Clara Zhang, 13, has performed extensively at piano recitals, chamber music concerts and music outreach programs. In 2018, following winning the Chicago Chamber Music Festival’s concerto competition, Clara performed piano concerto with the Northeastern Illinois University Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to performing, Clara has won many awards at numerous prestigious competitions. Clara received First Prize at the 2018 Illinois State Music Teachers Association Competition. She was subsequently invited to perform at the Winners Recital during Illinois State MTA Conference held at Northern Illinois University.
Other awards and honors: 2019 MTNA competition, Honorable Mention, 2019 Clara-Schumann International Piano Competition, Second Place, 2018 Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, Second Place (Concerto Division). She has also won awards at Society of American Musicians, Sejong Cultural Society, Granquist Competition, North Shore MTA Piano Competition, and many times gold medals from CAMTA, NSMTA and NWSMTA.
She has recently participated in piano master classes of Dr. Robert Weirich of UMKC Conservatory and the renowned composer and pianist Conrad Tao, via Chicago Grant Park Symphony Orchestra.
Clara is an enthusiastic chamber musician, actively participating in Music Institute of Chicago’s chamber program. Currently, she is studying Piano Duo with Mr. Ralph Neiweem. Her duo is scheduled to perform at the 2021 Young Piano Prodigy Concert Series held at Harold Washington Library in Chicago.
In addition to piano recitals and chamber music performances, Clara devotes her passion for music to perform frequently at many charity concerts and events.
Aside from piano, Clara loves playing the violin. She is the principle violinist at her school orchestra.
Clara is a merit-scholarship recipient at Music Institute of Chicago, where she studies piano with Dr. Soo Young Lee.
1. Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 31, Frederic Chopin, 9:15
https://youtu.be/879UEa14N0c
2. Jeux d’Eau, Maurice Ravel, 5:45
https://youtu.be/7Vf0ocC2JFw
