Pianist

“An immaculate pianist whose performances combine strength, agility, and expressive clarity.”

A woman with long, wavy black hair and red lipstick standing outdoors with greenery in the background.

Nicole Chao is a New Zealand pianist recognised for her expressive musicianship, thoughtful interpretations, and collaborative artistry. She performs widely as a soloist and chamber musician, and is a founding member of the piano Duo Enharmonics, whose programmes explore colour, dialogue, and shared musical imagination.

Her work reflects a deep commitment to musical dialogue, works of depth and scope, and the shared imagination of collaborative performance.

New Zealand–Taiwanese pianist Nicole Chao completed her graduate studies at the New Zealand School of Music Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington, where she studied under the mentorship of American pianist Professor Thomas Hecht.
She is a recipient of numerous national and international awards and scholarships, including the North Queensland Piano and Instrumental Concerto Competition (Australia) and the Kāpiti Coast National Piano Competition (New Zealand), reflecting her sustained commitment to high-level performance and artistic development.
Nicole has established herself as a versatile and expressive performer, maintaining an active career as both a soloist and collaborative artist. Her performances are noted for their expressive depth, clarity, and stylistic assurance, earning critical acclaim from national reviewers. The Kāpiti Observer described her as “an immaculate pianist” who “displayed great strength.” Other critics have praised her “dazzling display of speed, agility, and clarity” and a “sense of high romanticism that was deeply rewarding.”
A sought-after chamber musician, Nicole regularly collaborates with members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, New Zealand String Quartet, and Orchestra Wellington. She is a founding member of Duo Enharmonics, a piano duo celebrated for its imaginative programming and extensive national performances.
Alongside her performing career, Nicole is a dedicated teacher, coach, and mentor, committed to fostering the next generation of pianists and chamber musicians. Her teaching is informed by her own performance experience and emphasises musical independence, collaboration, and long-term artistic development.
She has coached multiple ensembles to the national finals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest, including prize-winning groups and recipients of the Joan Kerr National Award. Nicole has also served as an adjudicator for the contest, contributing her experience and insight to support and inspire young musicians across Aotearoa New Zealand.