SMILING FACES: Tian Jiaxin (right) and her tutor American pianist Jeffrey Cohen attend a press conference held at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City on January 18. Tian will debut at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall on Feburary 3 (JUANITA ERB)

Beijing-born pianist Tian Jiaxin, 26, will give her first Carnegie Hall performance with a concert at Weill Recital Hall in New York City on February 3.

The scheduled program will include: Mozart's Sonata in A minor, K. 310; Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 and No. 2 (Moonlight Sonata); Liszt's Mephisto Waltz; the world premier of Zhang Shuai's Binga Binga; and Schumann's Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13.

Binga Binga, written specifically for Tian, is inspired by a traditional Chinese toy called tuoluo, which spins like a top propelled by a stick or strap. According to Tian, life, like the toy, can spin in a circular, repetitive motion. She sees this repetition present in her own life when she practices "the same bars over and over." During practice, she is uncertain of her future, but hopes that the spinning will propel her to success. "We do not know what the future is, but still must move forward," she noted.

Many are predicting a successful future for the promising pianist. Professor Jeffrey Cohen with the Manhattan School of Music said that while all of his students are very special, Tian possesses gifts that cannot be taught. During her tenure at the school, Tian felt that she started to reach beyond basic technical skills, learning musicianship and how to play differently and hear differently.

In 2012, Tian earned her master's degree in classical performance from MSM, where she studied under the guidance of Cohen.

Cohen, who Tian describes as "a father and a friend," sees in her an "x-factor" that draws audiences in and makes them "want to listen."

The author is an arts and fashion writer living in New York City

Date: 2 p.m. on February 3, 2013

Venue: Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall

Web: http://www.midamerica-music.com/