Du Tianqi began his journey with the piano under the tutelage of Professor Chen Xueyun at Guizhou Normal University when he was five years old. This early immersion into music led him to achieve numerous awards in provincial and national piano competitions. By the age of ten, he had held his own solo recital.
Subsequently, he studied under the renowned piano educator, Professor Dan Zhaoyi. His dedication bore fruit as he garnered awards at international stages, including the Hong Kong TOYAMA Piano Competition, WenHua Award China Youth Piano Competition, German Steinway Piano Competition, German Wiesbaden Youth Piano Competition, and the U.S. San Jose International Youth Piano Competition.
In 2016, Du further expanded his horizons by attending the New England Conservatory in the United States, refining his skills under Professor Meng- Chieh Liu. Returning to his roots, Du's recent years have been dedicated to the performances of Johann Sebastian Bach. His deep connection with Bach's music culminated in his 2022 debut album under the esteemed Naïve Records, featuring the iconic "Goldberg Variations".
The album not only showcased his exceptional understanding of Bach’s music but also garnered international attention and praise. Rob Cowan from Gramophone Magazine remarked, "If someone asks the question: After Glenn Gould, do the Goldberg Variations still have vitality? The answer is clear and unequivocal: Yes! The best evidence is right here." For its impeccable artistry, the album was recognized as the "Album of the Month" by Tsutomu Nasuda in Record Geijutsu Magazine, who also noted the "thoughtfully designed interpretation, filled with deep musical insights." Attila Csampai from Rondo magazine added, "With this, Du achieves the difficult balance between constructive logic and metaphysics, between knowledge and mystery: A strong statement for a debutant."
As Du Tianqi continues to carve his niche in the world of classical music, his journey remains a testament to dedication, mastery, and passion.
