Xingyu Zhou
China I Age 14
Xingyu Zhou made his recital debut at the age of 8 in his native Beijing, and his concerto debut two years later in Canada with the St. Andrews Festival Orchestra. That was his second successful appearance in St. Andrews, where he won all top prizes in his age category at its international piano academy and festival in 2013. Among his accolades, he counts several top finishes in Chinese competitions, as well as concert appearances in Beijing, Shanghai, New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. He moved with his family three years ago to Philadelphia, where he studies with the Curtis Institute’s Meng-Chieh Liu. He also attends the Albert M. Greenfield School, where he excels academically, especially enjoying literature, math, and science, and is on the track team. He is also an adept athlete, having seriously studied badminton and speed skating, amongst others.
“When people converse, both sides talk. I think the case with music is similar. The performer does not simply give out everything he has—the music should also speak back to him. I often find my view on something has changed because of music.”
Repertoire
Preliminary Round
BACH Prelude and Fugue in G Major, BWV 860
CHOPIN Etude in G-sharp Minor, op. 25, no. 6
LISZT Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514
Quarterfinal Round
BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 7 in D Major, op. 10, no. 3 (I)
CHOPIN Nocturne in E Major, op. 62, no. 2
RACHMANINOV Preludes, op. 23, nos. 4-8
Semifinal Round
SCHUMANN Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, op. 22
LISZT Two Concert Etudes
LIEBERMANN Gargoyles, op. 29
Final Round
GRIEG Concerto in A Minor, op. 16