BIOGRAPHY
Yang is an active member of “6-wire” a crossover ensemble in residence at the University of Delaware that explores the relationship between the East and West through creativity and virtuosity and is represented by the California Artists Management.
Hailed as one of the most energetic, passionate, and respected erhu masters today, Cathy Yang studied at the Central Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of celebrated erhu professor Jiemin Yan. Throughout her music career, Yang has won numerous international and national competitions, including: first prize at the LONG YIN Instrumental Soloist Competitio in 1999, gold medal at the China Ministry of Culture’s annual music competition in 1999, and silver medal at the TIANHUA CUP National Youth Erhu Competition in 2001. After winning first prize in China, Yang launched a truly international performing career. She toured the U.S., Germany, Japan, France, South Africa, Hong Kong and China extensively, making solo debuts with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, China National Traditional Orchestra, and University of Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Allentown Symphony Orchestra, among others. Yang has also performed many recitals in places such as Carnegie Hall, The United Nations’ Headquarters, the Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and City Hall Concert Hall (Hong Kong). Additionally, billions of people around the world have watched her concerts on CCTV, China's most watched TV station. Yang has recently been a featured soloist for Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden.
Besides playing traditional Chinese music, Yang delves into creative and unexpected styles on the erhu. Classical, jazz, funk, bluegrass, Asian folk, and Latin American music compose her distinct repertoire. Whether performing as a soloist or part of an ensemble, her musical selections and vibrant interpretive style make her a musician for diverse people and genres. In this spirit, Yang devotes the concert season to many new musical endeavors ,including Mark Hagerty’s erhu, violin, and percussion concerto, “Beyond These Horizons,” with violinist Xiang Gao and percussionist Chen Zimbalista in major venues. She also debuted a world premiere of Bright Sheng’s quartet commissioned to the University of Delaware’s ensemble in residence, the 6-wire erhu, violin and piano trio, and cello in New York and in a solo and chamber performance at Carnegie Hall.
In 2022, Yang had the honor of being invited to perform alongside renowned cellist Mr. Yo-Yo Ma. Together, they performed the composition "Journey," created by Grammy Award-winning clarinetist and composer Mr. Paquito d'Rivera specifically for cello, erhu, clarinet, and symphony orchestra. They collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra to deliver a captivating performance at the Wolf Trap Summer Music Festival. Every note touched the hearts of the audience and received praise and acclaim from industry professionals and spectators.
In 2024, Cathy Yang and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra brought Mr. Tan Dun's Oscar-winning "Best Original Score" from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" – featuring erhu and symphony – to the stage in Washington, D.C., creating an extraordinary sensation.
Cathy Yang lives for her art and strives for musical excellence. Her profound depth and captivating stage presence rightfully make her a brilliant star in the world of music.
