Gao Hong (composer)

Gao Hong (高虹, born 1964) is a Chinese-American composer and pipa virtuoso. She is internationally recognized for her innovative compositions and masterful performances that blend traditional Chinese music with contemporary Western classical and jazz elements.

Gao Hong received her early training in China, graduating from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing where she studied pipa performance. Since immigrating to the United States, she has become a prominent figure in cross-cultural musical collaborations and has been commissioned by numerous orchestras, ensembles, and organizations.

Her compositions often explore themes of cultural exchange, immigration, and personal experience. She is known for pushing the boundaries of the pipa, expanding its technical possibilities and expressive range. Gao Hong has released numerous albums of her music and has toured extensively throughout the world as a soloist and ensemble performer.

She has received grants and awards from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the McKnight Foundation, and Meet the Composer. Gao Hong is also active in music education, teaching pipa and composition to students of all ages and backgrounds. Her work contributes significantly to the appreciation and understanding of Chinese music in the West.