Where Gift Meets Discipline: Zhisheng Wang Wins at the 2025 Golden Prestige International Music Competition
- WOMCO
- Sep 13
- 4 min read
Young cellist Zhisheng Wang, from Shanghai, China, was awarded the Absolute First Prize along with the Special Prize for Excellent Technique at the 2025 Season 3 Golden Prestige International Music Competition, held from May 9 to August 9, 2025, with results announced in late August, for his performance of Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro in A-flat major, Op. 70.
Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey in music, for example the schools you’ve studied at, the teachers who have guided you, and how long you’ve been studying, as well as your goals for the future?
Zhisheng Wang:
"My mother bought me a Yamaha electronic keyboard as a toy when I was just one year old. This early exposure to music gifted me with perfect pitch and, more importantly, planted in me a deep love for music. I began learning the piano at the age of four, the cello at seven, and developed a passion for singing and improvisational accompaniment by thirteen. Over more than a decade of musical study, I have received numerous awards, and my passion for music has only grown stronger. I plan to major in a music-related field in university and pursue a career in music in the future. I truly cherish a life accompanied by music.“
Could you tell us more about your award-winning cello performance Schumann Adagio and Allegro in Ab.Op.70? For instance, how did you prepare for it, bring it to life, or are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?
Zhisheng Wang:
"The preparation process for this piece was quite unique. Prior to preparing this competition piece, I had not been able to practice the cello regularly for nearly a year due to extremely heavy academic pressure—ninth grade in Shanghai is dedicated to preparing for high school entrance exams, with daily study schedules from 6 AM to 12 PM, including weekends. It was only after final exams ended that I gradually resumed practicing.
During the summer holiday, I engaged in high-intensity training and managed to rehearse and record the entire piece within three weeks. This was only possible because of the exceptionally solid technical foundation that my cello teacher (Mr. Wenbin Geng) had built in me since childhood. It was this foundation that allowed me to quickly regain my performance ability.
My teacher’s guidance was also crucial. Before focusing on the score, he provided me with a deep analysis of Schumann’s inner world—a composer troubled by mental illness, who housed six distinct personalities within himself. My teacher specifically pointed out that one of these personalities was intelligent, humble, and gentle as water, while another was impulsive, quick-tempered, and straightforward. These two contrasting personalities are interwoven in the “Adagio and Allegro” that I performed. Through this vivid character-based interpretation, I not only understood the source of the contradictory emotions in the music but also truly touched the composer’s divided yet unified soul. This ultimately enabled me to deliver a more compelling performance.”
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Zhisheng Wang:
"I would like to extend my special thanks to my cello teacher—Mr. Wenbin Geng. His passion and enthusiasm for music are truly infectious and have deeply ignited my interest and love for learning the cello and classical music. He is extremely patient, never hesitates to encourage me, and always recognizes my incremental progress, which has filled me with confidence to overcome challenges. His teaching is rigorous, focused, and persistent, and his personal charm and professionalism have profoundly influenced me. I have not only learned how to master an instrument but also how to understand music, express myself, and cultivate my character.
I also want to thank my mother, who planted the seed of love for music in me during my early years, accompanied me to every lesson, attended every grading exam and competition, and consistently supported and encouraged me during the most challenging and monotonous practices.
I am incredibly fortunate to have such a teacher and family who share in the joy of every achievement I make and take pride in my accomplishments.
Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to WOMCO for offering me the opportunity to participate in such an open, fair and impartial competition with music lovers from all over the world. WOMCO has bestowed upon me numerous honors and provided me with great encouragement, making my path in music ever broader.”
Biography
Zhisheng Wang began his musical journey at the age of four, first studying electronic keyboard before moving to piano at five. By seven, he had also taken up the cello, demonstrating a natural gift for both instruments. At the same age, he was awarded Distinction in ABRSM Piano Grade 3, followed by Distinction at Grade 5 by the age of nine.
At eleven, Zhisheng achieved Distinction in both ABRSM Grade 8 Piano and Grade 8 Cello Performance. In the same year, he won First Prize at the Hummingbird Music Awards China Youth Music Competition (National Competition) as part of a cello and piano duo, later performing in the Winners Concert.
Zhisheng’s artistry has been recognized on international stages. At twelve, he earned the Gold Prize and Creative Performance Special Prize at the London Young Musician Summer Season Competition. At thirteen, he was awarded First Prize in the Global Musicians League International Competition, and at fourteen, he won the Platinum Prize at the Max Bruch International Music Competition.
At fifteen, Zhisheng expanded his musicianship to vocal performance, receiving the Silver Prize and the Couperin Excellent Interpretation Special Award at the Couperin International Music Competition. In the same year, he secured the Absolute First Prize and Special Prize for Excellent Technique on cello at the Golden Prestige International Music Competition.
With exceptional talent across piano, cello, and voice, Zhisheng Wang continues to captivate audiences through his artistry, technical mastery, and musical versatility.
