music. She made history as the first American female classical pianist—and the first of Asian descent—to win a GRAMMY Award for Best Instrumental Soloist with Orchestra, for her recording of Olivier Messiaen’s Oiseaux exotiques with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. Born in Muncie, Indiana, Chang began performing at the age of 12, making her solo debut with the Muncie Symphony Orchestra. She went on to earn degrees from Ball State University, Indiana University Bloomington, and the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, culminating in a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Adding to her impressive accomplishments, she also earned a Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law. Chang has performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Severance Hall, and the Shanghai Grand Theatre. She was the first Artist-in-Residence at the Kennedy Center and the first Academic Performing Artist for Yamaha Corporation of America. Currently, she serves as Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies at Cleveland State University, where she also teaches law. In addition, she is Vice President and a Board of Governors member of The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter, chairing the Education Committee and Classical Task Force. Her recordings, including Soaring Spirit (2004) and Angelin (2007), showcase her technical brilliance, expressive depth, and a unique voice that continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike.