Rongchun Zhao
Master of the Erhu
As a young boy, Rongchun Zhao taught himself to play the erhu–an
instrument used in the Chinese national orchestra which functions much like the western
violin. He soon developed an unwavering passion for the instrument. Realizing his need
for intensive formal training, Zhao Rongchun auditioned at the age of eleven for the
famous erhu virtuoso, Zhao GuoLiang, and was accepted as his pupil.
Zhao was a solo performer and Concert Master in the JiLin National Orchestra–
one of the four major national orchestras in China. Between 1987 and 1989, he was a solo performer
in the Guangdong National Song and Dance Troupe as well as a guest artist in the Orchestra of the
Beijing Opera.
In 1985, Zhao was chosen to be one of seven members of the Chinese delegation taking part in the
International Arts Festival of Percussion Instruments in India. Both as a performer and composer,
Zhao has won national and regional prizes, and two of his compositions were recorded and subsequently
broadcast by the Chinese Central Radio Station. Zhao also orchestrates his original compositions for
western orchestra and erhu.
Zhao came to the United States in 1989 to join his wife. A medical doctor, she had received a grant
to study neuroscience at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. They originally intended to
stay just long enough for her to complete her studies, but the Tienanmen Square tragedy made them
reconsider their plans to return to China.
In 1992, the United States government granted Zhao permanent residency based solely upon his talent.
While it has been a struggle to earn his living in the U.S. playing an instrument most Americans have
not yet heard of, he regards this undertaking as a welcome and worthy challenge.
In the USA, Zhao has soloed with the Cleveland Orchestra under conductor Jahja Ling,
and performed numerous solo recitals at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.