Born in Hannover, Germany, Zhou Guangren (1928-2022) is the first international award-winning pianist in China. One of the most influential Chinese pianists in the world, Zhou had taught in the Central Conservatory of Music since 1949 and had been a judge of many international piano competitions, such as Arthur Rubinstein, Van Cliburn and Tchaikovsky competitions. She played an important role in promoting piano artistry and dedicated her life to piano education in China.