By: Felicia Guo
On December 28, 2024, Jerusalem Hall at Promise Church in Queens, New York, was filled with the magical sounds of music as the Christmas Concert unfolded. Among the highlights was a captivating performance by pianist Zengdi Fan, who collaborated with flute and clarinet to present a moving rendition of The Music of the Night from The Phantom of the Opera.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the emotional depth of this piece,” Fan shared during our interview. “For this concert, we wanted to offer the audience a different experience, both visually and aurally, by arranging it for flute, clarinet, and piano instead of the usual singer and pianist combination.”
The performance demonstrated Fan’s artistry. In the reimagined version, the wind instruments maintained the key of G major, creating a shimmering, lyrical backdrop for the piano’s rich harmonies. Fan explained that the structure of the piece alternates between sections A and B, with section A repeating four times, each with subtle yet thoughtful variations in accompaniment. “Andrew Lloyd Webber often employs altered chords, especially in the A sections,” Fan noted. “It breaks the monotony and helps convey the Phantom’s deep emotional struggles and longing for Christine.”
The piano part, delicately interwoven with the clean rhythms of the flute and clarinet, highlighted Fan’s sensitivity to texture and phrasing. The descending leaps and gradually ascending motifs seemed to capture the Phantom’s internal conflict—his intense desire tempered by fear and doubt. Particularly striking was the off-key section in part B, where augmented intervals added a haunting tension to the music, a detail Fan executed with both technical precision and emotional nuance.

Photo Courtesy: Zengdi Fan
Beyond this notable performance, Zengdi Fan’s journey as a musician reflects her dedication and talent. Born in China, Fan began studying piano at the age of six. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music in 2013, having trained under Professor Dan Zhou at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music. Later, she continued her studies under Dr. Tao Li, further honing her craft.
In 2024, Fan completed her graduate studies in Music Coaching at Midwest University and subsequently studied under renowned pianist Patrick Kreeger at the Juilliard School in New York. Now based in New York City, Fan teaches at the New York Music Education School, where she has been inspiring students for the past decade.
Her performance credentials are notable. In August 2014, she served as a piano accompanist at Carnegie Hall, receiving an Outstanding Performance Award. In June 2023, she was recognized with another Outstanding Performance Award at Drew University in New Jersey, where she served as a piano coach. Two months later, she earned the same accolade on Broadway, New York, again as a piano accompanist. In October 2023, she gave her own solo recital at Midwest University, showcasing a mature musical voice that resonated deeply with audiences.
Reflecting on her path, Fan emphasized the importance of continual growth. “Music is a lifelong journey,” she said. “No matter how much experience you have, there’s always more to learn, more ways to express yourself.”
When asked about her aspirations, Fan’s response was simple yet profound: “I aim to keep connecting with audiences through meaningful performances. Music has the power to bring people together, to heal, and to inspire—and that’s what I strive for with every note I play.”
As the echoes of her Christmas performance still linger, it’s clear that Zengdi Fan is not only an accomplished pianist but also a passionate storyteller through music, one whose future holds potential for artistic achievements.
Zengdi Fan will be performing at Lincoln Center this June, participating in a concert featuring vocalists and a chorus. In July, she will take part in another concert showcasing the clarinet, and later in the year, she will perform in a Christmas music event.
Published by Joseph T.