Chenyao

     Associate Professor of Percussion at the School of Arts, South China University of Technology; Vice President of the Guangdong Percussion Association; National Class II Performer; International Endorsing Artist for MARIMBA ONE.

Served as Associate Principal Percussionist and Second Timpanist of the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra from 2011 to 2022, participating in over 1,000 performances and premiering works such as Krzysztof Penderecki’s Chinese Poems and Andy Akiho’s Concerto for Percussion Kung Fu worldwide.

Graduated from the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (Austria) and the Cologne University of Music and Dance (Germany) — the first Chinese student in the latter’s percussion program. Earned a Master’s degree in Percussion Solo and Chamber Music from the Cologne University of Music and Dance in 2011 with straight A’s from the jury.

Founded Percussion Workshop, South China’s first student percussion ensemble, which has given nearly 100 performances; many of her students have been admitted to top German state conservatories. In recent years, she has been dedicated to public outreach and popularization of percussion education, receiving widespread acclaim.