Alongside 100 young pianists from the Bay Area, junior Dylan Wirawan had the chance on Oct. 4 to perform with world-renowned pianist Lang Lang in the 101 Pianists Program at Sonoma State University’s Weill Hall.

Wirawan, who has been playing piano for the past nine years, described this as his “greatest accomplishment.”

“I’ve done a lot of testing before, but nothing like this,” Wirawan said.

Wirawan is currently training for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music piano exam and is a Level 10 in the Certificate of Merit for piano.

The ABRSM is an organization based in London providing testing in aspects of piano playing and music theory.

The Certificate of Merit is a program that provides a standard of curriculum for students to strive for musical excellence in performance, technique, ear training, sight reading/singing, and music theory in a wide variety of musical instruments.

Testing such as the Certificate of Merit exam is common among young piano players.

“For me, it was just one step in my practicing, something that gave me a deadline to learn my repertoire… but [it] doesn’t do anything other than give you something to put on your resume,” said senior Misha Galant, an accomplished piano player and Young Artist Guild member, the highest attainable level in the Certificate of Merit.

Only a small number of piano teachers from the Bay Area were invited to nominate one of their students to participate in the 101 Pianists Program.

Wirawan’s teacher nominated him, describing him as her “star pupil.”

The concert attracted hundreds of people, but this did not unnerve Wirawan because he said he had full confidence in his ability.

After rehearsing with Lang Lang, the 100 young piano players performed pieces by Brahms and Schubert in what Wirawan described as a “pseudo-orchestra,” consisting of only pianos.

Lang Lang is a Chinese piano player who has performed at the Grammys and at the Olympics. The 101 Pianists Program travels around the world from Ottawa to Berlin for events such as this.

“[Lang Lang’s] performance captures a very personal and emotional disposition and almost flawless structural delivery…the booming intricacy reminds me of a fireworks display: coordinated, indecisive, and mesmerizing,” said senior Aaron Wakashige, an enthusiastic Lang Lang fan and piano player.

Although his mother initially signed him up for lessons, piano playing has become Wirawan’s favorite pastime.

“I love music, and playing music is really a different experience,” Wirawan said.

He believes that piano playing is an important form of expression that is a good contrast to the rest of his academic-dominated life.

“Academics sadly interfere,” said Wirawan, who said he could easily choose between a life of piano playing and a life of academics. “I’d take the piano any day.”