Nathaniel Zhang

Praised for “radiant virtuosity and uncommon poetic depth,” 17-year-old pianist Nathaniel Zhang is currently a Gay Elliot Scott Fellow at the Curtis Institute of Music, where he studies with Michelle Cann and Sasha Starcevich.

Recent highlights include winning Third Prize and the Best Concerto Award at the 11th U.S. National Chopin Piano Competition (2025), adding to earlier First Prizes at the MTNA National Junior Performance Competition and the Virginia Waring International Junior Solo & Concerto Competitions, as well as top honors at Hilton Head, International Piano-E, Nashville Chopin, Arthur Fraser, and San Jose competitions. He is a 2023 National YoungArts Finalist and a Chopin Foundation Scholarship recipient. As concerto soloist, Nathaniel has appeared with the Seattle Symphony, Hilton Head Symphony, Auburn Symphony, Philharmonia Northwest, and the Florence Conservatory Orchestra. He made his Carnegie Hall debut at eight, has been featured on NPR’s From the Top and ABC World News Tonight’s “America Strong,” and has performed at festivals such as Frost Chopin Academy, Morningside Music Bridge, and Music Fest Perugia. Equally passionate about chamber music and community engagement, he enjoys sharing music with young audiences and cheering on his hometown Sacramento Kings whenever he can.