Pianist Yijia Zhong is gaining recognition for his expressive depth, technical brilliance, and artistic versatility, currently pursuing his Master of Music in Piano Performance at the Mannes School of Music in New York City, Yijia studies under the mentorship of renowned pianist and educator Professor Pavlina Dokovska, Chair of the Piano Department. He previously graduated with honors from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where he studied with Professors Angela Cheng and Alvin Chow.

Yijia's dedication to music has led him to perform on some of the world’s most esteemed stages, including Carnegie Hall in New York, Steinway Hall, and the Liszt Music Hall in Budapest. He has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra and the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, performing works by Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. His solo recitals have spanned the United States, Europe, and China, showcasing a wide repertoire with technical brilliance and emotional depth. Highlights include a full Chopin Etudes and Ballades recital in Guangzhou and a public performance of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2 at Oberlin’s Warner Concert Hall.

He has garnered numerous prizes, such as the First Prize at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg International Piano Competition, Second Prize at the First Liszt Youth Piano Competition in Budapest, and top honors in the Yamaha and American Classical Pianist competitions. Yijia has also participated in masterclasses with some of the most respected names in classical music, including Stanislav Ioudenitch, Dang Thai Son, and Peter Takács, the latter of whom praised Yijia's playing for its “deep emotion” and “impeccable technique.”

In addition to his solo work, Yijia is an accomplished chamber musician and duo pianist, often featured in collaborative performances at major music festivals and academic events. As a teacher, he brings over five years of pedagogical experience, working with students aged 4 to 20. Many of his students have excelled in competitions and gained admission to elite institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music, Manhattan School of Music, and Oberlin Conservatory.