Qizhen Liu, a UMKC Conservatory DMA cello student studying with Carter Enyeart, was recently selected as a finalist in the New York Philharmonic Fellowship in the Music Academy of the West. Only 140 of more than 1600 applicants were invited for enrollment in the academy. After severel audition rounds, Qizhen was chosen as one of the two cellists from the entire festival as finalists for the opportunity of performing with New York philharmonic. Invitation to Sarasota Music Festival and first place at the Missouri MTNA Young Artist Competition number among her latest accomplishments.

Liu holds a Master of Music at the Yale School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from Bard College Conservatory, where she double-majored in German Studies and Cello Performance. Click to watch Qizhen play!