Kaiwei Zhi
Celebrated for his profound artistic sensitivity and technical command, pianist Kaiwei Zhi has firmly established himself as a dynamic and compelling presence on the international stage. His courageous and artistically significant return to Kyiv in 2023, amidst the ongoing conflict, featured a brilliant performance of Ravel's First Piano Concerto in G with the Honored Academic Symphony Orchestra of Ukrainian Radio under Maestro Volodymyr Sheiko. This was followed in 2025 by another triumphant collaboration in Kyiv, where he recorded and performed Sergei Bortkiewicz’s formidable Second Piano Concerto for the left hand with the same orchestra. This latter performance was broadcast live on Ukrainian national television, with the recording session permanently archived as a testament to the enduring power of music. Shortly thereafter, he delivered a commanding performance of Shostakovich's First Piano Concerto in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall with the New York Chamber Player Orchestra and Maestro Giacomo Franci.
Mr. Zhi's distinguished career is marked by a series of acclaimed performances across the globe. His journey began with a notable concerto debut at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Kyiv, performing Liszt’s "La Campanella," followed by a performance of Liszt’s First Piano Concerto with the State Orchestra of Ukraine. After earning his Bachelor and Master degrees in Piano Performance from the R.Glier Kyiv Institute of Music, where he studied with Uliana Yablobskaya, he embarked on a successful recital tour throughout China, earning third prize at the 22nd Young Musician International Competition ‘Citta’di Barletta’.
A period of artistic rediscovery in Paris, studying with Oliver Gardon, rekindled his deep faith in music, leading to a powerful return with a performance of the "Yellow River" Concerto with the Chongqing Philharmonic under the esteemed conductor Xieyang Chen. He then advanced his studies in New York at the Manhattan School of Music, earning a Professional Study Certificate under the late maestro Phillip Kawin and a Graduate Performance Diploma under the guidance of American concert pianist Spencer Myer.
His dedication to a diverse repertoire is further evidenced by his explorations in French Impressionism, which also include a performance of Debussy’s Fantasie for Piano and Orchestra with Dr. Leon Burke and the University City Symphony. A sought-after artist for important stages, Mr. Zhi has been featured as both an opening and closing performer in New York's prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall and Merkin Hall.
Now based in New York City, Kaiwei Zhi continues to captivate audiences with a repertoire that spans the grand traditions of Slavic music, the vibrant colors of French Impressionism, and powerful contemporary works, solidifying his reputation as a pianist of both extraordinary skill and profound depth.
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