About

Dr. Yongqi Lao is a Chinese-born cellist, music educator, and researcher based in Pasadena, California. She is dedicated to performance, education, and the exploration of Chinese folk traditions through Western string instruments.

As a performer, Yongqi gave the world premiere of Chen Yi’s Three Bagatelles from China West for cello and piano in 2025. Yongqi completed a Performance Certificate in Cello Performance at La Sierra University in 2019 under the guidance of Pinfei Tang, followed by a Master of Music from Azusa Pacific University in 2021, where she studied with Marek Szpakiewicz. She finished her Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University in 2025 under the mentorship of Tom Landschoot. Her additional mentors have included Emanuele Silvestri, principal cellist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and Yi-Bing Chu.

Music

As a cellist, I enjoy performing a wide range of repertoire, including solo cello works by Bach, as well as music from the 20th century and contemporary composers. I also love playing chamber music, whether in trios, quartets, quintets, or cello-piano sonatas, where I can connect with others through shared musical expression.

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