Qian Zhou (SG)

“A significant world class artist.” This is what Philip Roth wrote in the columns of The Strad magazine about the Hangzhou-born violinist who has also built a considerable reputation as a teacher. Qian Zhou had her early training at the Shanghai Conservatory before completing her studies as a student of Berl Senofsky at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore. At the age of only 18, Qian Zhou received instant world-wide recognition with her brilliant triumph at the 1987 Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud Competition in Paris, breaking all precedents in the competition's 50-year history by winning the First Grand Prize and all five major prizes. These days she is one of the most sought-after violinists and a regular guest of concert venues in Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa. As the founding Head of Strings at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, she has combined her very active performance career with a passion for teaching. With her students already achieving considerable international success, she is in much demand for her masterclasses. Qian Zhou plays a 1757 J.B. Guadagnini, generously loaned by Mr and Mrs Rin Kei Mei.