Cao Haomiao, is a cello tutor at Harbin Conservatory of Music. He graduated from the Royal College of Music, studying under world famous cellist Alexander Chaushian. In 2018, he was admitted to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire to have a Bachelor degree with a second-class scholarship. In 2019, he was invited to Spain for an international cello performance. In 2022, he was admitted to the Royal College of Music to have a Master degree, and graduated with the distinctions at both institutions for his undergraduate and postgraduate.
He participated in masterclasses with many world-renowned cellists, including Raphael Wallfisch, Hannah Roberts, Wang Jian, Julian Lloyd Webber and Gustav Rivinius.
In 2020, he served as the principal cellist of the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Symphony Orchestra. In 2024, he performed as the associate principal cellist for King Charles of the UK with the Royal College of Music Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Festival Hall.
He has several competitions awards:
- First prize in the Solo category at the 7th International Art Open Competition in Vienna
- Winner of the Boccherini Cello Competition
- Winner of the Oxford Music Competition in the UK
- Three prizes winner at the Vivaldi International Music Competition
- Winner of Classical Music Stars International Music Competition
- Three prizes winner at the Debussy International Music Competition and the winner of concerto competition
He was a Diamond Prize Winner at the 2025 S1 Best Classical Musicians Awards.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
I grew up in a family filled with a musical atmosphere, as both of my parents are music teachers. When I was a child, I would see them teaching students to sing and play the piano at home every day. The melodious tunes and lively notes became the most familiar backdrop of my childhood. I started learning music at the age of 3. The first instrument I got in touch with was the piano, and then I began to learn the cello at 5. Initially, music was just a part of my life, and I didn't consider it as my life pursuit. It was not until I was 16 that I truly fell in love with the cello.
Looking back now, I'm extremely delighted that I chose this passionate and charming path of music. It has not only enriched my life but also enabled me to find my own soulful melody.
What do you believe defines a great composer, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I think a great cellist must be highly skilled, perfectly mastering various playing techniques, bringing out the ultimate timbre of the cello, and having no problem performing difficult pieces. At the same time, they should have a profound understanding of musical connotations, being able to accurately interpret classical, romantic, or modern works, and showing deep emotions when playing Bach's pieces. On stage, they also need to have strong expressiveness, fully immerse themselves, and resonate with the audience.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors or other team members)?
On the path of music, full of surprises and challenges, I am filled with gratitude. I would especially like to express my thanks to two teachers who have had a profound impact on me.
My undergraduate teacher is Mr. Ulrich Heinen from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. When I first met him, his pure love for music deeply attracted me. In his class, every note seemed to come alive. He not only taught me solid performing skills but, more importantly, led me into the world of music, allowing me to truly understand the unique charm and irreplaceable significance of the cello. This made me completely immersed in the artistic ocean of the cello.
The other is my mentor during my postgraduate studies, Mr. Alexander Chaushian from the Royal College of Music. He is like a wise guide who provided me with meticulous guidance during the crucial period of my pursuit of the music dream. He taught me how to understand musical works from multiple dimensions, such as musical connotations and emotional expressions. He enabled me to truly understand how to become an outstanding cellist and helped me find a clearer direction on the path of musical exploration.
