Influencer Editorial Team
The landscape of jazz is ever-evolving, flourishing thanks to the creative voices of new generations. Among these, young female pianists are making significant contributions—blending deep-rooted tradition with contemporary sensibilities. This article spotlights four outstanding young jazz pianists: Siwon Lee (South Korea), Connie Han (USA), Francesca Tandoi (Italy), and Ellen Andrea Wang (Norwegian)
1. Siwon Lee: A Rising Star in Contemporary Jazz Reflects on Growth and Resilience
Korean jazz pianist Siwon Lee is rapidly making her mark on New York’s vibrant and competitive jazz scene. Known for her meticulous technique, lyrical playing, and deeply introspective compositions, Lee has cultivated a distinctive voice that reflects both her cultural heritage and her immersion in one of the world’s jazz capitals. With a series of diverse performances at prestigious venues and a debut album on the horizon, her story is one of artistic dedication, resilience, and continual growth.
In a recent interview with New York Art Life magazine, Siwon Lee shared the inspiration behind the title of her forthcoming debut album, “Toward Myself.” “From hindsight, every struggle I had was rather a blessing,” she explained. “I strongly believe everything happens for a reason and it makes me grow little by little. That’s why I chose this title. I know I will encounter big and small struggles and challenges, and I shall overcome them.”
This philosophy has been visible throughout her career, which combines intense study, competitive success, and a growing presence on notable stages. Siwon’s formal education laid a solid foundation for her artistry; she arrived in New York to pursue a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies at SUNY Purchase College, graduating in 2019, and continued on to complete her Master of Arts in Jazz Piano by 2024. Her commitment and leadership were recognized with the 2024 SUNY Purchase Outstanding Graduate Award, an honor that marks her as a standout musician and scholar in a rigorous program.
Before relocating to New York, Siwon’s talent was already gaining recognition in her home country when she won first prize at the 2014 Kyung-Hee University Jazz Competition, a prestigious accolade in South Korea that marked a pivotal moment in her early career.
Since then, Lee has built an impressive résumé of performances across a variety of venues that showcase her versatility and creative depth. In 2025, she is scheduled to perform with her TT Quartet at intimate and atmospheric spaces like Silvana, an elegant speakeasy-style venue known for its artistic vibe nestled in Manhattan’s Frederick Douglass Boulevard corridor. Other upcoming appearances include Shrine, another popular jazz club, and the renowned literary venue KGB Bar, where she will play as part of a trio. These performances highlight Lee’s ability to engage varied audiences, from cozy club settings to more spacious concert halls.
Her collaborations extend to innovative ensembles such as Color Theory, with which she has appeared at arts-focused venues like Fiction Bar and Jazz On Main. Siwon’s dynamic presence has also been featured in larger, more orchestral contexts, including multiple performances with the Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra and Purchase Jazz Orchestra at high-profile locations like Dizzy’s Club and Birdland, two of New York’s most iconic jazz venues. These engagements speak to her adaptability and skill in both intimate and large ensemble settings.
One particularly notable concert took place at the Neuberger Museum of Art, where Lee’s trio performance created a unique interplay between visual art and jazz music, further exemplifying her openness to creative exploration beyond the traditional jazz club environment. She has also participated in masterclasses and rhythm section workshops, sharing the stage with prominent musicians such as saxophonist Melissa Aldana.
Her past work includes collaborations in smaller group formats, such as duos with guitarist Alex Frondelli and pianist Yeun Kim, as well as leading her own quartet and quintet in venues including Stella Blues and The Falcon.
Looking ahead, Lee’s debut album “Toward Myself”, slated for release in 2025, promises to be a profound and deeply personal musical statement. The album is expected to explore themes of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery—reflecting the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her journey. Alongside this release, Lee will also present “Roots”, a collaborative project with Color Theory, further expanding her creative footprint. She also contributed to the 2024 AG Records release, “Purchase, Some Jazz?”, which showcases emerging talents from SUNY Purchase.
Siwon Lee’s artistry is grounded in a strong respect for jazz tradition paired with a fearless embrace of new expressions. She is widely recognized for her sensitivity, humility, and passion for her craft, qualities that resonate deeply with both her audiences and fellow musicians. Whether performing solo, leading her ensembles, or working collaboratively within large orchestras, Lee’s playing exudes authenticity and emotional depth.
In an evolving jazz landscape, where innovation is prized as highly as reverence for the past, Siwon Lee represents the next generation of musicians who balance these elements with grace and originality. Her story of struggles embraced as growth, combined with her relentless dedication to her art, positions her not only as a pianist to watch but as an inspiring figure within contemporary jazz.
With performances lined up at some of New York’s most respected venues, a compelling debut album approaching release, and ongoing collaborative projects, Siwon Lee is steadily carving out a distinctive and meaningful voice. For jazz enthusiasts and the broader music community alike, her journey toward self-discovery through music is a powerful reminder of jazz’s enduring capacity to heal, connect, and transform.
2. Connie Han (USA). A Dynamic Force in Contemporary Jazz Piano
Connie Han is an acclaimed American jazz pianist and composer known for her dynamic playing, sophisticated compositions, and commanding presence on the contemporary jazz scene. Born in Los Angeles, California, Han began piano lessons at a young age, demonstrating both prodigious talent and a keen passion for improvisation. By her teenage years, she was already immersed in jazz, developing a distinctive voice that blends technical virtuosity with expressive depth.
