Hometown:
Beijing, China
Education:
Peabody Institute Bachelor of Music 2026 (expected)
Bio:
Xiaoqian Zhu is a junior at the Peabody Institute, studying with Qing Li. He performed at Carnegie Hall in December 2024 with the New York String Orchestra. As first violin of the Andreas Quartet, coached by Annie Fullard, he regularly presents outreach concerts in the Peabody and Baltimore area. Xiaoqian was also a fellow at the Gustav Mahler Academy, deepening his experience as a collaborative musician.
What inspired you to become a musician?
Before primary school, I was around age of 4 or 5, I accompanied my brother to his preparatory trumpet lessons. While his teacher taught, I memorized the melodies and pitches. Noticing this, the teacher told my parents, “Although it’s difficult, he has the gift”—and that’s how journey began.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Mahler is my favorite composer, whose music reveals both anguish and beauty. His symphonies expand every aspect of orchestral music, like structure, complexity, emotion and etc. But I find there often reflect his own life, philosophy, and the complexity of human nature. As he once said, “A symphony must be like the world. It must contain everything.”
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I’m finally fluent in German! It took two school years, and there were so many times I wanted to quit. Hoping it all ends well next year.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I bake Sourdough and I have two perfect Yeast, they are 1 years old.
Why did you choose the NRO?
This will be my first time attending NRO. From what I’ve heard from alumni, it’s one of the most memorable and rewarding summer orchestras. Because this has no more than one orchestra, so we stand as one, creating music together while building friendships in Breckenridge strongly and stably. This, I think, somehow like the professional orchestra, where colleagues become lifelong friends and work together. The chance to focus entirely on one ensemble, growing together through intense performances, is exactly what I’m looking for. I’m truly excited for this experience!