Di Xiao

Described as “a pianist of awesome gifts" and compared to Clara Schumann by the press, the Chinese pianist Di Xiao recently concluded a major international recital tour representing the UK as part of the universally acclaimed European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO) 'Rising Stars' series. The tour included sell out concerts at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam; Konzerthaus, Vienna; Salzburg Mozarteum; Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthaus); Luxembourg Philharmonie and many more. Following her Köln Philharmoie recital their press stated that “Di Xiao presents a demanding programme that takes your breath away”.

Di’s international career started at 17 when she played Chengzong Yin’s Yellow River Piano Concerto in Kuala Lumpur and Penang for the Malaysian Royal Family. She has subsequently been invited to perform as a soloist in many countries including Malaysia, Ukraine, Singapore, India, China and the UK. In the UK, her concert performances have received much acclaim. Her debut at Symphony Hall Birmingham in 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 say “In her graceful, dancing finale it was easy to imagine Clara Schumann at the keyboard.”. Di has appeared in a number of important music festivals including Berman Musikfest (Germany), ISA Music Festival (Austria), New Generation Arts Festival (UK), Buxton Arts Festivals (UK) and Leamington Music Festival (UK), the 70th Anniversary of Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and the Guangzhou Classical Music Festival.

Di Xiao continues to play for audiences across the world performing regularly outside the UK in Europe and Asia. She aims to become an international ambassador for the piano, combining both Chinese and Western repertoire in the programming of concerts, thereby creating a bridge between two cultures.

Major Performances & Recordings

• 2010: Buxton Music Festival, Guangzhou Classical Music Festival, 70th Anniversary of the Beijing Central Conservatory
• 2008/09: European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO) Rising Star series: Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Konzerthaus Vienna, Salzburg Mozarteum, Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthaus), Luxembourg Philharmonie, Athens Megaron, Barcelona L’Auditori, Hamburg Concert Hall, Cologne Philharmonie and Birmingham Town Hall
• 2008: Debut CD Di Xiao Presents (Ecstasy Records 08DX01)