Xiang Zou is a renowned classical pianist who has captivated audiences around the world with his virtuosic performances and sensitive interpretations of the great works of the piano repertoire. Born in Shanghai, China in 1986, Zou showed an early aptitude for music and began studying the piano at the age of four. Under the guidance of his first teacher, Zou quickly developed a deep love for the instrument and a passion for classical music. He went on to study at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he was mentored by some of the most respected pianists in China. During this time, Zou won numerous awards and competitions, including the prestigious National Piano Competition of China. In 2006, Zou moved to the United States to continue his studies at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. There, he worked with some of the most renowned pianists in the world, including Wha Kyung Byun and Russell Sherman. Zou's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the music world, and he began to receive invitations to perform at major venues and festivals around the world. One of Zou's most notable performances came in 2009, when he was invited to perform at the Ravinia Festival in Chicago. There, he played a program of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Beethoven to critical acclaim. The Chicago Tribune praised Zou's "dazzling technique and musical sensitivity," and called him "a pianist to watch." Zou's career continued to flourish in the years that followed, with performances at major venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He also began to collaborate with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. In 2012, Zou was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who show exceptional talent and promise for the future. The award provided Zou with a significant boost to his career, and he continued to perform at the highest level in the years that followed. One of Zou's most memorable performances came in 2015, when he played Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Andris Nelsons. The performance was hailed as a triumph, with the Boston Globe calling Zou's playing "a revelation" and praising his "impeccable technique and deep musicality." Zou's recordings have also received critical acclaim, with his debut album, featuring works by Chopin and Liszt, being named one of the best classical recordings of 2010 by the New York Times. His subsequent recordings, which include works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms, have also been praised for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Zou has remained committed to sharing his love of classical music with audiences around the world. He has worked with numerous educational programs and outreach initiatives, and has given masterclasses and workshops to young musicians in China, the United States, and Europe. Today, Zou is recognized as one of the leading pianists of his generation, and continues to inspire audiences with his virtuosic playing and profound musicality. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to sharing his passion for classical music with others make him a true ambassador for the art form, and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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