George Gao, Erhu Virtuosity
March 31, 2000 8:00 PM  J.C. Penny Auditorium
University of Missouri - St. Louis

George Gao is extraordinary Erhu virtuoso and an excellent composer.  He was born in 1967 in China and started learning the Erhu at the age of six. After two years, his talent was revealed in his open performance as an Erhu soloist in a concert of performing arts organized by Gansu Province. In 1979, when he was 12 years old, he entered the affiliated secondary school of Shanghai Conservatory of Music, a prestigious school for talented children. He took Erhu as his major. Meanwhile he also learned piano and composition.

In 1985, he was exempted from examinations due to his outstanding achievements and began his bachelor degree courses in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music where he studied both Chinese and western music as well as conducting. He graduated with honor in 1988.

During the period 1979 - 1989, George won prizes in numerous competitions. Most notably were the three highest Prizes for Beijing China National Invitational Erhu Competition (1985) - the first prize, the best performance prize of compulsory works and the best performance prize of the optional works. He initiated his own music band "the Red Leave" and "Snow man", during his stay in Beijing (1988 - 1991). He made Toronto, Canada, his home in 1991 and became a teacher of Erhu at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He has given numerous concerts and toured in a number of countries, including Canada, USA, China, Hong Kong, Japan etc.

Invited by University of Missouri - St. Louis, George Gao Erhu Virtuosity was held on March 31, 2000 8:00 PM at J.C. Penny Auditorium.  It is one of 6 1999-2000 International Performing Arts Series performance.  Hundreds audience enjoyed his wonderful Erhu music and talent.