Yang Wei began his musiYang Wei’s musical education began at the early age of 6. As a young student of music, he received instruction in several different classical Chinese instruments. At 13, the decision was made to concentrate his considerable talents upon mastering the Pipa. The years of study and dedication began to pay off when at 18 he performed as a soloist with the National Shanghai Orchestra. This accomplishment was followed by his achievement of the ART Trophy First Prize for the International Chinese Musical Instruments Competition, in the Young Professional Pipa Section, which he was awarded in 1989.

As a professional musician he has been celebrated worldwide, performing for and inspiring audiences throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States. His professional
activities have included performing as a soloist with various orchestras and in various ensembles, teaching and participating in educational programs in both public and educational settings. Since 2000, Yang Wei has toured with the acclaimed, Silk Road Project, performing alongside world famous cellist, Yo Yo Ma. In the United States, he has performed at such known venues as the Ravinia International Music Festival, the Kimmel Center, the Lincoln Center and the Chicago Symphony Center. In addition to these performances, he has served as Artist-in-Residence for the Art Institute of Chicago and has led international music lectures. He has been instrumental in commissioning new works by Chinese composers such as Bright Sheng, Zhu Jian-er, Gabriela Lena Frank, and Yao Chen.

In 1996, Yang Wei moved permanently to the United States, making his home in the Chicago area. Yang Wei's artistic perspective is an interesting one that honors the musical heritage of his homeland in China, but also combines the Western influences of his new home. He has engaged in various collaborations with other artists blending the sound of his pipa with western instruments and themes. He is noted for and has been enthusiastically received for his collaboration of the pipa with the double bass in the ensemble group he formed called Qi Lin.

Additional accomplishments include his reception of a Fellowship in Ethnic and Folk Arts by the Illinois Arts Council in 2006, and his participation in a residency at the Humanity Institute of the University of Michigan in both 2006 and 2007. Also in 2007, Yang Wei sponsored a major collaborative performance with his great mentor, Master Liu Dehai, at the Art Institute of Chicago. He has appeared on the David Letterman Show and on Good Morning America with the Silk Road Project, with which he also performed in Europe in 2007.

Mr. Yang continues to develop his art through comprehensive study, as well as through his involvement in timely and new collaborations. He is committed to sharing his music with the community around him and continues to be interested in exploring the possibilities created by blending his eastern instrument with western influences and themes.