In a captivating evening of conversation, the Edward R. Murrow Center hosted classical pianist Pauline Yang, a distinguished Fletcher alum, on March 25, 2025. The event, held in the Murrow Room, united faculty members and guests to delve into the intriguing intersection of music and diplomacy. Among the attendees were Ms. Yang’s former capstone advisor, Alan Henrikson, and aspiring diplomats from Professor Carolyn Gideon’s Public Diplomacy course.
Pauline Yang’s musical journey is a testament to her extraordinary talent and dedication. She embarked on her musical odyssey at the tender age of five, clinching her first international piano competition victory at just seven. By eleven, she had already graced the prestigious Carnegie Hall stage, shortly before commencing her studies at The Juilliard School.
Since then, Yang’s concert career has carried her across five continents, showcasing her prowess at esteemed venues like the Casals Festival in Puerto Rico and the Grand Hall of the Franz Liszt Academy in Hungary. Collaborations with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma and Leon Fleisher have further enriched her musical narrative. Not content with just performing, Yang devoted nearly a decade to teaching at the renowned Perlman Music Program and bringing the gift of music to young patients in hospitals.
However, Yang’s passion extended beyond music. She pursued a dual major in piano and political science at the University of Southern California, graduating with honors. Subsequently, she obtained dual master’s degrees from USC in piano performance and from Fletcher in international relations, focusing her thesis on the diplomatic role of music at the White House.
As a U.S. State Department Arts Envoy, Yang has traversed the globe, enchanting audiences in diverse locations such as Japan, Ethiopia, and NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Her performances have not only captivated listeners but also underscored the power of cultural diplomacy in fostering international ties and understanding.
During the evening at the Murrow Center, Yang shared profound insights into her work at the confluence of culture and diplomacy, illustrating to Fletcher students the transformative potential of the arts in fostering global connections and harmony. The event was not merely a platform for her story but also a shared experience over a meal, underscoring how music can transcend boundaries and forge meaningful connections.
The Murrow Center expressed its deep privilege in hosting Pauline Yang, acknowledging her life and career as a poignant embodiment of diplomacy in action, where the universal language of music serves as a powerful conduit for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.
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