USAIHC appoints Mei Li, DMA, as Executive Director

Bloomington, IN - July 18, 2023

The USA International Harp Competition, Inc. has appointed Mei Li, DMA as executive director effective August 1, 2023. Mei Li, DMA is the co-founder and CEO of the Chicago International Music Competition and Festival (CIMC) along with co-founder Steven Spooner D. Mus., Professor of Piano, Peabody Institute. Professor Spooner in his letter of recommendation said, “. . . she brings so many assets to any institution such as proven experience in higher education, high-level musical training, a huge global network of vital connections, an unusually well-developed work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit, and on top of all that, real kindness and sharp intelligence.” As CEO of CIMC Mei Li has attracted thousands of participants from 30 countries and has built partnerships with 10 official and exclusive institutional partners, primarily in Asia. She is the International Director of the American Liszt Society, appointed to that position due to her unique expertise in building domestic and international partnerships/branches in various countries as well as recruiting new members. She has over 10 years’ experience working for both nonprofit and for-profit organizations in China and the US, building partnership with aspirational competitions, festivals, and orchestras.  Joyce Claflin, President of the USAIHC, says “Mei is uniquely qualified for this position, with an impressive record of accomplishments as an arts administrator and professional musician. We welcome her as we move forward in planning the 2025 13th solo harp competition, in conducting our USAIHC Ruth Inglefield Composition Contest, in promoting our Concert Series and in presenting our educational programs Harp Start and our Ambassador program.”

Pianist Mei Li holds a doctorate in piano performance and piano literature from the University of Kansas. She was born in Chengdu, China into a musical family. She has studied piano since the age of five. Dr. Li obtained a full scholarship from the University of Northern Illinois in the United States, studying under the direction of American pianist Professor William Goldenberg. After gaining a master's degree in piano performance and exploring the virtuoso repertoire, Dr. Li earned her DMA degree from the University of Kansas. She studied piano performance from famous American professors Jack Weinrock and concert artist Steven Spooner and studied piano pedagogy methods from the famous American piano teaching expert, Scott McBride Smith. Dr. Li has won important awards at five separate international piano competitions, including the International IBLA Music Competition in Italy and the International Virtuoso Grand Prize Competition.

As an active pianist and soloist in China, Dr. Li performed at major venues as the Hong Kong Concert Hall, Guangzhou Xinghai Concert Hall, and Shenzhen Concert Hall. In the United States, Dr. Li was invited to perform as a soloist at the World Conference on Women in Chicago, the renowned Chicago Cultural Center, and Carnegie Hall in New York City. She, along with her distinguished chamber partners were invited to perform in many concert halls and schools in the United States and received much critical acclaim.