Boao Zhang

China I Age 15

Boao Zhang is a multiple competition prize winner in his native China, and also took home second at the Frederic Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in Poland. He made his recital debut a year ago at the Russian Cultural Center in Beijing and followed that appearance with a concert at the Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology last fall. Having studied with Manchun Chen at the middle school of the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, for three years, Boao counts classical music as his “most important hobby,” noting that he “listens to music every day, without exception.” He was fascinated by ancient cultures at an early age, visits exhibitions of Western art as often as he can, and likes to read, swim, and play table tennis.

“When I was a young child, I thought music was interesting—as if I was listening to a person tell a story about his experience. So I enjoy classical music each night before bed, just as every child likes to listen to bedtime stories.”

Repertoire

Preliminary Round
BACH Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 870
CHOPIN Etude in A Minor, op. 10, no. 2
CHOPIN Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-flat Major, op. 61

Quarterfinal Round

BACH Toccata in E Minor, BWV 914

HAYDN Sonata in E-flat Major, Hob. XVI:52 (I)

CHOPIN Nocturne in C-sharp Minor, op, 27, no. 1

PROKOFIEV Sonata No. 3 in A Minor, op. 28

Semifinal Round

SHCHEDRIN Basso Ostinato from Two Polyphonic Pieces

DEBUSSY Danseuses de Delphes from Preludes, Book I

DEBUSSY Les collines d’Anacapri from Preludes, Book I

CHOPIN Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, op. 58

Final Round

CHOPIN Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, op. 21