Hanxiao Lai was born in Shenzhen, China where she began her piano studies at the age of six. With performances spanning the United States, China, and Europe, she is recognized for her engaging artistry and compelling musicianship. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music, where she studies with Professor Alan Chow.
As a concerto competition winner, Hanxiao has appeared as a soloist with the Eastman School Symphony Orchestra, the Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra, and the Coachella Valley Symphony. During her studies in the United States, she was featured on National Public Radio’s From the Top Show. She has been featured in the Malibu Friends of Music Concert Series as both a soloist and chamber musician and has performed in concerts hosted by the Steinway Society Riverside.
Hanxiao has received numerous honors in national and international competitions. She was awarded Second Prize at the 2024 Thousand Islands International Piano Competition in Cape Vincent, New York, and has also won First Prize in the Steinway Society Concerto Competition and Second Place in the CAPMT Honors Competition. In addition, she was selected as an Alternate in the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Senior Piano Competition of California. She has been invited to distinguished music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, PianoTexas International Festival and Academy, the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, and the Chautauqua Music Festival.