Join us on Wednesday, October 22, at 7:30 pm, for a Lewis Eady Emerging Artists Series recital 2025, featuring the talented Alex Bai

Alex Xuyao Bai is a Year 10 student at Dilworth School, Auckland. He currently studies piano under the distinguished guidance of Stephen De Pledge. Alex began his musical journey at the age of five, first studying with Tianhui Zhang in California, and later receiving mentorship from Able Zhu and Bryan Sayer in Auckland, Michael Endres in Christchurch, and Xin Wang in Germany.

From an early age, Alex has demonstrated an exceptional musical sensitivity and technical maturity well beyond his years. He has been recognised with top prizes at major competitions across the UK, USA, and Italy. His distinctions include achieving a Trinity LTCL Diploma with Distinction at just 11 years old, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition in 2024, and earning Second Prize at the International Piano Competition Kronberg (Germany) in 2025.

Alex’s musical journey has brought him to notable stages around the world. He has performed at the Great Hall of Auckland Town Hall, appeared as a featured soloist in the Chinese Spring Festival Gala after winning the NZ International Star Idol, and given solo recitals in Aachen, Bad Münstereifel, and Eschweiler (Germany), where his performances were highly acclaimed by local media for their emotional depth and expressive nuance. He has also collaborated with both the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra as part of their Emerging Artists Programmes, experiences that have deepened his musical artistry.

Beyond his solo accomplishments, Alex finds joy in chamber music and community service. He regularly performs at charity concerts in retirement villages, libraries, and churches, and serves as one of the pianists and organists at his local church in Howick, accompanying the choir for Sunday worship.

A multi-instrumentalist, Alex also plays the clarinet and violin, and is an active member of the Dilworth Senior Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra. Outside of music, he enjoys basketball and cross-country running, embracing the same discipline and passion that shape his musicianship.

2025 EMERGING ARTISTS SERIES | FEATURING ALEX BAI
Programme

Bach: Prelude and Fugue No. 12 in F minor

Beethoven: Sonata No. 23 , Op. 57, “Appassionata”

Interval

Ravel: Alborada del gracioso, from “Miroirs”

Chopin: Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27 No. 2

Chopin: Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op. 52

For more information on the foundation, visit the CLEF website.