Ethan Zhao is a fourteen-year-old pianist from Urbana Middle School in Maryland. He began studying piano at the age of seven under Mrs. San-Qing Lu Bennaman and has developed a deep passion for classical music.
Ethan has won top prizes in prestigious competitions, including the MSMTA Spring Festival Piano Solo Competition, the Miriam Shields Gottlieb Competition, and the Washington Universal Piano Competition. He has also been recognized in international competitions such as the International Young Artists Piano Competition, the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, and the Thomas F. Hulbert International Piano Competition.
Beyond competitions, Ethan has been invited to perform at distinguished venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Bulgarian Embassy, and the Washington International Piano Festival. Passionate about sharing his music, he has spent the past three years performing at local senior centers, bringing joy and connection to his community.
Piano has taught Ethan discipline, patience, and perseverance, shaping his confidence and helping him express emotions in ways words cannot. It has become not only a creative outlet but also a meaningful part of his identity.
Outside of piano, Ethan enjoys swimming, reading, and running.
