Sixteen year-old pianist John Zhang has already been hailed by teachers, critics, and virtuosi alike as an artist poised for greatness. Born to Chinese parents and living in Sweden, he continues to garner accolades throughout the world for his strong, insightful performances of some of the most beautiful—and difficult—piano repertoire ever written.

A student of Mikael Kanarva, Zhang brings great strength and beauty to everything he performs. Having just taken First Prize in the Bradshaw & Buono, judges proclaimed his performance “astonishing for any artist at any age, and even moreso for one so young.”

Everyone seems to comment on the fact that since you started studying piano you have always worked with great diligence and enthusiasm. In fact your first teacher, Valentin Hevlund, is quoted as saying “Watching John play, I can now understand how the Great Wall was built.” What is it exactly that motivates you?

If I simply answer this question I would say I love music, but that answer is not specific enough. My motivation to play piano has been different at different times in my life. I started to play piano when I was five, and from the very beginning my motivation for playing was the love I felt towards my father, in part because he encouraged me. Even at that age he would tell me how much he enjoyed my playing, and I was so happy to play for him. Playing for my father will be always part of my motivation. He is my most faithful audience.

Gradually the great masters’ music infected me and made me feel so much joy when I played their music. Especially the musically and technically difficult pieces, because I love challenge, and the best feeling for me is to overcome the difficulties.

I was also lucky to be guided by some famous pianists like Mr. Janos Solyom and Professor Hans Palsson. Their love and care, especially their vigorous and capable guidance gave me a lot of strength and insight of music. My current teacher, Mr. Mikael Kanarva, is very dedicated and demanding as a piano pedagogue, and puts a lot of effort into my education. All of these things continue to motivate me to improve, go forward, and win competitions and prizes.

You have already won a number of piano competitions and prizes: the gold medal at the Belinske Tidenes in Denmark, the Steinway Competition in Stockholm, and most recently the Bradshaw & Buono, just to name a few. Have you worked on developing a particular approach for playing in competitions, and if so, is this any different from how you perform in recital?

I don’t have any particular approach to playing in a competition. I use my general understanding of music and skills to show the judges an original me, and then wish myself good luck. But when I perform in a recital, I feel the audience’s expectations. Maybe they have heard I won prizes, or read about me. I always feel I must play even better in order not to disappoint them. I really want them to hear the way I interpret Chopin, Liszt, Mozart, Bach and Beethoven. I want them to feel as if they are with the masters, not only in the recital hall but also on their way home and even in the future. I feel how important my obligation is to the audience. Competitions can not compare with this!

You are already, at age sixteen, being called a “virtuoso” and a “future world star.” Do you ever feel the pressure of living up to these accolades? Do you think there is a method by which you, or any other artist, can avoid feeling pressure as a result of such high praise so early in a career, and if so, how do you recommend doing it?

I never actually take it as pressure. I feel honoured. Those happy moments in my life give me great confidence and make me feel that I deserve these as a result of all my efforts and teachers' work. That motivates me to be even better. I see it as a recognition and appreciation from the judges and experts whom I respect. It only encourages me to accomplish myself and live up to these accolades. I always remind myself that I have not done enough so far and how much more I can improve.

The obvious question for many of us, given your clear dedication to your instrument and your art, and your extraordinary achievements to date, is how do you balance your dedication to the instrument with the rest of your life: school, studies, and just fun in general?

My school is my main social environment right now. I spend most of my day at school from 8 am to 4 pm. When I am in school, I focus on studying all school subjects and do not think about my piano and music. I am friendly to my classmates and respect my teachers. After school I concentrate on practising piano. I do my homework in the evening then read about music, art, or other interesting things. I divide my time with different focus and concentrate on one thing at a time. I also take time for sports or go to the gym every week. I don’t go to parties very often like some of my other school friends. I like horses and horse riding. Sometimes at the weekend I like to be with horses. I think they also give me inspirations on music and my piano playing.

If you could design you perfect career as an artist, what would it include, and why?

I don't quite understand the meaning of the word ‘artist’ right now. I think I shall just follow my music wherever it leads me.