Alumnus Spotlight: Zhu Wang (Piano ’23)

Prize-winning pianist and recent Curtis alumnus Zhu Wang (’23) began studying piano at age five when he trained at the Music Middle School affiliated with the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He continued his studies at the Juilliard School, receiving a Bachelor of Music degree before entering the Curtis Institute of Music in 2020 and studying piano with Robert McDonald. 

His grandfather was a high school music teacher with an extensive collection of musical instruments, one of which, the electronic keyboard, caught the attention of the young boy. He suggested to his parents that he take piano lessons, and it blossomed into something more than a mere hobby. Around age thirteen, he was participating in a competition in Hong Kong, China, and a jury member approached his family, noting the immense potential of the young pianist, and inviting him to study at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. This chance encounter and a masterclass with famed Chinese pianist Fou Ts’ong set Mr. Wang on the course to pursue a professional career as a concert pianist.

Since his orchestral debut at age fourteen with the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Wang has performed at numerous prestigious venues, including the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Kammermusiksaal of the Berliner Philharmonie, Warsaw Philharmonic Concert Hall, and Shanghai Concert Hall. As an avid chamber musician and new music advocate, Mr. Wang has also performed with Orion String Quartet, Ida Kavafian, Anne-Marie McDermott, Wu Han, and Colin Carr and has given concerts for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Beyond the practice room and the concert hall, Mr. Wang enjoys reading, watching movies, hiking, and jogging along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. He would have followed in his father’s footsteps to become a painter had he not discovered his love for the piano.

Photos of Zhu Wang courtesy of Nichole MCH Photography.