Known for her dynamic programs and electrifying performances, Chinese-born pianist Youlan Ji has been featured in recitals worldwide, including Beijing, Shanghai, Amsterdam, New York City, Washington D.C., Florida Keys, and Aspen. Praised by the Florida Keys Concert Association as “a standout performer with impeccable phrasing… [who] has perfected a technique that allows her to float through all the virtuoso passages with such ease,” she captivates audiences with her meticulous interpretations and total command of the instrument.

With a passion for collaboration and an extensive chamber music repertoire, Youlan has frequently performed in chamber ensembles, appearing at venues such as Alice Tully Hall in New York City, Harris Hall at the Aspen Music Festival, and on the NPR radio program From the Top. In addition, Youlan has collaborated with esteemed conductors and orchestras, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Schumann’s Piano Concerto with the Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the Juilliard Pre-College Orchestra.

Youlan has been a prizewinner at numerous international competitions, including the United States Open Music Competition (2011), the Third International Rosario Marciano Piano Competition (2011), the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition (2015), the New York International Piano Competition (2018), and the Aspen Music Festival Concerto Competition (2022).

Beyond performance, Youlan is deeply passionate about engaging audiences through spoken commentary. In recent years, she has given several lecture-recitals for schools and music programs, including The Tales of E.T.A. Hoffmann in Schumann’s Kreisleriana and The Evolution of Chinese Piano Music in the 20th Century. Through a combination of performance and insightful commentary, Youlan fosters meaningful connections with her audiences, unveiling the historical and emotional contexts behind the music she plays.

Youlan earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Juilliard School under the guidance of Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky. Throughout her studies at Juilliard, she was a proud recipient of the Jerome L. Greene Fellowship, which provided a full scholarship in recognition of her artistic and academic excellence. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where she studies with pianist Yefim Bronfman. In addition to her studies, Youlan has served as a teaching fellow at both the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.