A Recap of the Brilliant Piano Recital by Dongxu Zhao on March 2nd

On March 2nd, 2025, Nanqiao Lyu’s Piano Studio was filled with the sounds of classical brilliance as 10-year-old prodigy Dongxu Zhao took the stage for an exceptional solo piano recital. The event, which was met with great enthusiasm, drew an appreciative crowd of Little Neck neighborhood residents, piano enthusiasts, and students from the surrounding New York City area.

Dongxu, a talented fifth-grader, wowed the audience with a diverse and challenging program, demonstrating a mature understanding of complex compositions. His performance showcased both technical skill and emotional depth, earning high praise from all in attendance.

The Concert Program:

1. Debussy: Children's Corner Suite – "Golliwog’s Cakewalk"

2. Debussy: Children's Corner Suite – "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum"

3. Bach: Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp major, BWV 848

4. Chopin: Études Op. 10 No. 4 in C minor

5. Chopin: Étude Op. 25 No. 6 in G-sharp minor

6. Tchaikovsky: Scherzo in F major, Op. 1, No. 1

7. Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 18 in D Major, K. 576, I. Allegro, II. Adagio

8. Prokofiev: Toccata in D minor, Op. 11

9. Four-hand Duet: Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake (Excerpts)

10. Four-hand Duet: He’s a Pirate (from the film Pirates of the Caribbean)

Dongxu's opening piece, Debussy’s "Golliwog’s Cakewalk" from the Children's Corner Suite, immediately captured the audience’s attention with its playful rhythms and charming melody. His performance of "Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum", also from the same suite, was equally impressive, demonstrating his technical prowess and careful attention to detail. The crowd was entranced by his mastery of these pieces that require not just technical skills, but also the ability to bring out their nuanced emotions.

The program also featured works by legendary composers such as Bach, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Mozart. Dongxu’s interpretation of Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C-sharp major, BWV 848 was delivered with elegance, showcasing his grasp of counterpoint and harmony. His Chopin Études were nothing short of stunning, particularly the Op. 10 No. 4 in C minor and Op. 25 No. 6 in G-sharp minor, where his expressive phrasing and dynamic contrasts captured the depth of Chopin's compositions.

The performance continued with Tchaikovsky’s Scherzo in F major, Op. 1, No. 1, where Dongxu displayed his flair for rapid passagework, followed by a moving rendition of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 18 in D Major, which showcased his command of both classical elegance and emotional subtlety.

One of the highlights of the concert was Dongxu’s spirited performance of Prokofiev's Toccata in D minor, Op. 11, where his precision and powerful technique truly shone. The crowd was then treated to two four-hand duets: a lyrical excerpt from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and a playful rendition of "He’s a Pirate" from Pirates of the Caribbean, performed alongside his teacher, Ms. Lyu. The duets added a delightful dynamic to the evening, with the collaborative performances demonstrating not only Dongxu’s individual skill but also his ability to work harmoniously with others.

All pieces were met with enthusiastic applause, with the audience clearly impressed by the young pianist’s remarkable maturity and versatility.

The success of the recital highlighted the vital role of Ms. Nanqiao Lyu’s Piano Studio in fostering musical talent and enriching New York City’s cultural landscape. Her dedication to teaching and nurturing young musicians like Dongxu Zhao is evident in the exceptional quality of his performance. The recital was not only a celebration of Dongxu’s talent but also of Ms. Lyu’s outstanding teaching, which continues to inspire and shape the next generation of pianists.

As the audience left the concert hall, they were filled with a sense of awe and admiration for Dongxu Zhao’s incredible performance, a true testament to the potential of young talent and the enriching power of music in the community.