Christopher Janwong McKiggan
Piano Concerto Festival Faculty | Co-founder of Piano Academy of Bangkok
Christopher Janwong McKiggan
Piano Concerto Festival Faculty
Co-founder of Piano Academy of Bangkok
Biography
Dr. Christopher Janwong McKiggan is a multi-talented musician recognized for his masterful and evocative piano artistry. Praised by Gramophone as “masterful, highly contrasted and sharply characterized,” by The Citizen for his “astonishing virtuosity and piano coloration,” and by Kansas City Star for his “astounding technique... startling poise and control,” he has been hailed by the Manila Times as “a colossus, converting every piece into a virtuoso composition.” In 2023, he was named to the Future List 100 by Koktail magazine for his
innovative contributions to music and the arts.
McKiggan has won numerous prizes, including the Gold Medal at the Seattle International Piano Competition, a top prize at the UNISA International Piano Competition, and second prize at the Isabel Scionti/Kingsville International Piano Competition. He has performed worldwide at venues such as Weill Recital Hall, Salle Cortot, The Kennedy Center, Melbourne Recital Centre, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Le Poisson Rouge, and Jin Mao Concert Hall, and at festivals including the Sicily International Piano Festival, Thailand International Contemporary Music Festival, and Geneva Music Festival.
An accomplished chamber musician, he has collaborated with artists including Clive Greensmith, Richie Hawley, J.P. Jofre, and the Dover Quartet, and is founding pianist of the Bangkok Piano Trio and Eon Piano Trio, performing for dignitaries including H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana. He co-founded the Piano Academy of Bangkok, mentoring students to top International prizes.
In addition to music, McKiggan is CEO of Chris the Pianist Productions, directing award-winning films, commercials, and music videos, including Pain of Silence, which has earned over 20 awards worldwide.
Career Highlights
Performance & Recognition
- Praised by Gramophone for “masterful, highly contrasted and sharply characterized” playing
- Described by The Citizen for “astonishing virtuosity and piano coloration”
- Acclaimed by Manila Times as “a colossus” of performance
Competitions & Awards
- Gold Medal, Seattle International Piano Competition
- Top Prize, UNISA International Piano Competition
- Second Prize, Isabel Scionti / Kingsville International Piano Competition
Concerts & Festivals
- Performed at Weill Recital Hall, Salle Cortot, Kennedy Center, Melbourne Recital Centre, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Le Poisson Rouge, and Jin Mao Concert Hall
- Appeared at Sicily International Piano Festival, Thailand International Contemporary Music Festival, and Geneva Music Festival
Chamber & Collaboration
- Collaborated with Clive Greensmith, Richie Hawley, J.P. Jofre, and the Dover Quartet
- Founding pianist of the Bangkok Piano Trio and Eon Piano Trio
- Performed for H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana
Entrepreneurship
- CEO, Chris the Pianist Productions
- Directed Pain of Silence, winner of over 20 international film awards
Masterclasses with Christopher McKiggan
Dr. Christopher Janwong McKiggan is a Thai-American pianist acclaimed for his masterful artistry, vivid imagination, and boundary-pushing creativity. Praised by Gramophone for his “highly contrasted and sharply characterized” performances, he has appeared at major venues including Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall, Salle Cortot, and The Kennedy Center. A Gold Medalist of the Seattle International Piano Competition and a Future List 100 honoree, he continues to redefine performance through innovation and artistic vision.
Specializations
Contemporary and classical piano repertoire, Chamber music collaboration, Performance innovation, Artistic entrepreneurship
Teaching Philosophy
Encourages students to explore creativity beyond technical mastery—bridging tradition with innovation. His approach nurtures individuality, emotional authenticity, and versatility, empowering pianists to express their artistic vision both on and beyond the concert stage.