Mingyao Zhao

Recognized internationally for her passionate, artistic, and dynamic performances Mingyao Zhao has performed extensively as a soloist and recitalist in China, the United States, Canada, Korea, and Poland. She performed with superstar violinist Vadim Gluzman at the North Shore Chamber Music Festival in Chicago during the summer of 2018 where she also received the Arkady Fomin Young Artist Award. Winner of numerous prizes, Ms. Zhao was awarded first prize in the Haydn Competition at CelloFest in Fort Worth, the Aldo Parisot Award, the silver medal at the Texas Young Artist Music Competition, the bronze medal at the IX Carlos Prieto International Cello Competition, and was winner of the Cleveland Institute of Music concerto competition.

Ms. Zhao has performed frequently as a substitute with The Cleveland Orchestra, one of the world’s greatest orchestras. She is a member of the Canton Symphony Orchestra and was formerly principal cello of the Northeast Connecticut Symphony Orchestra.

Before joining the faculty at The College of Wooster Ms. Zhao taught students of all ages at The British School in Beijing, at Texas Christian University, and at the Yale University School of Music. A dedicated teacher, she helps her students discover their inner voices and to express their personalities in combination with the musical essence of each composition. Ms. Zhao has an extensive background in cello fundamentals as well and can help students at any level of development. Her vision is to contribute towards the future of music and cello playing through innovative and thoughtful instruction.