On a sunny afternoon at the Bruce McLaren Rest Home, residents and guests were treated to
an extraordinary performance by piano scholar Madeleine Xiao. Madeleine, a 19-year-old
Auckland-born pianist, captivated an audience of around 100 people with her virtuosic talent,
delivering a beautifully curated program featuring works by Bach, Haydn, Tchaikovsky, and
Chopin. The concert, provided by Davis Funerals, was a celebration of music and community,
bringing people together through the transformative power of classical music.
About the Performer: Madeleine Xiao
Born in Auckland in 2005, Madeleine began her musical journey at the tender age of five. Now,
at just 19, she is studying a Bachelor of Music in classical performance at the University of
Auckland, under the guidance of renowned tutors Rae de Lisle, Bryan Sayer, and Katherine
Austin. Madeleine has already achieved remarkable success, earning numerous top awards
and scholarships, supported by prestigious foundations such as the Dame Malvina Major
Foundation and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra.
Her talent has taken her to significant performances, including playing Chopin’s Piano Concerto
No. 1 in E minor with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and competing in the final of the
National Concerto Competition, where she placed third. Madeleine’s passion extends beyond
solo performances; she is also an avid chamber musician, playing with the Kaha Trio, and
regularly collaborates with vocalists and instrumentalists.
The Program:
Madeleine opened the concert with Bach/Busoni’s Chaconne in D minor, a monumental work
that bridges the Baroque and Romantic eras. Originally composed for solo violin by J.S. Bach,
the piece was transcribed for piano by Ferruccio Busoni, allowing the full range of the piano to
bring new harmonic and dynamic depth to the work. Madeleine’s performance was both
powerful and sensitive, capturing the profound emotion embedded in the piece.
Next, she moved on to Haydn’s Piano Sonata No. 60 in C Major, a delightful work full of wit
and charm. Written during Haydn’s second visit to London, this sonata is known for its playful
energy and innovation. Madeleine’s nuanced interpretation brought out the humour in the
Allegro movements while delivering the Adagio with graceful sensitivity.
The third piece in her program was Tchaikovsky’s Dumka in C Minor, Op. 59, a rich, folk-
inspired work blending melancholy with lively, dance-like themes. Madeleine’s expressive
playing highlighted the contrasts within the piece, evoking the spirit of a Russian village dance.
The audience was entranced by the emotional depth of her performance.
To conclude the concert, Madeleine performed the first movement of Chopin’s Piano Sonata
No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58, a piece that stands as a pinnacle of Romantic piano literature. Her
performance of the Allegro maestoso was both lyrical and dramatic, showcasing her technical
mastery and emotional connection to the music.
A Memorable Afternoon:
The performance was a resounding success, with Madeleine receiving a standing ovation from
the appreciative audience. The residents of Bruce McLaren Rest Home, along with the visiting
guests, were treated to an afternoon of world-class music, made even more special by
Madeleine’s warm connection with the audience.
Davis Funerals is proud to provide such events, which bring joy and enrichment to the
community. Madeleine’s performance was not only a testament to her talent but also to the
power of music to bring people together, creating lasting memories for all who attended.
As the concert came to a close, many attendees expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to
experience such a high-calibre performance in a local setting. With Madeleine Xiao’s bright
future ahead, it was a privilege to witness her talent at this stage of her burgeoning career.
