By: Angelina Yun
NEW YORK — On May 24, 2026, the 7th Apex International Music Competition took place at Zankel Hall in Carnegie Hall, bringing together talented young musicians from around the world. Among the invited artists was New York-based collaborative pianist and vocal coach Zengdi Fan, who joined the event as a featured performer.
According to the official invitation issued by the competition’s organizing committee, Fan was selected in recognition of her musical accomplishments, professional expertise, and contributions to the performing arts. The organizers noted that her participation would enrich both the artistic presentations and the event’s international cultural exchange initiatives.
The competition attracted performers representing diverse musical backgrounds and regions, creating a vibrant platform for artistic collaboration. During the event, Fan showcased her refined musicianship, expressive artistry, and extensive experience as a collaborative pianist, earning enthusiastic responses from audience members.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, Carnegie Hall has long served as a stage for distinguished artists and emerging talents alike. Its Zankel Hall regularly hosts international competitions, concerts, and educational programs that foster artistic development and cross-cultural dialogue.
Based in New York, Fan maintains an active career as a collaborative pianist, vocal coach, music educator, and choral accompanist. Through her performances and teaching, she continues to support artistic excellence while promoting cultural understanding through music.
In addition to her performance career, Fan has devoted many years to music education and artistic collaboration. Having studied piano from an early age, she developed a strong interest not only in solo performance but also in collaborative piano, a field that emphasizes partnership, communication, and musical leadership. Throughout her career, she has worked with singers, instrumentalists, choirs, and students of various backgrounds, helping performers develop both technical skills and artistic confidence.
Fan’s repertoire includes classical art songs, opera excerpts, choral works, and contemporary compositions. As a collaborative pianist and vocal coach, she believes that successful performance is built on careful listening, mutual trust, and a shared artistic vision. Her approach focuses on helping musicians discover their own expressive voices while creating meaningful musical connections with audiences. Through coaching, accompanying, and teaching, she strives to make music both accessible and inspiring for performers and listeners alike.
Reflecting on the experience, Fan described the invitation as both an honor and a source of inspiration. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall and reaffirmed her commitment to artistic growth, music education, and international cultural exchange.
