Joy Lu, pianist

Based in Ottawa, Joy Lu is a 15-year-old emerging Canadian pianist currently pursuing the Licentiate Diploma of The Royal Conservatory of Music (LRCM), its highest performance diploma. She began studying piano at the age of five with Sherry Lu, whose students are known for their consistently high level of musical achievement, and continues to study with her today. Joy also occasionally studies with Inesa Sinkevych at the Manhattan School of Music in New York. What began as piano lessons encouraged by her parents has developed into a genuine passion for music. Joy is particularly drawn to the chromatically rich harmonies of post-Romantic music and the shimmering textures of Impressionism. She enjoys discovering new repertoire, exploring different musical interpretations, and refining the small details that bring a piece to life.

Joy has participated in solo and chamber music performances, community events, competitions, and masterclasses. Her performance experience includes appearances at Rideau Hall and Zibo Grand Theatre in China. She has participated in masterclasses with distinguished pianists Gábor Farkas, Philip Chiu, Jared Dunn, Angela Hewitt, Kyoko Hashimoto, and David Jalbert, among others. Her accomplishments include the Laurentian Music Club Senior Trophy, the Steinway Promising Young Artist Award, and awards and scholarships through the Ontario Music Festivals Association (OMFA) and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA). At an ORMTA competition, she earned second place and a scholarship. She has also received an Honourable Mention at the OMFA provincial level.

Selected by invitation to join the inaugural class of Ovation, an exclusive artist development program for emerging pianists, Joy is expanding her artistic experience and professional horizons as she prepares for a future in performance. In 2026, she also attended the Orford Music Academy, furthering her musical development in an intensive artistic environment.

Looking ahead, Joy hopes to broaden her repertoire and continue developing her artistry as a pianist both in solo and chamber music. Beyond music, she enjoys cooking, particularly Asian cuisine, painting, and watching Chinese variety shows.