Guest Artists

2021 Call for Scores: Solo Cello

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Yiyang Zhao (Cello)

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Yiyang Zhao was born in Beijing, China, in 1989. He studied cello with Zeguang Tu at the age of six. He was admitted to Minzu University of China in 2009 to study with Li Wang, and worked as the principal cellist in the China Minzu Youth Orchestra. In 2014, after completing his bachelor’s degree, he went to Germany where he studied with Veronika Wilhelm and Ulf Tischbirek. He received his master’s degree from Lübeck Music Academy in 2018. After that, he enrolled at Folkwang University of the Arts, studying with Barbara Maurer to specialize in contemporary music. He won the Folkwang Award in 2019 and completed his second master’s degree with a perfect score a year later. He is now a member of International Ensemble Modern Akademie (2020/21).

 

As an artist, Zhao has always been dedicated to the performance of contemporary music. He has been repeatedly invited to participate in the China Beijing Modern Music Festival and the Now Festival in Essen. At present, he has premiered more than 40 new works. He maintains a close working relationship with artists in many other fields of contemporary arts, including painters, photographers, dancers and actors.