Concert Pianist Di Xiao

Official Website

Press

  

"The Chinese pianist Di Xiao presents a demanding programme consisting of Beethoven, Chopin, Ravel and Messiaen that takes your breath away".

 Kölner Philharmonie

 

“Chopin’s Ballade Op 52 was a meaty tour-de-force admirably portrayed; encompassing weighty chords, fluid interplay confidently overcoming technical challenge.  Three contrasting Messian preludes were delivered with authority and imagination.  Typical sound pictures were a challenge, from delicious semplice, via sweet/sour harmonies, splashes of vivid colours and electrifying rhythm.  [During Mozart Piano Concerto in C K467] Conductor Daniel Rosina supported some exquisite playing, creating lovely questions and answers with woodwinds and a truly glowing slow movement, the lovely single line piano melody offset by poignant muted strings”. 

 Maggie Cotton, Birmingham Post 

 

In the technically much more difficult »Mirrors« by Ravel and in the selection from Messiaen´s »Eight Preludes« after the interval we experienced an artist who is absolutely at one with what she is playing.  Ravel´s »Sad Birds« became a fascinating, finely detailed study of the different tonal colours available on the piano and Messiaen´s harmonic »stained glass church windows« glittered flamboyantly under Di Xiao´s hands.

 

Hamburger Abendblatt

 

"A piano recital which began with such a serene entrance from the soloist ended in whoops, cheers and a standing ovation. What happened in between was entirely due to the quietly impressive musicianship of Di Xiao." 

Chris Morley, Birmingham Post

 “a pianist of awesome gifts …her imperious opening flourish [Schumann Concerto] announced a capacity for full, rich chording. But there was also flowing, rippling figuration as she revealed her instinctive grasp of this wonderful work. In her graceful, dancing finale it was easy to imagine Clara Schumann at the keyboard, Di Xiao’s profile and demeanour uncannily close to those of the great lady herself.”

Christopher Morely Birmingham Post

 

“A stunning concert. Di Xiao’s playing combined power and delicacy, her exceptional talent received long applause from the audience at [the] Symphony Hall Birmingham.”

 UK Chinese Times

“Such was the quality in the impressive Op 109 played by Di Xiao (Birmingham Conservatoire), whose tonal shading created an ever engaging narrative in Op 109, full of contrasts and nuances. Her exciting second movement was followed with a beautiful variation finale, characterful and full of energy; with her charmingly witty Bagatell”

Malcolm Miller, Music and Vision

'Re Mozart K332.  Faithful to the page, a lovely touch, and an ability to speak personally to the audience.  The performance matched those of her famous musical forbears - and outshone a good many of their recordings in its combination of quiet confidence and lightness of touch.  Re Beethoven Sonata Op 109.  A most satisfying experience, composer and performer speaking with one voice.  Re Chopin Preludes Op 28.  Remarkable!  The music may seem almost trivial but it has the hallmarks of a ‘quality’ composer, and beneath the fingers of such a pianist the effect was most rewarding.  Re Ravel Miroirs.  Magical in a way only possible in live performance.  This young lady surely has the ability to conquer any pianistic challenge.  A stunning technique, a respect for both composer and audience and an innate modesty combine to make Di Xiao a musician who deserves our respect and all the good fortune available"

 

Robert Polfreman,The Classical Music Society Kidderminster

 

Birmingham Post Review, Town Hall concert 26 October 2008

 

Birmingham Post Article, DiDi's determination to reach the heights

Other Media

Di Xiao conducted a live interview with Janice Long on BBC Radio WM at 10am on Saturday 19th January 2008.  Janice Long BBC Radio WM 

BBC Music Magazine October 2008

International Piano Magazine November/December 2008