JOSEPH CHING (ZHOU QING), born in Shanghai, China, began playing piano at age 4. His first public appearance was at age 7. When he was 15, Joseph was accepted into the pre-college program at the most prestigious school of music in all of China, the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. That same year, Joseph was chosen to perform at the People's Great Hall (equivalent to the USA White House) before Chairman Hua Guofeng.
While attending the Conservatory, he performed before various Heads of States including British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and former President Ronald Reagan.
During this time, Joseph was frequently chosen for Master Classes with world-renowned musicians such as the great Russian pianist Vladimir Ashkenazy and Romanian Rudu Lopu.
In 1984, after graduating from the Conservatory with a B.A. in piano performance, Joseph performed as a concert pianist extensively in China, Japan and Hong Kong with the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra until 1987 when he came to the United States.
In 1987, Joseph received a full scholarship from Eastern Illinois University where he met and married Wailu Zhang. He completed his studies there and graduated with an MM in 1989.
After setting his career aside for 14 years, Joseph Ching is now grateful to God for the opportunity not only to re-establish his career, but also to do so in the Name of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A personal note from Joseph…
Tonight’s concert is truly a miracle and gift from God. Let me tell you why.
I met J.D. Miller at our restaurant one year ago. At that time, I had given up any hope of having a career as concert pianist in this country. It had been thirteen years since I had performed in this capacity and I had decided that I would have to give up the idea. However, God apparently had a different plan in mind for me.
Upon meeting J.D. I was immediately impressed by his genuine interest in me, and his love for God and His people. I felt as if I had known him all my life. He encouraged me to begin to play again and even provided a practice piano for me at Shelby Christian Church where he is the minister of music.
As I began to feel the stress of the long hour practicing, my wife suggested that I pray and ask God to help me. From that point on, whenever I sensed frustration or pressure in my practice sessions, I stopped and asked the Lord for His help. I was surprised to find that I became more and more peaceful and less and less stressed. Instead of trying to hide my frustration, I found that Jesus simply took them away. I found a joy in my playing that I had never experienced.
J.D. Miller is the vessel that God used to not only rekindle my desire to play the piano again, but to show me brotherly love, encouragement and friendship like I have never known. I thank God for his influence in my life.
The Bible says that it is "in Him (God) that we live and breathe and have our being." I now know that the greatest moment of playing the piano for myself is nothing compared to the joy of using my God given talent for the glory of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Please join with me this evening in giving praise and thanksgiving to the King of kings for all He has done in each of our lives.
Acknowledgements:
Special thanks to my wife and partner, Wailu. Your prayers, love and support is a constant blessing to me. God bless you, Earl & May for being my American mother and father—it means a lot. Sincere thanks to Jack & Helen Chiu, my dear brother and sister. Much appreciation to the Shelby Christian Church pastors, elders, staff, praise team, and all members for their gracious and loving help. Many thanks to David & Alexis, for your generous support. I am also very grateful to Ron Gist, his son John and the employees at the Gist Piano Center in Louisville. Ron's warmth, generosity and his passion for music have made me feel like a part of his family.
I would also like to extend my appreciation to some of our many friends for their love and support. To: Nancy Albrink, Jim & Jean Axline, Joe & Ann Cecil, Frederick R. George, Chuck & Barb Hargan, Gary & Judy Irvine, Cheryl Miller, Lonnie Ragan, Thomas Thompson, Jaan-Ay Tyan, Gary & Joan Willoughby, You Yong and Weibin Zeng.
Thank you and God bless you.
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