Starnberg in a music frenzy: Nine-year-old Louis Zhang inspires 250 fans!

Starnberg in a music frenzy: Nine-year-old Louis Zhang inspires 250 fans!

A very special concert took place in Starnberg on July 16, 2025: Nine years old, from Berg and already a celebrated piano talent - Louis Zhang electrified the listeners with his extraordinary playing. Together with the “Deutsche Streicherphilharmonie”, which performed under the direction of Wolfgang Hentrich, Zhang provided an evening that will go down in the history books of Starnberg’s cultural life. The potential young talent concert attracted over 250 visitors, all of whom were captivated by the young virtuosos.

The connection between Louis Zhang and the German String Philharmonic began a year and a half ago, when the first joint concert took place. This time the 57 members of the orchestra presented a varied program that included works from Mozart and Bach to Haydn. Particularly impressive was Zhang's ability to play the pieces without sheet music, which gave his performance a lightness and confidence.

A program full of masterpieces

In addition to Mozart's “Divertimento” KV 136, the concert program also included Bach's Piano Concerto in A major. Louis Zhang also contributed Haydn's Piano Concerto in D major and rounded off the evening with a short additional piece, which made the audience very enthusiastic. Mayor Patrick Janik and Rupert Steigenberger gave short but warm speeches to honor the commitment of the talented young musicians. Among the guests of honor were representatives of the Chinese consulate and the former Bavarian Economics Minister Otto Wiesheu, who made the concert a special event.

The German String Philharmonic has made a name for itself in recent years, both in Germany and internationally. Concerts in renowned venues such as the Golden Hall of the Vienna Music Association and the Cologne Philharmonic demonstrate the high level of the orchestra, whose youngest members are only 11 years old and the oldest are 20 years old. They are winners of the Würth Prize from Jeunesses Musicales Germany and are known for their differentiated sound and shared devotion to music.

A look into the future

The young piano virtuoso Louis Zhang can look forward to another highlight, as he will perform again on July 27th, this time with the “Classical for Children” program in the Aufkirchen parish hall. The enthusiasm for music and the opportunity to perform with like-minded people is supported by various funding programs that create projects with children and young people. This includes, among other things, the “Music for All” program, which supports eligible initiatives in cultural education, as can be found on the website of the Federal Music Association for Choir & Orchestra.

Louis Zhang has already proven at his young age that he has a great knack for music, and he attracts new fans with every performance. The upcoming performances will certainly be no less exciting and full of enthusiasm. Hopefully the region will continue to support such talented young musicians and give them the platform they need to shine.