Sunday, May October 4, 2026, 4:00PM

The Mofi Duo

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Pianist Philina Zhang and violinist

Nickita Zhang have performed together since

early childhood,forming the sister ensemble

MOFI Duo. Known for their versatility across

classical, contemporary, and crossover

repertoire, they have appeared in Merkin Hall,

Steinway Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall,

and venues throughout Europe and Asia.

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Recent highlights include an invitation to Salle Cortot in Paris (2025), 2nd Prize at the 2024 International Kreutzer Chamber Music Competition in Ghent, and the Grand Prix at the 2023 Young Performers’ Foundation Chamber Competition. The duo was featured on NPR’s From the Top as Fellows. Both sisters study at the Special Music School in New York City and at Juilliard Pre‑College, where they also compose and frequently premiere each other’s works.

 

Philina Zhang — Pianist & Composer​

                                                                     Pianist and composer Philina Zhang is a student                                                                             at Juilliard Pre‑College, where she pursues both                                                                             piano and composition. She has performed                                                                                     widely in New York City, appearing in Merkin                                                                                   Hall, Steinway Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie                                                                             Hall, and the National Bohemian Hall, and has                                                                                 given concerts across France, Austria, Germany,                                                                             Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czechia, and China.

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                                                                            Philina’s musical development includes studies at                                                                                         leading international festivals such as the Mozarteum                                                                                   University Summer Academy, the International                                                                                               Holland Music Sessions, and Summer Music in the                                                                                         Upper Nagold Valley. She has worked with                                                                                                       distinguished chamber mentors including Rohan De Silva, Evgeny Sinaiski, Boris Garlitsky, and Alexandre Brussilovsky.

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As a composer, Philina writes music noted for its lyricism, rhythmic vitality, and storytelling character. Her works have been performed by both student and professional ensembles, and she frequently premieres new pieces in collaboration with fellow young musicians. Her artistic interests extend beyond classical repertoire to include jazz harmony, contemporary styles, and original arrangements.

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Nickita Zhang — Violinist & Composer

 

                                                                                   Violinist Nickita Zhang, 15, studies with Viktor Basis                                                                                       at the Special Music School and composition at                                                                                             Juilliard Pre‑College. She is the 2024 MTNA Junior                                                                                           Performance Winner and 1st Prize winner of the                                                                                           2023 Westchester Young Artist Concerto                                                                                                         Competition, where she performed with the                                                                                                   Symphony of Westchester.

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                                                                                   Nickita has been a semifinalist at Il Piccolo Violino                                                                                         Magico (2021, 2023) and a prizewinner at the International Grumiaux Competition, the Rudolf Barshai Competition, and the Fujian Provincial String Competition. She has performed in Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and the National Bohemian Hall, and has participated in the Mozarteum Summer Academy, the International Holland Music Sessions, and the Summer Music in the Upper Nagold Valley festival.

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An active chamber musician, Nickita performs with her trio and as part of the MOFI Duo, with whom she has won the Grand Prize at the Ukrainian Music Competition in New York, 1st Prize at “Diálogo”, and 2nd Prize at the International Kreutzer Chamber Music Competition.