Aiwen Zhang

Aiwen Zhang is a forward-thinking artist dedicated to exploring eclectic musical repertoire and multi-media artforms that engage her global audience. A classically-trained saxophonist, she is in demand as both a performer and an educator, reaching audiences throughout the United States, China, France, Germany, Japan, and Thailand.

Aiwen was the first person of Chinese descent and the first female to secure a Top Prize at the 5th Jean-Marie Londeix International Saxophone Competition, one of the most prestigious saxophone competitions in the world. Winning concerto competitions at the University of Michigan, Bowling Green State University, and with the Lima Symphony, Aiwen was also awarded first place in prestigious solo competitions including the Musicians Club of Women Awards Competition, the Prix du Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, and the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition.

A highly sought-after performer and educator, Aiwen has received invitations to give recitals and lead master classes from musical institutions worldwide. Such performance venues include the Lincoln Center (NYC), Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington D.C.), Beijing National Center for the Performing Arts (China), Université Européenne de Saxophone (Gap, France), and Prince Mahidol Hall (Thailand). Aiwen has led master classes at a variety of educational institutions including The Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Central Conservatory of Music (China), and Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (Singapore).

Aiwen holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Paris Conservatory, and the Eastman School of Music. Her past instructors include Timothy McAllister, Claude Delangle, Chien-Kwan Lin, Vincent David, and John Sampen.

Complementary to her passion for music, Aiwen has a love for and experience in the visual arts as a freelance videographer, photographer, and editor for V&A TV. She is experimenting new concert format with a multi-media/multi-sensory performance experience that showcases saxophone music by Chinese-born composers (who no longer reside in China) and incorporates traditional legend, costumes, choreography, and food.

Photo credit: Valentin Kovalev