Born in China in 1983, pianist Rui Shi has performed extensively internationally with frequent appearances in major venues in America and Asia since her first recital at the age of four. In 2006, Ms. Shi made her critically-acclaimed professional New York City debut at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall, performing Brahms' Second Piano Concerto with the Juilliard Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Otto-Werner Mueller. Ms. Shi's worldwide performances have included numerous concert tours in China and at prestigious landmarks such as the National Performing Arts Center, the People's Government Hall, National Symphony Hall of Beijing and New Music Auditorium in Shanghai.
In the United States she has given many concerto, recital, and chamber music appearances at Avery Fisher Hall, Alice Tully Hall and The Juilliard Theater (now Peter Jay Sharp Theater) at Lincoln Center, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and the Japanese, Polish, and Austrian consulates in New York City. Added to this are past performances at Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C, Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as appearances in seven other US states. She has appeared with The Juilliard Orchestra, Reading Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony, Lehigh Symphony, Temple Orchestra, Georgetown Symphony, and Ridgefield Symphony Orchestras, many of which have re-engaged her.
During her studies at The Juilliard School, she was chosen as a soloist for two major events, including the memorial service for Christopher Reeve, held at the Juilliard Theater before an audience including such prestigious guests as Senator Hilary Rodham Clinton, actresses Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, actor Robin Williams, Robert Kennedy Jr, among others. She was also invited as honorary guest artist at the unveiling ceremony of a major piano manufacturer's 'World Peace' piano — being the very first artist ever to play the unique piano currently being displayed around the world. Ms. Shi has also been featured frequently on the popular classical music station WQXR and has been featured in two BBC television documentaries.
Since winning her first competition at the age of five, Ms. Shi has been the first prize winner of eight consecutive editions of the China National Piano Competition. Upon coming to America at age 11, she became a top prize winner at the Stravinsky International Competition in Illinois. Ms. Shi subsequently became a full scholarship student in the Pre-College Division of The Juilliard School, where she became the winner of both the concerto and solo competitions offered at the division. At age 14 she became the youngest prizewinner of the Kingsville International Piano Competition. At age 15 she became the youngest student ever accepted into the College Division of The Juilliard School with a full scholarship award.
In July of 2008, Ms. Shi was awarded the Silver Medal at the prestigious World Piano Competition, and she most recently won 1st Prize at the Mieczyslaw Munz Competition held in honor of Frederic Chopin, and 1st Prize at the Juilliard College Division Brahms Second Piano Concerto Competition, as well as the California International Piano Competition.
Ms. Shi holds Bachelors and Masters Degree in Music from The Juilliard School.
