Standout Spartan: Cathy Zhang '34

On December 16, Cathy Zhang ’34 will travel to New York City for a very special event. A dedicated pianist, she will perform at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall! Cathy, who has been playing piano for two years, was invited to perform at Carnegie after winning first prize in the 2024 Golden Classical Music Awards international competition, for which she submitted a video performance of Chopin’s Mazurka Op. 67 No. 2. She’ll perform this piece at her Carnegie debut as well. 

“I enjoy how well I can play while remembering all the measures and performing smoothly,” said Cathy, whose favorite composer is Beethoven. “I love his Symphony No. 5,” she said. “It’s truly amazing and inspiring. Last year, I was honored to be selected as a winner to perform at the Beethoven House in Bonn, Germany. That experience is a cherished memory that motivates me to continue learning and improving.”

Asked how she feels about performing at Carnegie Hall, Cathy said, “I feel happy and excited about this opportunity. My mother and father will be there to support me.”

  

This talented Spartan, who recently performed at Steward for her third-grade classmates, is the recipient of many other awards for her musicianship. She was awarded first prize at the 2023 International Music Competition Bonn Grand Prize Virtuoso; second prize at the 2023 London Classical Music Competition; and first place in the 2023 Richmond Music Teachers Association Bach Competition. In 2024, Cathy earned second prize in the Spring Music Competition at the Charleston International Music Competition. Outside of music, Cathy enjoys drawing and swimming.

Congratulations, Cathy!