Ming Xie — The Charismatic Virtuoso of the Piano

Ming Xie, a celebrated pianist known for his captivating performances and dynamic stage presence, is set to make his debut in the Philippines, which marks not only his musical debut in the country but also his first visit as a tourist.

Though this is his first time coming over, Ming speaks highly of the country’s passion for music, saying, "From my understanding, people in the Philippines are deeply passionate about music. They don’t just appreciate it—they are highly capable of creating music at an exceptional level. Their enthusiasm, skills, and love for music are what I have faith in."

Ming Xie has earned widespread acclaim for his expressive artistry and ability to forge deep connections with audiences, as he has been hailed as "phenomenal" by the legendary Martha Argerich.

Looking back, he first garnered international attention with his debut alongside Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra at the Vladivostok II Far East Music Festival, which led to an invitation to the XII Mariinsky International Piano Festival in St. Petersburg. Since then, Ming has continued to excel and carve his name on the international music landscape.

From 2024 to 2025, he had two recital programs, chamber music collaborations, and concerto appearances in China, Panama, Colombia, Thailand, and the Philippines. His previous residency with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra (2021–2023) saw him performing the complete works of Rachmaninov for piano and orchestra under the baton of Darrell Ang. Other notable highlights include his debut recital at Wigmore Hall, a praised Oceania tour, and the Asian premiere of Corigliano’s Piano Concerto at the Second Hangzhou International Contemporary Music Festival.

Ming has worked with esteemed conductors such as Valery Gergiev, François López-Ferrer, Bright Sheng, and Darrell Ang, performing with distinguished ensembles like the Mariinsky Orchestra, Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, and Panama’s National Symphony Orchestra.

He has also triumphed in some of the most prestigious international piano competitions, including the Gold Medal, Audience Prize, and Ginastera Prize at the 2016 Panama International Piano Competition. He also earned honors at the 2016 Sydney International Piano Competition, where he was named Most Promising Competitor, and the Alink-Argerich Foundation Award. In 2018, he received the Gawon Award, becoming its last recipient.

Thus, Ming Xie is a strong advocate for young musicians to participate in competitions. For him, the focus is not just on winning, but on the growth that comes from preparing and refining your craft. "Competitions push you to refine every detail of the pieces you’re learning," he explains. "When you look back years later, you’ll realize how much you’ve grown through the experience."

While growth is the ultimate reward, Ming acknowledges the value and joy that comes from taking home the victory: "Of course, if you do win, it’s an incredible reward that validates the effort you’ve invested."

Reflecting on the key factors that have cultivated his career, Ming attributes his success to three core influences: supportive parents, mentorship from exceptional teachers, and the transformative experience of living in New York.

Ming expresses his appreciation to his parents, who have been showering him with unwavering support from the very beginning. "They’ve never doubted any of my musical decisions," he says. Their belief in him has provided a solid foundation throughout his career. Moreover, he explains, "I’ve been fortunate to learn from many legendary pedagogues, and I feel deeply fulfilled carrying their spirit forward and passing it on to my own students," he shares.

For him, living in New York was “a transformative, eye-opening experience," he reflects. "I feel lucky to have spent seven years there." Truly, the vibrant city’s energy and cultural richness extended his horizons and deepened his connection to music and artistry.

Of course, Ming’s journey has not been an exception in terms of challenges. One decision that he sometimes questions is his choice to leave behind design studies in favor of a music education. "I sometimes wonder—what if I had made the time and effort to balance both?" he admits.

Nonetheless, Ming’s career is a testament to dedication, mentorship, and the support of those who believe in your dreams, proving success is shaped by a combination of opportunities, sacrifices, and the courage to follow one’s passion.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Ming studied under renowned mentors such as Sergei Babayan, Emanuel Ax, and Matti Raekallio. Beyond his performance career, he is passionate about teaching. Ming has conducted masterclasses at prestigious institutions such as the Conservatoire in Lille, the University of Western Australia, NYU Shanghai, and Sichuan Conservatory of Music. Several of his students have gone on to study at top schools, including The Juilliard School and the Eastman School of Music.

Having studied both in his home country and abroad, Ming reflects on the differences in teaching approaches. "Pedagogues from different countries perceive music in their own ways," he explains. "In the U.S., my teachers focused more on individuality, while in China, my coaches emphasized building strong fundamentals. Once I was trained as a skilled student, I could explore more musical possibilities."

Ming also notes the stark contrast between his experiences in the U.S. and Europe: "When I arrived in Europe, I found it to be a whole new world. The teachers I worked with were even more liberal than those in the U.S. I had the opportunity not only to perform for them but also to engage in discussions about music, share thoughts on art, and delve into philosophy. It was one of the most unforgettable periods of my life."

Ming Xie’s Manila recital program, titled Nightales, offers an exploration of music inspired by the night. This is the first part of a trilogy called Nocturnal Scenes, which examines the transformative beauty of nature through the lens of moonlight. Ming explains how natural elements like water, birds, and flowers gain new meaning under the night sky. "For me, the night is a time of heightened creativity and magic," he says, a recurring theme in both his life and artistry.

Previously, Ming has presented themed recitals such as The French Connection and Im Augenblick (The Present), which showcased French and German music, respectively. He enjoys curating these programs to create a cohesive flow of musical connections and shared moods. While Nocturnal Scenes introduces the trilogy, the details of parts two and three remain a mystery, leaving audiences eager to discover more.

Ming Xie also offers advice to aspiring Filipino pianists, stressing the importance of staying true to their musical journey. "If someone is truly gifted, they will be guided to where they are meant to be," he says. "But it is important to always make music for yourself, be honest in music, and let that authenticity lead you to your rightful destination."

With a career marked by artistic brilliance, educational contributions, and global collaborations, Ming Xie continues to inspire audiences and aspiring musicians around the world.

Tickets for his upcoming concert are now available for purchase, and music enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their seats early. For tickets and event details, visit our events page at www.veniccio.com or click here to access the latest updates directly.

About The Writer:

Marianne Campos is a 23 year old freelancer, marketing professional and virtual assistant who continues to pursue her love for the arts.  She is an enthusiastic and hard-working professional with a passion for communication, media, and the arts. Her heart lies in the events and productions industry.