Chia-Yi Tseng, cellist from Taiwan, began to learn cello at the age of eleven. Between 1994 and 1996, she was selected three times as the Asian Youth Orchestra (A. Y. O.) members, and performed with world known violinist Cho-Liang Lin (1960- ), pianist Alicia de Larrocha (1923-2009) and many others touring in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia and many major cities in Asia. In 1995, She studied in Paris under the guidance of Professor Genevieve Teuliers (disciple of Andre Navarra) at Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and in June 1999, only at the age of 20, she received school's highest degree (Diplome Superieur de Concertriste), in November with this honor, she was invited to play "Rococo Variations" for the late Cellist Titan Mstislav Rostropovich at the Salle Cortot in Paris.

 

To continue her studies, she later entered Conservatoire Superieur de Paris to work with Professor Dominique de Williencourt and in December, she was invited to performed Bach’s Cello Suite for the former Yugoslav Prince Alexandra and Orthodox archbishops at the Saint-Etienne du Mont Cathedral. During her studies in France, she not only focused on cello performance but also chamber music. With this passion in 2001, she obtained a diploma in advance chamber music performance (Diplome Superieur de Musique de Chambre) from ENDMP.

 

In 2001, she furthered her studies in Yale University with Aldo Parisot, chamber music with Tokyo String Quartet, and conducting with Shinik Hann. In 2003, after receiving her Master degree, she entered University of Maryland on a full scholarship to pursue a doctorate in cello performance, while studying chamber music with Guarneri String Quartet, conducting with James Ross, and serving as an orchestra teaching assistant. During this period of time, she continued to follow guidance under Evelyn Elsing, Peter Wiley and David Teie. In 2007, she received her DMA degree from UMD.

 

During her time both in France and in US, Chia- Yi Tseng actively participated in domestic and international chamber music competitions and performances, accumulating a wealth of performance experience in solo and chamber music repertoire. Furthermore, she was invited to several international music festivals, such as Festival international de Casals, Festival international de Courchevelle, Festival international de Biarritz, Norfolk International Music festival, Music Alps and worked closely with renowned international professors such as Young- Chang Cho, Philippe Muller, Arto Noras, Franz Helmerson, Roland Pidoux, Yvan Chiffeleau, honing her skills and receiving recognition for her nuanced tone, rich colors, and active performances.

 

Since returning to Taiwan in 2007, Chia-Yi Tseng has been devoted to cello performance and teaching. She collaborates with musicians from various fields and actively promotes the importance of music and art in Taiwan. Her followers have won the Frist prize in National Music Competition many times and more have been admitted to the Curtis Institute, Juilliard School, Yale, Colburn School of Music, ENDMDP in Paris, and Folkwang School of music in Germany ... and other major music schools in the world.

 

In 2010, She found “Dance la Musique” Cello Ensemble Music Festival in her home town Kaohsiung, and is the artistic director till now. Every summer, they hold public concerts in Wei Wu Yin National Performing Art Center and gained huge popularities.

 

Currently, Chia-Yi Tseng is Assistant Professor at Fu Jen University, Tunghai University, National Taichung University of Education, and National Sun Yat-Sen University.