Han’s formal music education began at the prestigious University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of jazz traditions and theory under renowned educators. Her time at USC solidified her commitment to jazz as both a performer and composer, fostering a style that honors the legacies of jazz giants while embracing modern sensibilities.
Emerging as a significant voice in the jazz world, Connie Han quickly gained attention for her debut album, The Richard Rodgers Songbook, which showcased her ability to reinterpret classic compositions with fresh creativity and emotional nuance. Her follow-up release, Dark Eyes, further cemented her reputation as a compelling original artist. The album highlights her skills as a composer and bandleader, featuring intricate arrangements and a blend of lyrical melodies with powerful rhythmic drive.
Han’s playing is marked by rhythmic agility, a rich harmonic palette, and thoughtful interplay with her bandmates, often comprising some of the top musicians in the jazz community. She is regularly praised for balancing technical mastery with emotional storytelling, a quality that has brought her to stages at notable venues and festivals worldwide.
Throughout her career, Connie Han has also received numerous accolades and recognition, including being featured in major jazz publications and participating in influential jazz festivals. She continues to evolve her artistry through collaborations, live performances, and recordings, consistently pushing the boundaries of contemporary jazz.
As a pianist, composer, and bandleader, Connie Han represents the vibrant future of jazz—a musician deeply rooted in tradition yet fearless in her pursuit of innovation. Her growing discography and live performances offer listeners a compelling mix of virtuosity, creativity, and heartfelt expression, making her one of the most exciting talents in jazz today.
3. Francesca Tandoi: Italy’s Rising Jazz Pianist and Composer
Francesca Tandoi is a promising young Italian jazz pianist and composer rapidly gaining recognition for her lyrical playing, intricate harmonies, and thoughtful approach to contemporary jazz. Hailing from Italy, Tandoi has cultivated a distinctive voice that blends European jazz traditions with modern improvisational sensibilities, positioning her as an emerging figure on the international jazz stage.
Tandoi’s musical journey began at an early age with classical piano training, which laid a solid technical foundation. Her passion for jazz developed during her formative years, leading her to pursue formal studies focused on jazz piano and composition. Through a combination of rigorous academic training and deep engagement with live performance, she has developed a nuanced style characterized by expressive touch and creative spontaneity.
Throughout her career, Francesca has performed extensively in venues and festivals across Europe, sharing stages with notable jazz artists and ensembles. Her versatility shines both as a soloist and as a collaborative musician in trios and larger ensembles. Known for her sensitive interactions with bandmates and her ability to balance structure with improvisation, Tandoi continues to build a reputation for delivering compelling and emotionally resonant performances.
In addition to live performances, Francesca Tandoi is dedicated to composing original works that reflect her artistic vision. Her compositions often explore the intersection of melody, rhythm, and harmony, drawing listeners into vibrant sonic landscapes that evoke introspection as well as energy.
As she continues to evolve artistically, Francesca is steadily expanding her presence within the jazz community. With a growing catalog of recordings and live engagements, her trajectory points toward a significant role in shaping the future of European jazz. Her commitment to authenticity, musical exploration, and collaboration underscores her position as a noteworthy pianist and composer to watch in the years ahead.
As she continues to expand her international profile, A Bu is poised to become a significant voice within contemporary jazz. Her artistry embodies a synthesis of discipline, innovation, and profound emotional insight, reflecting the rich tapestry of global jazz today. With an exciting repertoire of performances and recordings ahead, A Bu represents the dynamic potential of jazz to transcend boundaries and connect diverse cultures.
4. Ellen Andrea Wang: A Multifaceted Voice in Contemporary Norwegian Jazz
Ellen Andrea Wang is a distinguished Norwegian jazz musician, acclaimed primarily for her virtuosity on the double bass and her work as a composer and vocalist, with a noteworthy proficiency on the piano that complements her multifaceted artistry. Emerging from Norway’s dynamic jazz environment, Wang has become a leading figure in contemporary European jazz, celebrated for her innovative fusion of jazz with elements of pop, rock, and folk, which crafts a fresh and accessible sound that resonates widely with international audiences. Her piano playing, while often overshadowed by her renown as a bassist, reveals a deep harmonic sensibility and a fluid, lyrical touch that enriches her compositions and arrangements, demonstrating her comprehensive musicality.
Throughout her career, Wang has led several celebrated ensembles and collaborated with a host of prominent jazz artists, showcasing her ability to navigate complex musical landscapes with both technical mastery and profound emotional expression. Her compositions are marked by intricate melodic development, rhythmic vitality, and genuine storytelling, often drawing on her piano skills to shape nuanced harmonic textures that underpin her work. Moreover, her vocal contributions add an additional layer of warmth and intimacy to her performances, highlighting her versatility as a complete musician.
Ellen Andrea Wang’s broad instrumental competence, including her skill on piano, enhances her role not only as a performer but as an innovator in jazz composition and arrangement. She exemplifies a modern musician whose artistry transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a creative dialogue between genres and generations. As such, Wang continues to exert a significant influence on the evolving jazz scene in Norway and beyond, consistently pushing the musical envelope through her thoughtful, genre-blending approach and unwavering dedication to artistic growth.
The new generation of female jazz pianists is redefining expectations, expanding jazz’s global reach, and inspiring listeners and fellow musicians alike. Whether through Siwon Lee’s introspective fusions, Connie Han’s powerful command, Zitong Wang’s cross-cultural explorations, or Nubya Garcia’s genre-defying artistry, these young talents promise to keep jazz vibrant and evolving for years to come. As they continue to innovate, their voices remind us that the future of jazz is diverse, dynamic, and full of possibility.
