CONCERT PIANIST DI XIAO, BIOGRAPHY
Abstract
Chinese Concert Pianist Di Xiao began her musical studies at the age of four, subsequently studying at Guangzhou Conservatory, the Odessa Conservatoire, under the eminent Professors A. M. Bougaevski and G. V. Popova, and later at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing under Professor QiFang Li. She graduated from Beijing with one of the highest marks in the history of the Conservatory. Later she was awarded a full scholarship by Birmingham Conservatoire which enabled her to travel to England to continue her studies under Professors Mark Racz, now Deputy Principle at The Royal Academy of Music London, and Malcolm Wilson. She graduated with distinction in 2006 winning a number of prizes along the way.
Di Xiao has recently released her first album ‘Di Xiao Presents’ which is being played regularly on European radio stations including BBC Radio 3. During the 2008/09 season she thrilled audiences across Europe on her Rising Star Tour which took her to 12 of the worlds most prestigious concert halls; Athens Megaron, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Hamburg Laeiszhalle, Barcelona L’Auditori, Brussels Bozar, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Salzburg Mozartium, Wien Konzerthaus, Stockholm Konserthuset, Köln Philharmonie, Birmingham Town Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Later the same year Ms Xiao performed in Singapore and India for the Bremen Musikfest.
Biography
Di Xiao won numerous prizes and competitions at an early age, among them first prize in the Luo Shi Trophy Competition in 1990 and Most Outstanding Young Musician of Guangdong Province Award in 1996. She has been invited to perform as a soloist in many countries including China, Malaysia, Ukraine and the UK. In 1997 she played Chengzong Yin’s Yellow River Piano Concerto in Kuala Lumpur and Penang for the Malaysian Royal Family, which drew much praise from the press and critics. In her native country, she has appeared the Beijing Concert Hall and a number of other important venues across the country.
In the UK Di Xiao has performed at a number of prestigious venues and events including Birmingham Symphony Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Warwick Arts Centre, the Buxton Arts Festival, Stratford Music Festival, and Leamington Music Festival. Di Xiao’s concert performances have received much acclaim in the UK. Her debut at Symphony Hall Birmingham in January 2006 was described by the UK Chinese Times as “A stunning concert!” and an early performance of the Schumann Concerto prompted The Birmingham Post to describe her as “a pianist of awesome gifts …her imperious opening flourish announced a capacity for full, rich chording. But there was also flowing, rippling figuration as she revealed her instinctive grasp of this wonderful work. In her graceful, dancing finale it was easy to imagine Clara Schumann at the keyboard, Di Xiao’s profile and demeanour uncannily close to those of the great lady herself.”
In July 2007 she took first prize at the Brant International Piano Competition which led to her selection for the Rising Star series 08/09. During this tour She thrilled audiences across Europe at 12 of the worlds most prestigious concert halls; Athens Megaron, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Hamburg Laeiszhalle, Barcelona L’Auditori, Brussels Bozar, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Salzburg Mozartium, Wien Konzerthaus, Stockholm Konserthuset, Köln Philharmonie, Birmingham Town Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Her recitals at Athens, Barcelona, Hamburg, Luxembourg and Amsterdam were recorded and continue to delight audiences through the media of radio.
Di Xiao’s truly inspiring performances stem from her equal mastery of technique, artistry and temperament. She forms a strong bond with audiences everywhere and exudes a special quality and integrity in her music making. However, she continues her quest for perfection and strives continually for self improvement. In June 2006, she had the honour of a personal master-class with Alfred Brendel on Beethoven’s E major Sonata Op. 109, during which he commented on her “very clear mind and excellent fingers!”
Her repertoire reflects a broad spectrum of interests with a wide range of musical styles ranging from the works of Beethoven and Mozart to Ravel and Messiaen. She has a keen interest in Chinese classical folk music and in contemporary piano works by the new generation of Chinese composers. She seeks tirelessly for new and innovative ways to bring these works to a wider audience. Di Xiao aspires to be an international ambassador for the piano, combining both Chinese and Western repertoire in the programming of her concerts, thereby creating a bridge between two cultures.
Ecstasy Records 2009