Zhe Tang Joins ClaviCologne 2025 in Pescara, Bringing a Vision of Global Piano Excellence

Celebrated pianist and pedagogue Zhe Tang will join the distinguished faculty of ClaviCologne 2025, bringing with him a legacy of artistic distinction and transformative education. His participation adds a dynamic international voice to the festival’s mission of celebrating pianistic excellence in the inspiring surroundings of Pescara, Italy.

This summer, the coastal charm of Pescara, Italy, will once again welcome the world’s most passionate pianists for the 12th edition of the ClaviCologne International Piano Festival. Spanning five unforgettable days in 2025, the festival offers a vibrant mix of masterclasses, performances, and a prestigious competition—uniting generations of artists in a celebration of musical mastery.

Among the stellar lineup of this year’s faculty is Zhe Tang—one of China’s most influential pianists and educators, known for his profound artistry and visionary leadership in music education.

A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, where he studied and served as teaching assistant to Barry Snyder, Tang has forged a distinguished international career. His performances with top ensembles such as the China Philharmonic Orchestra and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra were broadcast nationwide on Chinese television and radio, reaching an audience of nearly 900 million. His global presence extends to solo recitals across the United States, Europe, and Asia, and he notably gave the American premiere of Alexander Tchaikowsky’s Concerto No. 2 for Piano and Viola.

Tang’s performances have been broadcast on major networks including Chinese National TV, BBC, Polish National Television, Oriental TV, WQXR New York, and WFMT Chicago, solidifying his standing as a truly international artist.

Beyond the concert stage, Zhe Tang is a leading figure in piano education. He serves as Professor of Piano and Vice Dean at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where he also directs the Piano Department’s Teaching and Research. In addition, he chairs the Piano Department of the Middle School Affiliated to the Shanghai Conservatory, leads the Shanghai Professional Pianists’ Society, and holds artistic leadership roles at both the Shanghai Spring International Piano E-Competition and the Shanghai International Piano Festival & Institute.

A sought-after adjudicator, Tang has served on juries for renowned international competitions including Gina Bachauer, Bonn Beethoven, Enescu, Cleveland, USASU Bösendorfer, Weimar Liszt, Hilton Head, Belgrade Jeunesses Musicales, and Malta, among others. His students have gone on to win top prizes in both national and international competitions, a testament to his excellence as a mentor. For his outstanding contributions to teaching, he received the “Grand Award for Excellence in Teaching” from the Chinese government and was featured on the cover of Piano Artistry, China’s leading music journal.

Reflecting on his upcoming participation, Tang shared:

“I am honored to join the ClaviCologne community in Pescara. It is a privilege to engage with young pianists from around the world, and to exchange ideas and inspiration in such a unique and artistically charged atmosphere.”
With Zhe Tang on its faculty, ClaviCologne 2025 promises a rich fusion of tradition and innovation. His presence affirms the festival’s dedication to fostering artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and the next generation of piano talent on the world stage.