Yukun Gao

Yukun Gao, born in 2010 into a musical family, began his early artistic upbringing under the guidance of his mother, a collaborative pianist, with piano lessons at age three. He commenced cello studies at seven and gained admission to the Primary School affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music in 2020, where he studied under Professor Zhu Mu. In 2023, he advanced to the Middle School affiliated with the Central Conservatory of Music and is currently a ninth-grade student. He participated in the Cello Masterclass in Colditz, Germany in January 2026, where he was selected to perform a solo at the final concert, playing Shostakovich's Cello Concerto I. He also took part in the school's Outstanding Student Chamber Music Concert, performing Beethoven and Mendelssohn quartets.

His notable achievements include: 2023: Platinum Prize (First Place) in the Prodigy Category (ages 10–13) at the European Classical Musician (ECM) Cellist and Composer Awards 2023: Young Artist Gold Prize and Romantic Period Gold Prize in the Junior Category (ages 12–14) at the Polish Classical Music Star International Music Competition 2025: Third Prize in Cello Group A2 (Junior Category) at the 4th EU-China CRESCENDO International Music Competition