Praised in Black Forest Messenger of Germany "Thrilled Violin Playing!" and "Unforgettable Performance!" violinist Dr. Shu-Ting Yao enjoys her career as a solo and chamber violinist. She frequently appears in major concert venues in U.S., Europe and Asia. Other than solo apperances, Yao also performed with acclaimed ensembles, including Charleston Symphony, Manhattan Symphonie, Apollo Chamber Orchestra, The Symphony of the Potomac, Baltimore Philharmonic, Bel Cantanti Opera Orchestra, Toscanini New Orchestra, Loudoun Symphony Orchestra, National String Symphonia and the Celebrated String Quartet.
Have been chosen as one of the La Gesse Foundation Artists 2011-2012, Yao gave numerous thrilling solo recitals in Baltimore, Washington DC, Rockville MD, Lyon of France, Triberg of German, Rochester NY as well as the Weill Recital at Carnegie Hall in New York City during the 2011-2012 season.
A native of Taiwan, Yao began her music study with violin and piano at the age of seven. She holds Bachelor of Music degree in Performance and Education from National Taipei University of Education (NTUE), Master of Music Degree from Peabody Conservatory and the Professional Study Diploma from Mannes College of Music in New York City. She obtained a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Catholic University of America where she served as a full scholarship doctoral fellow as well as the teaching assistant in music theory department. Her primary teachers include Keng-Yuen Tseng, Nina Beilina, Emil Chudnovsky and Jody Gatwood. Yao won the first prize of the NTUE concerto competition in 2001 and the Baltimore Music Club Competition in 2009. While at NTUE, she was invited to attend Aspen Music Festival and Asia Youth Orchestra. Her talent and musical sensitivity brought her to perform in Germany, France, Italy, United States as well as her home country Taiwan.
In 2009, Yao attended the Masterclass of Kronberg Academy in Germany where she was mentored by Gidon Kremer, Christian Tetzlaff, Roby Lakatos, Daniel Hope and Ana Chumachenko. She was also the featured soloist at the Twentieth American Cardinals Dinner in Houston, TX and the 100th Anniversary of Taiwan ROC Founding Day Celebration Ceremony in Washington DC.
Yao believe that it is through music she can best serve people with truth, faith and love. Yao currently plays on a violin made by Cecare Candi (c.1933) of Genova. She was offered to use the Evasio Emilio Guerra (c.1912) violin by Chimei Foundation, and the G. P. Maggini “Kostoff” violin (c.1620) by Peabody Conservatory.