Nicholas Zehao Bai

Praised by the critics as “…Delicate yet powerful…” (Lander University Press), Chinese pianist Zehao has established himself as one of the prominent rising stars on the concert scene today. Following major recognitions from the Seattle International Piano Competition, National Society of Arts and Letters, Long Island International Piano Competition, Thousand Island International Piano Competition, Zehao has given major concerts throughout the United States and China.

Born into a family full of musicians and music lovers, Zehao began his journey with piano at three years old, made his debut concert at the age of 14. At the year of 2012, Zehao came to the States and continued his piano study with Dr. Washington Garcia. Zehao was admitted to the studio of distinguished artist, Marina Lomazov for his undergraduate study and continued his master and doctoral study at the prestigious Eastman School of Music where he studies with Steinway Artists Marina Lomazov and Joseph Rackers.

In recent years, Zehao has acquired gold medals from the GOCCA International Piano Competition; NASL International Piano Competition; Texas State Concerto & Aria Competition; Haiman Cup Young Artist Piano Competition. In addition to these, he also holds prizes from Seattle International Piano Competition; American Virtuoso International Competition; Thousand Island International Piano Competition; Long Island International Piano Competition; MTNA Young Artist Division; Golden Age Artist Piano Competition.

As an active chamber musician, Zehao performed as soloist with the Virtuosi Brunenses Symphony Orchestra (Italy), Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra (USA), and Texas State Symphony Orchestra (USA), and with his chamber and life partner, Ke’er Wang, together they presented concert throughout the country, notably as guest artists at the opening concert of Southeastern Piano Festival, Lander University, Texas State International Piano Festival, and Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra.

Zehao is currently a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music majoring in Piano Performance and Literature where he served as piano instructor, teaching assistant and a faculty member of the Eastman Community Music School. He has served as jury member for the Arthur Fraser International Piano Competition, Miaomiao Rising Star Piano Competition, and many more.

In a testament to their commitment to musical education and community enrichment, Zehao and Ke’er co-founded the Miaomiao Piano Festival in Wuhai, China, serving as artistic directors and program coordinators since its inception in the summer of 2016.