Weiwei Zhai
Pianist & Educator
ABOUT
Dr. Weiwei Zhai is an accomplished pianist, educator, and cultural ambassador born and raised in Chengdu, China. Her musical prowess was evident from an early age, winning a national competition in China at just 15 years old. Dr. Zhai holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied under the guidance of legendary pedagogues Dr. Solomon Mikowsky and Dr. Inesa Sinkevych. Her musical journey began at the Affiliated School of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, laying the foundation for her future success.
A decorated musician, Dr. Zhai has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including first prize in the Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition at the Manhattan School of Music and third prize in the Kazakhstan International Piano Competition. Her performances have graced prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall, Merkin Hall, and Symphony Space in New York City, as well as international stages in Italy and China.
As a passionate advocate for diverse musical voices, Dr. Zhai is dedicated to promoting works by female composers and introducing Chinese and East Asian compositions to Western audiences. She has given lectures on the history of music by modern East Asian composers and continues to bridge cultural gaps through her performances and teaching.
In recent years, Dr. Zhai has been stretching the traditional boundaries of classical music by infusing it with Latin flair. For the past two years, she has been collaborating with Puerto Rican musician Dr. José Moldonado, creating a unique fusion of Chinese traditional folk music, Puerto Rican rhythms, and standard classical repertoire. This innovative approach showcases Dr. Zhai's versatility and her commitment to bridging diverse musical traditions.
Dr. Zhai's expertise extends beyond the piano, encompassing roles such as a collaborative pianist, chamber music coach, and music history lecturer. Her administrative experience at the Manhattan School of Music has honed her skills in organizing competitions, masterclasses, and performance projects.
With a rich background in both Eastern and Western classical music traditions, and now exploring Latin influences, Dr. Weiwei Zhai continues to inspire and educate the next generation of musicians while pushing the boundaries of classical piano repertoire and performance.