BIOGRAPHY

Hailed as one of today’s most energetic, passionate, and respected erhu virtuosos, Cathy Yang studied at the Central Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of the distinguished erhu professor Jiemin Yan. She has received top honors in numerous national and international competitions, including First Prize at the Long Yin Instrumental Soloist Competition (1999), Gold Medal at the China Ministry of Culture National Music Competition (1999), and Silver Medal at the Tianhua Cup National Youth Erhu Competition (2001).

Following these early successes, Yang launched an international performing career, touring extensively throughout the United States, Germany, Japan, France, South Africa, Hong Kong, and China. She has appeared as soloist with leading ensembles including the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, China National Traditional Orchestra, University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra, and Allentown Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Yang has presented recitals at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the United Nations Headquarters, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall. Her performances have also been broadcast to global audiences on CCTV, China’s most widely viewed television network. She has additionally appeared as a featured soloist for former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.

Beyond traditional Chinese repertoire, Yang is known for her versatility and innovative programming, performing across a wide range of musical styles including classical, jazz, bluegrass, funk, Asian folk, and Latin American music. Her distinctive artistic voice has led to collaborations on contemporary works, including Mark Hagerty’s erhu, violin, and percussion concerto Beyond These Horizons, as well as the world premiere of a chamber work by Bright Sheng commissioned for the University of Delaware ensemble-in-residence, featuring erhu with violin, piano, and cello.

In 2022, Yang collaborated with renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in the premiere of Journey, a work by Grammy Award–winning composer Paquito D’Rivera for cello, erhu, clarinet, and orchestra. The performance, presented with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Wolf Trap Summer Music Festival, received enthusiastic acclaim from audiences and critics alike.

In 2024, Cathy Yang appeared with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performing Tan Dun’s Oscar-winning score from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, featuring erhu and symphony orchestra, creating a major highlight of the concert season in Washington, D.C.

In 2026, she made her debut with the Seattle Symphony under the baton of Maestro Zhang Xian, performing Tan Dun’s Iris dévoilée, further establishing her presence on the international symphonic stage.

Recognized for her expressive artistry, technical mastery, and engaging stage presence, Cathy Yang continues to expand the role of the erhu in both traditional and cross-cultural repertoire worldwide.