About Di Xiao

Di Xiao, Piano

Described as "a pianist of awesome gifts" and compared to Clara Schumann by the critics; Chinese pianist Di Xiao concluded a major international recital tour in 2009 as the UK's representative to the universally acclaimed 'Rising Stars' series. The tour included sell out concerts at some of the world's most prestigious halls including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Vienna Konzerthaus, Salzburg Mozartium, Stockholm Konserthaus and Luxembourg Philharmonie. Following her Köln Philharmoie recital, the press stated that "Di Xiao presents a demanding programme that takes your breath away."

Di's international career started at 17 when she played the Yellow River Piano Concerto for the Malaysian Royal Family in Kuala Lumpur. Subsequently, she has taken to the platform in many countries including Malaysia, Ukraine, Singapore, India and China. Selected as the UK's representative to the European Concert Halls Organisation (ECHO) Rising Star Series 2008/9, the Rising Star Tour which took her to 12 of the worlds most prestigious concert halls; Athens Megaron, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Hamburg Laeiszhalle, Barcelona L'Auditori, Brussels Bozar, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Salzburg Mozartium, Wien Konzerthaus, Stockholm Konserthuset, Köln Philharmonie, Birmingham Town Hall and Birmingham Symphony Hall. Later the same year Ms Xiao performed in Singapore and India for the Bremen Musikfest.

In the UK, her performances have received much acclaim. Her debut at Symphony Hall, Birmingham was described by the UK Chinese Times as "A stunning concert!" and an early performance of the Schumann Concerto prompted The Birmingham Post to say "In her graceful, dancing finale it was easy to imagine Clara Schumann at the keyboard." Di has also appeared for a number of prominent music festivals including New Generation Arts, Buxton, Leamington, Breman and, in October 2010, for her hometown's inaugural Classical Music Festival in GuangZhou.

Di Xiao recorded her first album "Di Xiao Presents" in Birmingham Symphony Hall in 2008, The album has been broadcast on radio stations including BBC Radio 3. Furthermore, her live performances were transmitted on radio stations across Europe. Her second album, to be recorded for the Somm lable, is scheduled for release in 2011. Her broad tastes include keen interest in Chinese folk music and contemporary piano works. Di Xiao aspires to be an international ambassador for the piano, combining both Chinese and Western repertoire in the programming of her concerts, thereby creating a bridge between two cultures.