Presented by CLEF - Chiron Lewis Eady Foundation & proudly supported by Lewis Eady Steinway NZ
Recitalist | Alex Bai
Friday, 17 July | The Auckland University, School of Music | 7:30pm
As part of the 2026 Lewis Eady National Junior Piano Competition, we are delighted to present a special recital by Alex Bai—one of New Zealand's most exciting young pianists.
The youngest-ever winner of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition, claiming the title at just 14 years of age, Alex has since earned international acclaim for his exceptional artistry.
Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear a remarkable young musician whose performances combine extraordinary technical brilliance with captivating musical maturity.
PROGRAMME:
Bach: Overture, Allemande and Gigue from Partita No. 4 in D Major, BWV 828
Mozart: Sonata No. 18 in D Major, K. 576
I. Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Allegretto
INTERVAL
Chopin: Variations on “Là ci darem la mano”, Op. 2
Chopin: Nocturne in D-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 2
Liszt: Mephisto Waltz No. 1, S. 514
Alex Xuyao Bai is a Year 11 student at Dilworth School in Auckland. He began his musical journey at the age of five, and currently studies piano under the distinguished guidance of Stephen De Pledge.
From an early age, Alex has demonstrated an exceptional musical sensitivity and technical maturity well beyond his years. His achievements include becoming the youngest-ever winner of the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition at 14 years old in 2024, receiving Second Prize at the International Piano Competition Kronberg (Germany) in 2025, and recently qualifying for the the 33rd International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition for Children and Youth, Szafarnia 2026 (Poland), Ettlingen International Piano Competition 2026 (Germany), and Concertino Praga - Antonín Dvořák International Radio Competition for Young Musicians 2026 (Czech).
Alex's musical journey has brought him to notable stages around the world. He has given solo recitals in Auckland (New Zealand), Aachen, Bad Münstereifel, and Eschweiler (Germany), where local media highly acclaimed his performances for their emotional depth and expressive nuance. He has collaborated with prestigious orchestras, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. These experiences deepened his musical artistry.
Beyond his solo accomplishments, Alex finds joy in chamber music and community service. He performs at charity concerts in retirement villages, libraries, and churches, and serves as one of the pianists and organists at his local church, accompanying the choir for Sunday worship.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Alex also plays the clarinet and violin, and is an active member of the senior Concert Band and Chamber Orchestra of Dilworth School. Outside of music, he enjoys swimming, badminton and cross-country running, embracing the same discipline and passion that shape his musicianship.