Ying Zhang – Concert Pianist | Artistic Director

Ying Zhang is a classically trained pianist and artistic leader based in Quebec, Canada. With an international background and a distinct artistic voice, she is recognized for her versatility as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist. Her artistic work reflects a deep engagement with both traditional classical repertoire and contemporary creation, with an emphasis on collaboration and cultural dialogue.

Ying holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, as well as a Postgraduate Professional Studies Diploma from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her early musical formation was shaped by rigorous training at the Conservatory of Music in China, including its affiliated middle and high schools.

A passionate performer and advocate of musical collaboration, Ying has appeared on stages across Canada, the United States, and China. Her repertoire spans a wide range of musical styles and periods, with a special affinity for ensemble and interdisciplinary projects. At McGill, she worked extensively in Song Interpretation, Vocal Chamber Ensemble, Choral Ensembles, Contemporary Music Ensemble, and Piano Duo programs, performing works by Fauré, Strauss, Poulenc, Mozart, Berg, Takemitsu, Tania León, and others. She was a featured pianist in the premiere of Traduttore, Traditore by Canadian composer Francis Battah.

Ying has studied under and received mentorship from some of today’s most distinguished pianists and pedagogues, including John Perry, Charles Richard-Hamelin, Anton Nel, Jean Saulnier, Ronan O’Hora, Lydia Wong, and Henry Kramer. In 2024, she co-founded a violin-piano duo during a chamber music residency at Camp Musical du Saguenay. Her graduate research focused on the piano works of Chen Yi, exploring cultural hybridity and the voice of Asian composers in contemporary music.

As Artistic Director of Harmonaire Musique, Ying brings together her artistic vision and curatorial sensibilities to shape projects that connect music to broader cultural and social themes. She continues to pursue innovative programming that reflects the diversity of today’s artistic landscape, while upholding the highest standards of musical excellence.

Fluent in Mandarin and English and proficient in French, Ying is an artist of international perspective, committed to expanding the role of classical music in the 21st century.