Biography
An imaginative and electrifying performer, Zee Zee (Zhang ZUO), is unique among the young generation of pianists. Described as “full of enthusiasm and glamour, radiating the vigor of youth” (Chinese Gramophone), her interpretations and communicative abilities have been praised as “taking us to another reality… bright, expressive and moving to the extreme” (Belgischer Rundfunk), while her creative maturity has been hailed as “a powerful, passionate and compelling representation of pure artistry” (Los Angeles Times).
In 22-23 season, Zee Zee returns to the Aspen Music Festival, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, China Philharmonic, plays at the Brevard Music Center Summer Festival, Casa da Musica in Porto, Macao International Music Festival, and with North Carolina Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Slovakia Philharmonic, Janacek Philharmonic Ostrava, Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Highlights in the recent seasons include the season-opening concert with the Estonian National Symphony under Neeme Järvi, with the China Philharmonic at Beijing Music Festival, with the Philharmonia orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall under Paavo Järvi, 2 times with the Hong Kong Philharmonic as well as the complete piano concertos of Beethoven and of Saint-Saëns with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. Amid the pandemic, Zee Zee gave a recital tour in China, Hong Kong, and Singapore (Esplanade), and had her highly acclaimed recital debut at the prestigious Lucerne Festival in the summer of 2021.
Read moreReviews
“The artistry of pianist Zee Zee was on full display in Liszt’s Piano Concerto no.2. It was not only the energetic dexterity of Zee Zee’s sparkling runs or the perfectly-nailed cascading double octaves that impressed. In the more reflective and subtler moments, she also showed much intimate tenderness, relishing the playful give-and-take and gentle intimacy.”
“Zee Zee showed power and tenacity…gleaned substance from the work’s broad variations of colour… splashed and spouted unrelentingly…sensing her debut at the festival had passed muster with flying colours.”
“The highlight of the evening was her Tchaikovsky Concerto. She manages to make beautiful colors to create tension, but also represent the most tender sides of this otherwise very powerful concerto. Her fine dialogue with the solo cellist of the National Orchestra in the slow movement you will not soon forget: A small smile flitted both cheeks. The long-lasting applause after the performance was more than deserved.”
“…a powerful, passionate and compelling representation of pure artistry…”
