Guangyao Xue

Renowned American clarinetist Ricardo Morales once praised Xue Guangyao’s performance, stating, “His technique is superb, and his tone is sweet and captivating.” Xue graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music, Temple University, and the Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music, majoring in clarinet. He studied under Ricardo Morales, principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra; the late Donald Montanaro, former assistant principal clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra; and Michael Rusinek, principal clarinetist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. During his studies, he received guidance from distinguished clarinetists including Anthony McGill, principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera; Yehuda Gilad, professor at The Colburn School; Zhai Yaoguang, principal clarinetist of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Keith Lipson, principal clarinetist of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra; and Professor Huang Yuanfu of the Affiliated High School of the Central Conservatory of Music. While studying in the United States, Xue frequently served as principal clarinetist for various orchestras and participated in multiple tours. He has collaborated with world-renowned musicians such as Simon Rattle, Charles Dutoit, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Yu Long, Tan Dun, Vladimir Jurowski, Corrado Rovaris, Ari Pelto, Qin Liwei, and Lü Siqing.

Xue Guangyao’s major artistic achievements include contributing to the album Love, A Beautiful Force, which was nominated for the 62nd Grammy Awards in 2020. In November 2021, he performed alongside young conductor Yu Ji in the symphony concert “Youth Storm – Yu Ji and Xue Guangyao Perform Mozart,” earning widespread acclaim within the industry. In 2022, he participated in a CCTV event featuring a “cloud performance” by 100 Chinese and international musicians to celebrate the Chinese New Year and welcome the Winter Olympics. In 2021, he performed at the opening ceremony of the China Golden Bell Award for Music. During 2020–2021, he took part in the China Philharmonic Orchestra’s 20th anniversary tour and other concert season performances. In April 2019, he successfully held a solo recital. In March 2015, he served as principal clarinetist with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra for the “Curtis on Tour” in the United States. On February 15, 2015, representing the Curtis Institute of Music, he performed at the Kennedy Center in a concert featuring works by 19th- and 20th-century Russian composers.

In May 2012, Xue joined the Curtis Symphony Orchestra for the “Curtis on Tour” in Germany. In October 2014, at the invitation of renowned composer David Ludwig, he performed Ludwig’s work at Lenfest Hall. In November 2010, as a representative of international competition-winning students from the Affiliated High School, he participated in the Central Conservatory of Music’s 70th anniversary concert series. In June 2011, he performed at the winners’ concert of the 7th Muravinsky International Youth Wind Competition. His awards include first prize in the woodwind category at the Beijing International Wind Music Festival, first prize in the clarinet category at the 7th Muravinsky International Youth Wind Competition, and first prize in the woodwind category at the Temple University Concerto Competition.