Mélodie Zhao's earned a master’s degree in soloist performance from the Geneva Conservatory at just age 16. Zhao was born in Switzerland, but educated both there and in China, where her grandfather taught her perfect pitch and her grandmother gave her keyboard lessons. Her father -- one of her most influential coaches -- was an esteemed violin teacher at China's Central Conservatory. Her first full-length, solo recital took place in Geneva when she was 10. In 2007, at age 13, she became the youngest person to record both sets of Chopin's etudes. Her repertoire also includes several of the most famous and technically challenging piano concertos. Zhao continues to perform in both Europe and China and records for the Claves label. ~ Patsy Morita