About Me.

I am Chih-Yao Chang, a conductor from Taoyuan, Taiwan. In 2020, I graduated with a Master’s Degree in Conducting from National Taiwan Normal University, where I had the privilege of studying under Professor Apo Chin-Shin Hsu. During my studies, I also had the opportunity to learn from distinguished conductors such as Michael Tilson Thomas, Jun Märkl, Neal Stulberg, Jahja Lin, and Gilbert Varga, among others. My thesis focused on the interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5, which allowed me to deeply explore the nuances of this iconic work.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to participate in several major competitions and programs, achieving notable success. In 2019, I won first prize at the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Conductor Competition, along with the Best Popularity Award. The previous year, I became the youngest finalist in the Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra Conductor Competition, and I was honored with the Best Popularity Award there as well. These experiences have significantly shaped my approach to conducting and my connection with musicians and audiences alike.

In 2017, I took part in the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Annual Conductor Training Program and the National Symphony Orchestra Conductor Camp, where I first received the Best Popularity Award. I also had the opportunity to showcase my work in my master’s conducting concert at KHS Luzhou Concert Hall in 2019.

Beyond my involvement in classical repertoire, I’m passionate about contemporary music. I’ve actively participated in the premieres and recordings of modern compositions, and my work has been well-received at events like the ISCM Taipei International Contemporary Music Festival. Engaging with contemporary music has broadened my artistic vision and allowed me to explore new musical languages.

Currently, I am continuing my studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) under the mentorship of Maestro Edwin Outwater.