On March 14, the stage of the Coeur d’Alene Symphony will welcome a young pianist whose résumé already spans some of the nation’s most prestigious concert halls. Elizabeth Li, a Vanderbilt University junior double majoring in piano performance and economics, will perform the first movement of Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major after winning the 2026 Coeur d’Alene Symphony Concerto Competition. For Li, the appearance is more than a guest engagement — it’s the fulfillment of a long-held artistic goal.
“I participated in and won the symphony’s Young Artist Competition, which offers the opportunity to perform with the orchestra,” she explained. “Performing this piece with an orchestra has been on my bucket list for a while.”
Originally from Princeton, New Jersey, and a member of Vanderbilt’s Class of 2027, Li studies at Blair School of Music under pianist Amy Dorfman. At Blair, she has found both rigorous mentorship and a spirited creative environment.
“What I enjoy most about Blair is the vibrant, talented, and supportive community created by both the professors and students,” she said. “The mentorship I’ve received here has deepened my passion for the piano and inspired me to continue growing as a musician.”
“Elizabeth Li is a shining light in my studio,” said Blair Professor of Piano Amy Dorfman. “Her passion and dedication to the piano is an inspiration to all.”
Li’s career trajectory suggests that growth has been steady and remarkable. She has earned top honors in national and international competitions, including First Prize in the Piano Virtuoso Solo category at the MAMTG Competition, Gold Medalist in the Advanced Category of the National Young Maestro Competition (which led to a performance at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall) and Grand Prize at the New York Concert Festival Competition, with a performance at Lincoln Center. She is also a two-time finalist in Vanderbilt’s own Concerto Competition.
Yet for Li, accolades are secondary to artistic connection. Few composers inspire her more than Ravel. As a sophomore, she programmed an entire recital dedicated to his works in celebration of the 150th anniversary of his birth. Impressionistic music, particularly Ravel’s, remains her favorite repertoire.
“What I love about this piece is that within its dreamy and lyrical nature there are so many creative twists on jazz and blues — styles that Ravel fell in love with when he visited the U.S.,” Li said. “Ravel is known for his clever orchestration, and this piece has such an exotic, otherworldly sonority when all the orchestral instruments come together. My goal is to share my love of Ravel’s writing with a new audience, and I am beyond excited to make this debut with the CDA Symphony in Idaho.”
While performance is central to her life, Li’s path at Vanderbilt reflects a broader vision. Alongside her intensive piano studies, she is pursuing a degree in economics, a pairing that speaks to her long-term ambitions within the classical music world.
“I want to gain knowledge in economics and business to strengthen my financial and logistical skills,” she said. “This will prepare me to manage event planning logistics, pursue music marketing and branding, and ultimately build a business within the classical music industry.”
Li envisions a career that balances the stage with leadership and mentorship. Her dream job? Founding a summer music festival that brings diverse musical experiences to communities, offers a platform for musicians to share their creativity, and provides mentorship opportunities for young artists.
On March 14 in Coeur d’Alene, audiences will encounter not just a competition-winning soloist, but a thoughtful young artist adding another chapter to her rapidly unfolding musical journey.