Dr. Stanford Cheung is a Yamaha Artist who has cultivated a distinguished reputation as a Canadian-born concert pianist, making notable contributions to classical and contemporary music. Stanford’s multifaceted performing career spans the globe, encompassing the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. His solo performances with orchestras and recitals at many prestigious international venues have garnered him widespread acclaim.

Stanford seamlessly integrates his classical expertise into cross-disciplinary projects, creating innovative synergies. His artistic endeavours have been showcased at esteemed institutions, including Osaka University, the York University Crossroads Festival, the Edinburgh College of Fine Arts, the Toronto Metropolitan University, Christchurch University Winter Sound Festival, the University of Toronto, Orpheus Institute, the 48th Rhubarb Festival, the Banff Centre for the Arts, the Tokyo Poetry Journal, the Scottish Improvisors Orchestra, and Experimental Music Studios.

An avid collaborator, Stanford regularly works with a wide assemblage of Grammy Award–winning musicians and researchers to broaden the ontology of contemporary piano music. He is recognised for his collaborations with Richard Reed Parry (core band member of Arcade Fire), Shahzad Ismaily (bassist for Love in Exile), Morgan Fisher (keyboardist for Queen), William Brittelle (co-founder of New Amsterdam Records), Nobuo Kubota, Steven J. Fowler, Ichiro Fujinaga, and Henry McPherson.

As a versatile recording artist, Stanford’s solo album, entitled Folios of Light, was released in February 2025 by Azure Sky Records. The album champions the piano works of Japanese contemporary composers, notably Takashi Yoshimatsu, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Dai Fujikura. In May 2024, with Aural Shapes Records, Stanford also released an album of improvised piano and electronic music entitled ENDROLL, produced in collaboration with the two-time Grammy-nominated artist Shahzad Ismaily and Italian drummer Andrea Scala.

Stanford earned his doctorate and master’s degrees in piano performance from McGill University, where he studied under the guidance of Professor Kyoko Hashimoto. He received his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Toronto, where he studied under Marietta Orlov. Additionally, Stanford is a recipient of the FTCL Fellowship from Trinity College of Music, London. Stanford’s past mentors have included celebrated pedagogues such as Dang Thai Son, Christopher Hinterhuber, Kum Sing Lee, and John O’Conor, who have left a meaningful impact on him.

A highly sought-after teacher, Dr. Cheung’s students have gone on to win many prestigious awards and scholarships at festivals and competitions. Dr. Cheung also adjudicates at many piano competitions and music festivals. In addition to his performance and teaching commitments, he is deeply dedicated to community service. He serves as the concert curator for In Concert for Cambodia and on the artistic committee of the CCC Toronto International Music Festival.