Han Xiang David Xu, a young Steinway Artist, is an accomplished Chinese Canadian concert pianist praised by industry leaders. Steinway Piano CEO Mr. Ron Losby remarked that Xu’s performance of Chopin’s Barcarole evoked the musical finesse of the great pianist Arthur Rubinstein, a testament to Xu’s impressive command of the classical repertoire.

Xu’s concert career is both prolific and prestigious. Most recently, he captivated audiences with his performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4 with the Lagom Philharmonic Orchestra in Vancouver. His passion for performance extends across borders, with frequent recital tours across China, including major cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xiamen, and Guangzhou.

His exceptional recordings have also gained recognition. His album ‘Sonatas on Canvas’ won prizes in three categories in the Global Music Awards: Classical Solo Piano, Album, and Emerging Artist. His latest album, ‘Unattainable Illusion,’ released in 2023, offers a deep exploration of the music of Ravel, Takematsu, and Chopin. He’s also a prize winner in numerous competitions, including the Rome International Piano Competition, International Music Competition Paris Grand Prize Virtuoso, and the Canadian Music Competition.

Xu’s journey in music started in Vancouver, where he moved with his family at age 11. He studied with Canadian concert artist Ian Parker, then went on to the Eastman School of Music to study under Professor Rebecca Penneys. Xu continued his studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London, under Pascal Nemirovski, graduating with high honors.

Alongside his achievements as a concert artist, Xu maintains deep interests in other art forms and disciplines, including martial arts, ballet, and painting. His unique approach to piano performance, informed by his martial arts practice and exploration of Taichi principles, has formed the basis of his academic research. He earned his MMus with a dissertation on Taichi Principles and Piano Performance Techniques and completed a Master of Science degree at the Royal College of Music. His thesis focused on the experience of fundamental martial arts training for young concert pianists.

Beyond his performance career, Xu is a dedicated educator and adjudicator, sharing his expertise in major international piano competitions, such as the Canadian Steinway Virtual Competition and the Vivace International Piano Competition.

His extraordinary accomplishments and multifaceted talents extend even into the commercial sphere, with a feature in a 2019 Jaguar advertisement for their new XFL sedan.