Hailed as “a deeply musical soul and nimble technician [with] probing sensitivity” (Chicago Tribune), having “airtight technique [and] coruscating brilliance” (Chicago Classical Review), and “an impressive soloist, a sparkling and happy presence… unflappable” (Times Union), 19-year-old pianist and composer Harmony Zhu is First Prize Winner of the 2021 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and a 2024 Gilmore Young Artist. With a deep musical sensitivity beyond her years, Harmony’s extraordinary achievements and promising career have earned her acclaim from critics and musicians alike, positioning her as a rising star in the world of classical music. 

 A Young Steinway Artist since age 10, Harmony has appeared as soloist with esteemed orchestras worldwide, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Israel Philharmonic, and more, under renowned conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, Marin Alsop, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. 

Harmony opened the Aspen Music Festival’s 2024 season with a recital at Harris Concert Hall and has been a featured performer at the Ravinia and Verbier Festivals. She has also been featured on NBC’s The Ellen DeGeneres Show, NPR’s From the Top, CBS, and ABC, with her musical maturity, charisma, and upbeat personality captivating audiences wherever she performs.

Harmony jumped in at 24-hour notice last season at age 16 for the late maestro Alexander Toradze, performing Prokofiev Concerto No. 3 with the Illinois Philharmonic to great acclaim, praised by the Chicago Classical Review as having the “stellar technique and musical insight to have a major professional career”. 

Zhu studied at the Juilliard School from age eight with Emanuel Ax and Veda Kaplinsky. This fall, she will embark on a dual degree program at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory. Zhu was recently honored as a 2024 US Presidential Scholar and holds the world champion title for chess competitors in her age group, after winning the World Youth Chess Championship.

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YCA represents pianist Harmony Zhu for worldwide engagements. Please contact us for more information.