Accomplished American pianist Joshua Mhoon will perform in concert at 7 p.m. as part of the Leelanau Summer Concert Series next Thursday, Aug. 14.
Mhoon’s talent for piano was discovered at the age of 7. Quickly dedicating himself to the instrument, he advanced at an exponential rate, despite his comparatively late introduction to music. His quick progression landed him first place prizes in The DePaul National Concerto Competition, The Walgreens National Concerto Competition’s Senior and Junior divisions, The Emilio del Rosario Concerto competition, and accomplishments such as TV appearances on The Tamron Hall Show, NBC Chicago, CBS Chicago, Redbull TV, WTTW’s Chicago tonight, The Mozart on TV Asahi in Japan, along with a feature in the Emmy award winning episode of “Built to Last” on PBS. Mhoon has given live performances for worldwide audiences in Japan, England, France, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Spain and Italy, and several concert tours in Germany. In 2023, after being named the Silver Medalist at the inaugural Nina Simone Piano Competition, Mhoon catapulted to new heights in the classical music industry, with engagements domestically, and abroad for the 2024-25 season.
Mhoon’s upbringing in Chicago, shaped his musical vision, growing up in the culture of Black American Music, such as R&B, jazz, blues, hip hop, and gospel. Mhoon has had various opportunities to showcase his abilities locally in Chicago, demonstrating a sense of pride in his hometown. Mhoon had the privilege of performing at Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s inauguration, a historic event that gained thousands of viewers on television and live attendance at the city’s Wintrust Arena. Additionally, his other performances in his city include a halftime show at a Chicago Bulls game, a performance for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and China’s Vice Premier at the Harris theater; performances at the Navy Pier, Ganz Hall, The Studebaker Theater, Pritzker Pavilion, Pianoforte, and Bennett Gordon Hall at the Ravinia Festival. His radio performances became extremely popular as he played and spoke of his love of piano on popular radio shows including the Cliff Kelly Show on WVON with its mostly African American audience. As well as his popularity with larger ethnically diverse audiences appearing in multiple episodes on Chicago’s classical music station WFMT as well as Richard Steele’s program on Chicago National Public Radio’s WBEZ. Other radio appearances and performances have been heard on NPR’s “From the Top” as well as New York’s Classical Music Radio Station WQXR.
