Liang Wang, The Oboist's Music Review

 “There’s an incredible combination of talent and personality,” said Paavo Jarvi, the music director of the Cincinnati Symphony. “Liang is a good example of what’s right with musical education here at the highest level.” The veterans of the Cincinnati woodwind section, some old enough to be Mr. Wang’s grandparents, immediately accepted him as a colleague, Mr. Jarvi said.

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At the Philharmonic players in the woodwind section praise Mr. Wang as having a tone easy to blend with, rock-solid intonation and great sensitivity and musicality.

“He’s a very mature player, beyond his years,” said Judith LeClair, the principal bassoonist. “He’s a wonderful colleague. It’s just all music. He’s just very humble and wants to do his job.” Mr. Wang said he feels that acceptance when he senses the other members of the wind section following his lead when he makes subtle changes of character or color."

   “…met the piece’s daunting technical challenges with virtuosic flair.”  

  “…with the plaintive oboe of Liang Wang leading the violin through gentle, rigorous ideas.”  

 “…a wind choir topped by Liang Wang’s mellifluous oboe.” 

  “Principal oboist Liang Wang was particularly outstanding, playing with a deep sense of beauty in his long solo phrases.” 

“Shifting Gears to Explore the Realm of the Oboe: Liang Wang Performs Christopher Rouse’s Oboe Concerto.”

• Smith praises Rouse’s concerto for its demands: technically, emotionally, and interpretively. He notes that Liang Wang has to produce “seemingly endless lines that float weightless over aural backgrounds that shimmer and sigh in summer-afternoon languor.”

   “…an exquisitely phrased oboe solo by Liang Wang.”  

 “…whether antic or elegiac, [his playing] was spectacular.”  

 “Liang Wang’s flawless oboe solos… were the highlight of an unhurried second movement.” 

 “Liang Wang’s superb oboe solo began the Andante with another gorgeous melody.”  

  “The winds were particularly strong, with Liang Wang’s oboe solos standing out.” 

    “Principal oboist Liang Wang excellently intoned the wood-bird’s vocal line and contributed sorrowful solos.”