Xiaoya Gao: Bringing Baroque Elegance to Life Through the Piano
- WOMCO
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
Xiaoya Gao was a Diamond Prize Winner in Baroque B (Over Age 17) at the 2025 Season 1 Carl Reinecke International Music Competition.
Biography
Xiaoya Gao is an accomplished pianist and dedicated music educator. A native of Urumqi, China, she has performed on prestigious stages across Italy, Austria, and the United States, giving solo and chamber recitals in cities such as Arcidosso, Vienna, New York, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and Princeton. Her artistry has been recognized with top international honors, including the Diamond Prize at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition and the Gold Award at the 2025 Mozart International Music Competition. She is also a certified artist of the Washington International Young Artists Music Series. Gao holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina (2024), a Master of Music in Piano Performance and an Advanced Certificate in Piano Pedagogy from New York University’s Steinhardt School (2021), and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Piano Performance and History from Lawrence University (2019), where she received the Margaret Gary Daniels Keyboard Performance Award (2017). Beyond performance, Gao is a dedicated scholar with research interests that include the pedagogical works of Akira Yuyama, a structural and interpretative analysis of Liszt’s Piano Sonata in B Minor, the integration of dance elements in Baroque performance practice, and innovative approaches to teaching Baroque counterpoint. As a faculty member at the New School for Music Study, she shares her expertise and passion with students of all ages and levels, inspiring the next generation of musicians through her deep commitment to both performance and education.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
My name is Xiaoya Gao, and I was born in Urumqi, China. I hold a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of South Carolina (2024) and currently serve as a faculty member at the New School for Music Study. My musical journey began at the age of three when I was introduced to basic music concepts by a teacher in my hometown. By four, I had started formal piano lessons, and my passion for music quickly became evident as I excelled in competitions and received numerous awards. One of the most defining moments in my musical journey happened when I was 16—I attended a concert in Beijing where a pianist performed Franz Liszt’s Bénédiction de Dieu dans la Solitude. I was deeply moved by the music, and for the first time, I truly appreciated its emotional depth. This experience ignited my dream of becoming a performer who could inspire others on their own musical paths. Encouraged by my inspiring piano professor at Lawrence University, Catherine Kautsky, I chose to double major in History and Piano Performance, allowing me to explore my deep love for both disciplines.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
My award-winning work is Bach Partita No. 2 in C minor. My deep connection with Bach’s music truly began during the COVID-19 pandemic when I spent countless hours alone with my piano. During that time, I immersed myself in his works—playing and listening to pieces like the French Suites, English Suites, Partitas, and Italian Concerto. Bach’s music became my greatest companion, and that solitude allowed me to develop a profound understanding of his style. To this day, I have learned all six of Bach’s Partitas, and I still can’t choose a favorite. Each one holds a special place in my journey. Learning and interpreting a Bach Partita is a long and intricate process. It requires not only technical mastery but also an intimate familiarity with every note, the direction of each melodic line, and the overall structure. Every movement in the partitas evokes different emotions, and as a performer, my goal is to convey these nuances to the audience in a meaningful way. This experience has transformed my approach to piano and deepened my appreciation for Baroque music, which continues to bring me both inspiration and peace.
What do you believe defines a great pianist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I believe that musicality is the defining trait of a great pianist. While technical mastery is essential—clarity of sound, balance between hands, dynamics, voicing, and technique—what truly matters is whether a performance moves the listener. For me, Bach is one of the most challenging composers to perform in concert. His music is a true test of a pianist’s capability, serving as the foundation upon which later composers built their mastery. Playing Bach requires a deep understanding of structure, phrasing, and counterpoint, making it a benchmark for musical and technical excellence. Another defining element of a great pianist is tone color. The ability to shape sound with layers of expression and variety brings music to life. It transforms notes on a page into an emotional and visual experience for the audience. When I perform, I bring all these elements together to tell a story. Every piece I play has a narrative, and as I interpret the music, it feels like a film unfolding in my mind. My goal is to paint these images for my audience, allowing them to experience the journey with me through the magic of music.
Can you recall a memorable moment from your career that had a significant impact on you?
One of the most transformative experiences in my musical journey was studying piano with Christiane Karajeva in Vienna, Austria, in 2017. Performing Chopin’s Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise in the concert hall of the Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien (MDW) and Palais Corbelli was an unforgettable honor. That experience not only enriched my artistry but also deepened my understanding of musical expression. Another memorable aspect of my time in Vienna was listening to other students in her studio perform. They were all exceptional pianists, and their artistry inspired me to refine my own interpretations. My lessons with Professor Karajeva marked a turning point in my relationship with Chopin’s music—it was then that I truly began to express deep emotions through my performances and, most importantly, to fully enjoy every moment on stage. The lessons and experiences I gained during this time continue to shape my approach as both a performer and an educator. I am passionate about passing this invaluable legacy on to my students, helping them discover the profound beauty of music just as I did.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors, supporters or other team members)?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition for providing such a wonderful platform for performers to showcase our artistry. Participating in this competition has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am honored to be a part of it. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Phillip Bush, whose guidance was invaluable in my interpretation of Bach’s Partita No. 2. I would also like to thank my parents for their unwavering support for my passion for music. Their encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout my journey, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.