Photo by Jiyang Chen
About Zhu Wang
Praised as “especially impressive” and “a thoughtful, sensitive performer” who “balanced lyrical warmth and crisp clarity”(Tommasini–The New York Times), pianist Zhu Wang was awarded First Prize in the 2020 Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions, Gold Medalist at 2024 New Orleans International Piano Competition. Zhu was one of the finalists in the 2019 Clara Haskil International Piano Competition, and one of the prizewinners of 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition. The world-renowned pianist Fou Ts’ong recognized Zhu as an “excellent pianist with a natural sense of harmony and imagination,” whose sensitive and engaging performances exhibit a remarkable depth of musicianship and poise beyond his age.
Recent performances include appearing as soloist with Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall Stern Auditorium, Columbus, Kansas City, Spokane, Memphis, and Richmond Symphony Orchestras, and solo recital for Hilton Head International Piano Competition. And highlights of the upcoming season include Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Brevard Philharmonic Orchestra, Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.3 with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Solo recital for Ashmont Hill Chamber Music Series and Animato Foundation in Paris, chamber music concert with members of Orchestra of St Luke’s at Carnegie Hall, and concert tour in Europe and North America with violinist Randall Goosby in the spring of 2025.
Celebrated for his “technical mastery and deep sense of lyricism,” (The Durango Herald), Zhu has appeared in recital at Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theater, Southampton Rising Stars, Music at Dumbarton Oaks, The Morgan Library & Museum, Hayden’s Ferry Chamber Music Series, Buffalo Chamber Music Society, Salon de Virtuosi, and Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, which made The New York Times’ “Best of Classical Music 2021” list.
An avid chamber musician, Zhu has appeared on series such as Chamber Music Detroit, Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, Vancouver Recital Society, La Jolla Music Society, Stanford Live, Hamilton College, Four Seasons Chamber Music Festival, Howland Chamber Music Series, Chesapeake Music, Clarion Concerts, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Zhu is an alum of Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School, Bravo! Vail, Caramoor’s Evnin Rising Stars, Music@Menlo International Program, and he regularly appears in chamber music recitals with violinist Randall Goosby.
A native of Hunan Province, China, Zhu started learning piano at the age of five following his grandfather’s love of music. He graduated from Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School and received Gina Bachauer Scholarship, Mieczyslaw Munz Scholarship, and Mehlin Prize. Zhu is pursuing his Master of Music degree at Juilliard, under the tutelage of Emanuel Ax and Robert McDonald. He gratefully acknowledges the support of the Bagby Foundation for the Musical Arts. Zhu currently lives in New York City with his wife Chloe and their beloved two cats, Chaz and Tùzi.
Last updated: September 2024
Artistic Statement
I started my musical journey at the age of five. My grandfather was a self-taught, passionate musician who was my first inspiration when I started learning piano. I remember he always said: “In order to have your music move other people, you first have to make it very beautiful.” I had always remembered that saying from him, and I always see myself connected to the thoughtful and sensitive aspect of music-making and I truly believe in the impact of genuine feelings that are communicated to audiences.
For that purpose, I have been trying to implement that sense of sincerity in everything I do, whether it is a solo recital, concerto with orchestra, chamber music, community outreach or collaboration with composers. In fact, the things I learnt the most are from the collaborations with friends and colleagues. I will never forget the days when I was immersed in the beauty and tragedy of the Schubert E-flat Major Piano trio at Kneisel Hall. And that experience truly helped me realize the musician I aspire to be.
Recently, I gave a masterclass for Bucknell University students, and I was trying to inspire the students on how to bring the music alive through listening, analyzing the music and trying to understand the emotions and characters behind each piece. That sense of sharing and being able to inspire others makes me feel fulfilled artistically.
To finish up, I believe art is a process, not a product. I will continue my journey in music with passion and dedication. I am really excited about my first solo album with Steinway and Sons label which is set to release in 2026, my continuous collaboration with Randall, and with my wife Chloe to open a high quality, dedicated teaching studio in our local community in Queens. Along the way, I will always stay true for my artistic vision.