Hometown:
Hsinchu, Taiwan
Education:
Taipei National University of Arts Bachelor of Music 2018
Taipei National University of Arts Master of Music 2023
Ball State University Doctor of Musical Arts 2026 (expected)
Bio:
Yu-Yao Chiu is a Taiwanese cellist currently pursuing a Doctor of Arts at Ball State University under Dr. Peter Opie, where she serves as a graduate assistant and principal cellist of the Ball State Symphony Orchestra. Yu-Yao is committed to a career in teaching while prioritizing the continuous refinement of her performance skills, ensuring that these valuable experiences serve as essential resources in her pedagogy.
What inspired you to become a musician?
One of my life-long teacher, Tien-Hui Lee. When I was 13, no one believed that I have potential to be a cellist. Only this lady keeps encouraging me until now.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Richard Strauss, Death and Transfiguration. The orchestration of this masterpiece is amazing and it brings out the vision of death to me.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I started to learn cello because my mom forgot to attend a meeting when I was 9, which students could choose their favorite instrument to learn basic on the grade of the entrance exam. I supposed to be a violinist or flutist.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Editing videos, going to galleries, and sleeping.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I sincerely appreciate NRO provides full-scholarship positions to all the members who are selected. This financial aid makes me fully concentrate on music making during the time in the festival! Thank you for all the efforts from organizations and donors!
Beside the realistic reason, it is attractive for me that NRO not only focuses on music itself, but also builds a strong connection between people. I am looking forward to experiencing the life in NRO!