Dr. Stanford Cheung has cultivated a distinguished reputation as a Canadian concert pianist, making notable contributions to classical music, contemporary compositions, and interdisciplinary studies. Stanford’s multifaceted performing career spans the globe, encompassing the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. His solo performances with orchestras and recitals at many prestigious international venues have garnered him widespread acclaim.
Stanford seamlessly integrates his classical expertise into cross-disciplinary projects, curating innovative and imaginative collaborations. His artistic endeavors have been showcased worldwide at esteemed institutions, including the Banff Centre for the Arts, the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, Osaka University in Japan, Christchurch University WinterSound Festival in the UK, Orpheus Institute in Belgium, Experimental Music Studios in the US, and Koumaria in Athens. He has passionately championed the works of notable contemporary composers such as Philip Glass, Dai Fujikura, and Takashi Yoshimatsu, earning him recognition as a Yamaha “Make Waves” Artist.
Stanford earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in piano performance from McGill University, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Kyoko Hashimoto. These degrees were funded by the Graduate Excellence Fellowship and the Boris Roubakine Memorial Fund. He received his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Toronto, where he studied under the late, legendary Marietta Orlov. Stanford also holds the prestigious FTCL Fellowship from the Trinity College UK. Throughout his educational journey, he was fortunate to be mentored by celebrated pedagogues such as Dang Thai Son, Christopher Hinterhuber, Kum Sing Lee, and John O’Conor.
Dr. Cheung has dedicated a significant amount of time to teaching and nourishing students as well. He holds the positions of Artistic Director and Principal Instructor at the Aspire Music Academy. He serves as piano instructor at McGill University. He is a RCM advanced piano specialist. In addition to his demanding performance and teaching commitments, he is deeply dedicated to community service. He serves as the concert director for “In Concert for Cambodia,” a philanthropic initiative dedicated to supporting The Peaceful Children’s Homes in Cambodia. He also serves in the artistic committee of the CCC Toronto International Music Festival.
In his leisure time, Stanford channels his creativity into the realm of poetry. He has earned international recognition as a published author, with his collections of poetry residing in libraries in Canada and across the globe.