Dr. Hui Xu (Chinese: 徐辉) is an international concert pianist, recording artist, and educator whose career bridges the rich Russian pianistic tradition with a global performance presence spanning North America, Europe, and Asia.
Trained in both the Russian and American traditions, she studied with I. I. Suhomlino, a distinguished pupil of the legendary Heinrich Neuhaus, and has developed an artistic voice distinguished by virtuosity, lyricism, and expressive depth. She has appeared in recital, chamber music, and concerto engagements at distinguished venues including Carnegie Hall. Her recordings explore a broad repertoire ranging from the masterworks of Bach, Beethoven, and Chopin to the music of Ravel, Medtner, Prokofiev, and contemporary composers.
Beyond the concert stage, Dr. Xu is committed to advancing classical music through education, mentorship, and artistic leadership. As founder and artistic director of Inner Art of Music, she continues to inspire the next generation of musicians while sharing her artistry with audiences around the world.
Artistic Lineage & Education
Born in Shenyang, China, Hui Xu began studying piano at the age of five and was admitted to the pre-college division of the Shenyang Conservatory of Music at age ten. Recognized as one of the conservatory’s most promising young pianists, she was selected for advanced professional training at the Odessa State A.V. Nezhdanova Conservatory (Odessa Conservatory) in Ukraine under I. I. Suhomlino, a distinguished pianist and pupil of the legendary pianist and pedagogue Heinrich Neuhaus.
Through Suhomlino, Dr. Xu inherits a distinguished artistic lineage that traces through Heinrich Neuhaus and ultimately to Ludwig van Beethoven, connecting her work to one of the most influential traditions in the history of piano performance.
After earning her first Master’s degree in Ukraine, Dr. Xu was awarded full-tuition scholarships for graduate study in the United States by both Manhattan School of Music and Ball State University. She chose Ball State University, where she earned her second Master’s degree in Piano Performance. She subsequently completed her Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance at Florida State University.
- Master of Arts in Performance, Odessa Conservatory, Ukraine, 2004
- Master of Music in Performance, Ball State University, U.S., 2006
- Doctor of Music in Performance, Florida State University, U.S., 2010
Featured Concerto Performances
Discography
Featured Artistic Initiative
Carnegie Hall Benefit Concert for Haiti Earthquake Relief (2010)
In response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Dr. Hui Xu initiated, organized, and performed as the principal artist in a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall supporting humanitarian relief.
As organizer and featured pianist, she led the artistic concept and performance of the event. The concert included distinguished collaborators, including pianist Frank Lévy.
Presented to a full audience at Carnegie Hall, the concert reflects Dr. Xu’s belief that music can connect artistic performance with social engagement and human impact.
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- Dr. Xu performs at Carnegie Hall
"I am not a medical doctor, and I cannot help build houses, but I am a musician, so I can raise money by playing music."
— Tallahassee Democrat, 2010
"This was the first benefit concert for Haiti held at Carnegie Hall after the Haiti earthquake."
— Music Life Magazine, 2010
Performance Career
Over the course of her career, Dr. Hui Xu has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and concerto artist throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Selected moments from her performance career are presented below.
"Hui Xu’s impeccable skill made Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 sound effortless."
— World Journal, 2009
"Hui gave the work the sensitivity and patient lyricism it needs."
— New York Concert Review, 2010
Artistic Leadership & Education
Alongside her performing career, Dr. Hui Xu is deeply committed to the development of the next generation of musicians through teaching, mentorship, and professional service. She is an MTNA Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, a recognized Steinway & Sons Top Teacher, and currently serves as Vice President of the Greater Pinellas Music Teachers Association, a professional organization for independent music educators in Florida.
Through her work as founder and artistic director of Inner Art of Music, Dr. Xu has guided students who have earned top prizes in national and international competitions and performed at distinguished venues including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona. Her teaching emphasizes not only technical mastery, but also artistic imagination, intellectual curiosity, and the cultivation of a lifelong relationship with music.
Selected Upcoming Professional Engagements
Guest Artist Performance
Florida State Music Teachers Association Conference
Tallahassee, Florida
Works by Samuel Barber and Leonard Bernstein
October 17, 2026
Faculty Piano Duo Recital
St. Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, Florida
Works by Mozart, Dvořák, Brahms, Grieg, Lavignac, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich
November 18, 2026
Educational Presentation
Steinway Piano Gallery
Clearwater, Florida
"Generalist or Specialist"
January 11, 2027
Guest Artist Residency
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
- Guest Artist Recital
- Masterclass
- Jury Member, Truran Piano Competition
February 19–20, 2027