Liszt’s piano works are known for technical and musical difficulties, and these transcendental etudes are one of the best that represent Liszt’s virtuosic style. 10 of 12 were given a title, describing the musical meaning behind the music. It’s not enough for pianists to only overcome technical difficulties. Their musical challenge above the technical difficulties is one of the reasons that keeps pianists away from trying to perform them all. The whole program will last about one and a half hours including the intermission.  Mr. Xiangyu Zhao who performs these etudes is currently working on his doctoral degree at the University of Missouri Kansas City. He has been performing at the Helzberg Hall at the Kauffman Center with the UMKC conservatory orchestra since 2017.