Yu Hongmei is China’s leading virtuoso contemporary erhu soloist. She is an educator: professor, graduate supervisor and director of the Chinese Music Department at the Central Conservatory of Music. She is the vice chair of the Erhu Society of Chinese Musicians Association; the vice chair of the Huqin Professional Committee of Chinese National Orchestra Association; the guest erhu soloist for China National Traditional Orchestra and a guest professor at the University of Calgary in Canada.

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Yu Hongmei graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music with her master degree, studying under Prof. Su Anguo, Zhang Shao, Lan Yusong and Liu Changfu. Being one of the most influential and capable erhu performers and educators in the world, Yu Hongmei won the Pro Musicis International Award in New York.

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The “Yu Hongmei Erhu Concerto Album” won the 4thChina Golden Record Prize. Her “String Glamour” album won the Best World Music Prize at the international “Indie Awards” representing the independent music industry; she is the only Chinese musician to have received this award since it was established in the 1960’s. The “Hongmei Caprice” Album won the first Prize of the 1st National Excellent Audio and Video Products Prize.

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In Feb. 2002, Yu Hongmei presented a solo recital at Carnegie Hall in New York and became the first Chinese musical instrument performer to perform a solo concert there. Yu Hongmei has visited many countries and places in Europe, America, Africa and Asia. She has presented more than 100 solo concerts internationally. She has played the great classical erhu works such as “Chasing Dreams in Peking,” “Ba Que,” “Heavenly Aroma” and the “Charming Xikou.” Many of her students have won first prizes at important international and national competitions. In 2012 she created the Shengfeng Chinese Music Ensemble which won the overall championship in the CCTV National Instrumental Music Television Series and the Golden Prize of the 9th Chinese Music Golden Bell Awards.

 

New York Concert Journal comments that “Her excellent performance amazed all of the audience” and the “She is an outstanding musician that represents the contemporary spirit of Chinese musical culture.” Today, Yu Hongmei continues to make a great contribution to cultural heritage, innovation, promotion and the development of Chinese music in the world.