Hometown:
Beijing, China
Education:
Peabody Institute, Bachelor of Music (2026)
Bio:
Xiaoqian Zhu is a DMV region violinist. He will conclude his Bachelor of Music at Peabody Institute under Qing Li and Vadim Gluzman. He served as co-concertmaster with NRO last year. He continues serving a principal role in the Peabody Orchestra. He appears as substitute concertmaster at Avanti Orchestra in Washington, D.C., and as a substitute violin with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, and Charleston Symphony Orchestra.
What inspired you to become a musician?
When I was around the age of 4 or 5, I was accompanying my brother to his preparatory trumpet lesson. While his teacher was demonstrating, I memorized the melodies and tunes. By the second, I hummed it right away, and accordingly, it was in tune! So the teacher got impressed, then she told my parents, “he has the gift to learn music.” Therefore, with this interesting belief, my journey begins.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Last year my answer was Mahler, but Prokofiev for now, what an intriguing composer
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I enjoy playing in orchestra with my dear friends at all times.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Jogging, hiking, listening to music.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I am returning to the NRO. This was and will be a group of excellence. From what I’ve learned from last year, it’s one of the most memorable and rewarding summer orchestras. Because this has no more than one orchestra festival, which contains the vitality and unity. My fellow colleagues from the NRO have become my lifelong friends. I am excited to come back and work with new colleagues for another inspiring season.