Speaker at the inaugural TEDx Conference of Cannes in 2014, her presentation: 'Music is a Powerful Instrument for Positive Change' was featured by TED Global Editors, selected from more than 30,000 talks from 130 countries.
Founder of ZHANGOMUSIQ based in the Principality of Monaco, an innovative organization which unites musical performances with ecological and humanitarian projects in progress. Where the totality of each concert performance earnings are donated to diverse concrete projects around the Planet. Since 2007, projects funded by ZHANGOMUSIQ concerts includes the construction of a school for girls in Afghanistan; Fresh water reservoirs and wells in Djibouti and Cameroon; Rescuing Mediterranean Sea Turtles injured by men made devices; Housing and logistical support for Tsunami, Typhoon and Earthquake survivors in Japan, the Philippines, and Chili; Aiding Women war victims of the Congo to reconstruct their lives; Preserving endangered marine species in South East Asia; Providing medical supplies for the elderly poor in France, and more.
ZHANGOMUSIQ created a new business model for musical performance, uniting quality cultural entertainment and positive social responsibility, bringing together diverse elements of our society for the greater good of all humanity.
Graduate of Rice University in the USA, with a Bachelor's Degree in Music and a Master's Degree in Classical Violin Performance. Awarded with the highest diploma by the Conservatoire of Lausanne, Switzerland: the Diplome de Soliste. Zhang Zhang is the first Chinese musician to become a member of the prestigious Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the first Asian artist in the history of the Principality of Monaco to perform at the Investiture Ceremony of a Sovereign Prince of Monaco, in 2005, at the invitation of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Founding member of The Monaco String Quartet Ensemble, personally endorsed by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco to represent the Principality artistically around the world. Zhang Zhang is also the leader of a rock and electro group The Zhang Zhang Band, since 2002.
Her story begun in Beijing, China, at the end of the Cultural Revolution.
Zhang's father was a well known violinist, concertmaster of Madame Mao's favorite orchestra, who performed for Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter during their official visits to China. Her mother is an award winning film actress and concert pianist.
Fame and fortune did not go hand to hand in those days, the family lived in a 9 square meter room, where Zhang and her little brother grew up using a piano bench as a table. It was in this room that Zhang begin to study music. Piano at the age of 2, Violin two years later.
At the age of 4, Zhang witness the arrest and imprisonment of her father at the orders of Madame Mao, for having openly defied her policies. He was released only after Madame Mao her self was arrested
The family eventually obtained permission to leave China in the early 1980's, but Zhang's parents were told they must choose between their two children, as only one is allowed to leave with them. Zhang's little brother was left behind, the price the family had to bare, for the opportunity of seeking a new life elsewhere.
From such challenging beginnings to becoming a major player on the stages of Monte Carlo, Paris, Berlin and beyond. From a 9 square meter room with no table, to offering aid for thousands in need around the world through her music and engagement, creative thinking and determination. Her Musical Philanthropy initiative not only serves to help make the world a better place, it also revolutionized a successful alternative business model with concrete results for the struggling classical music industry.
Zhang Zhang inspires with her journey and her conviction, demonstrating with her accomplishments that hope and dignity, perseverance and optimism can realize great dreams, no matter where we are from, nor how little we had to start with.
