Ning Zhao
Viola
Violist Ning Zhao joined the Charlotte Symphony in 1995. Born in Guangzhou, China, Zhao came to the U.S. in 1986 to further his music education. He then graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Music in Violin performance in 1990, before earning a Master of Music degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music. His principal teachers include Robert Vernon, Marcia Ferritto, Si-Hon Ma, Stephanie Sant’Ambrogio, and Zhu-Han Pan. Additionally, he was coached by many renowned artists, including Roberto Diaz, Alan DeVeritch, Joseph DePasquale, the Muir Quartet, and the Carvani Quartet.
Before joining the Charlotte Symphony, Zhao played with many orchestras, both in the U.S. and China. He has performed several solos with the Charlotte Symphony Youth Orchestra in addition to the Kent State Sinfonia. On October 31, 2013, he performed the world premiere of a viola concerto by the famed Chinese-Canadian composer An-Lun Huang with the Hunan Symphony Orchestra in Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
When he’s not performing with the Charlotte Symphony, Zhao collaborates with colleagues from the CSO and with other artists on numerous chamber music events, performing in a wide variety of musical styles and ensembles. He has been actively involved in the Charlotte Symphony's community and school outreach programs and has participated in much of the development and presentation of school curriculum-based interdisciplinary projects. He also maintains an active private studio and has been coaching the Youth Orchestras for many years. Zhao has been a part-time actor represented by Carolina Talent Agency since 2009. He was cast for numerous commercial and film projects. He was on the stage with the Children's Theatre of Charlotte's production of Akeelah and the Bee in early 2020.
In his spare time, Zhao enjoys tennis and golfing, as well as cooking, reading, investing, and oil painting.
What piece made you fall in love with music?
Beethoven's Symphony No. 6. My mom would play it on the record player a lot and tell me stories when I was growing up.
If someone were coming to their first Charlotte Symphony concert, what would you tell them?
Keep your mind and ears open. Let the music speak to you and use your imagination.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
I would probably be an engineer or surgeon.
