Xi Cai

Born into a musical family, Cai Xi started learning piano with her father at the age of three and gave her first public performance at Shanghai Concert Hall when she was nine. She graduated from Boston University School of Music and Mannes School of Music in New York. She was the only disciple of world-renowned pianist and Steinway Legendary Artist, Professor Anthony di Bonaventura, making her the third-generation heir of the prestigious Leschetizky piano school. She also had the privilege of studying under the esteemed Russian pianist, Pavel Nersessian. As the only student accepted without an audition by the Mannes School of Music, she was mentored by the Head of Piano Department and Steinway Artist, Pavlina Dokovska.American piano maestro John Perry once commented, "She is unique, and her music is so distinctive, emanating from within." Russian pianist Pavel Nersessian praised her as "a promising pianist, who has quickly grown into an interesting artist with comprehensive technique and unique, beautiful tonality..." Cai Xi's performance skills are comprehensive and cover a wide range. During her stay in the United States, she often collaborated with contemporary American musicians and earned high praises. She has served as the principal in ensembles such as Boston Baroque, Voices Boston, and the Mannes New Music festival, widely appreciated by audiences.

As a Chinese pianist, Cai Xi has always been dedicated to interpreting and promoting Chinese piano works. She returned to China after her studies and held series of special concerts in dozen cities, including Chinese Dream in Piano, Oriental Soul in Piano, Centennial Classics of Chinese Piano, Listen to the 'Chinese Voice' in Piano, and Listen to the Piano 'Speaking' in Chinese, all of which received high acclaim. Also, she has recorded albums including Zhang Chao Piano Works Anthology,  Tcherepnin's Chinese Style Piano Works Collection, Listen to the Piano 'Speaking' in Chinese, and Harmony in Diversity . These were included in the entertainment on Air China flights and won the "Global Music Award". She became the first pianist to publicly perform the complete set of Tcherepnin's Chinese-style piano works, receiving recognition from the American Tcherepnin Music Association and positive reviews from core Chinese music journals such as Piano Artistry, Song of the Yellow River, Music Weekly, and People's Music.