Pianist Ren Zhang, who is dedicated to reviving and performing music in the grand romantic tradition, has burst upon the international concert scene, and has
established himself as one of the unique pianistic artists of his generation.
Born in Shanghai, Ren Zhang began his piano studies at the age of four. At twelve, he entered the Shanghai Conservatory of Music where he studied for
six years. After winning several prestigious competitions in China, Ren Zhang furthered his studies in New York where he was a full scholarship student of Solomon Mikowsky and the recipient of the Elva Van Gelder Memorial
Award. Ren Zhang holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Manhattan School of Music.
Ren Zhang's artistry was recognized after a highly successful New York recital debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as a recipient of the Shura Cherkassky Award from Artists International in
1996. Frequent appearances as a recitalist and soloist with orchestras include a season opening recital for the Sarasota Concert Association at Van Wezel Hall in Sarasota, Florida.
Other recitals include the Rolfs International Piano Series in Pensacola, Florida, and Hong Kong Piano Series in Hong Kong City Hall. Ren Zhang has also been a yearly guest artist at the Tenerife and Lanzarote International
Music Festivals in Spain, and a soloist and lecturer for the Long Island Piano Teacher Association and the Westchester Musicians Guild in New York where he has performed
in Merkin Hall and Alice Tully Hall. Ren Zhang has also been heard on WQXR Radio in New York City where he resides.
"... The brilliance, style, and ease of the vocal line and lightness of filigree were worthy of any Golden Age pianistic giant one would think of...."
- Harris Goldsmith, New York Concert Review
"Ren Zhang is a young pianist of enormous gifts - either playing the established repertoire, or like his hero, Shura Cherkassky, relishing the delights of the
grand transcription literature. Mr. Zhang's playing in both realms is refreshing, personal, and stylish, and I believe the lamented Cherkassky would be proud of him."
- David Dubal, author of The Art of the Piano
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