Their performance was characterized by high professional skill in all the compositions we heard. Their instrumental mastery, sensitivity to tonal nuances, and intelligent and intuitive understanding of the scores, including special surprises, were inspiring.

— Eberhard Feltz

In 2023 Nigedemu Zeng met colleagues from the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich and together they founded the MAI Trio. Initially as a friendly collaboration between three artists. However, it quickly evolved into an ambitious piano trio. Currently, the trio is based at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, working closely with the renowned artist Silke Avenhaus.

The name MAI.Trio was chosen not only because the ensemble was formed in May 2023 but also as a tribute to Schumann’s Lied “Im wunderschönen Monat Mai” from the Dichterliebe cycle, based on a poem by Heinrich Heine.

Despite being formed only recently, the MAI Trio has quickly built an incredible chemistry and has developed a comprehensive repertoire. They were the finalist at the Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy Competition in Berlin.

MAI Trio have performed to critical acclaim with many concerts in Europe and have participated in masterclasses with internationally acclaimed artists, such as Kathryn Stott, Wen-Sinn Yang and Eberhard Feltz. Some of their performances were recorded by BR-Klassik of Bayerischer Rundfunk.