Performer Biography

Mingyao Zhao

Mingyao Zhao, a cellist from China, started to play cello at the age of 5. Mingyao studied with several phenomenal teachers, including Mula Na from Central Conservatory of Music, Jesus Castro-Balbi from Texas Christian University and Aldo Parisot from Yale University School of Music. Most recently, she has been pursuing Professional Studies Diploma at Cleveland Institute of Music in the studio of Mark Kosower, principal cellist of The Cleveland Orchestra.

Mingyao Zhao has performed extensively as soloist and recitalist in her native China, US, Canada, Korean and Poland.

Winner of numerous prizes, Mingyao was awarded First Price of Haydn Competition at Fort Worth Cellofest, Aldo Parisot Award, Silver Medal at the Texas Young Artist Music Competition, second price at the Aiqin Bei International Competition, and is the winner of Cleveland Institute of Music Concerto competition in 2018. She has participated masterclasses with as David Garingas, Lynn Harrell, Bernard Greenhousen, Ralph Kirshbaum. As a chamber musician, Mingyao was inspired by such luminaries as Peter Oundjian, Peter Francl, Edward Schmieder, members from Brentano Quartet, Weiyi Yang and Syoko Aki.