Dr. Xiaohui Yan has achieved extraordinary international recognition as a dual virtuoso of violin and viola. She has established herself as a leading figure in classical music through sustained excellence, prestigious performances, and significant contributions to the art form. Her recent accomplishments demonstrate the highest level of professional achievement and international acclaim.
Exceptional Performances at America’s Most Prestigious Venues
Dr. Yan’s recent performances at the Manhattan School of Music (June 8, 2025) and Carnegie Hall (June 9, 2025) represent the pinnacle of classical music achievement. As the core member of Almost Quintet (AQ), she performed at Carnegie Hall under the invitation of the Global Musicians and Arts Association (GMAA), one of the world’s most demanding and prestigious venues reserved for truly exceptional artists.
The Manhattan School of Music performance, at one of America’s most prestigious conservatories, preceded her Carnegie Hall triumph by just one day, demonstrating her exceptional stamina and artistic caliber. Critics and audiences praised her unique ability to seamlessly transition between violin and viola within the same program, a rare dual-instrument mastery that distinguishes her from standard performers.
“Almost Quintet” performs at The Manhattan School of Music
International Recognition and Judging Authority
Following her Carnegie Hall success, Dr. Yan received immediate recognition from the International Classical Music Alliance (ICMA), a respected non-profit organization promoting classical music globally. She was appointed as a jury member for the prestigious Concert Star Music Competition, joining an elite panel of international luminaries.
Significantly, Dr. Yan serves alongside her former mentor, Boris Vayner, violist of the Grammy-nominated String Quartet. This appointment marks her evolution from student to peer, as she now evaluates doctoral-level competitors alongside established master’s. The ICMA previously invited Dr. Yan to perform with Dr. Vayner’s Grammy-nominated quartet—a rare honor bestowed only upon artists considered equals by the ensemble.
This marks Dr. Yan’s third major judging appointment, following roles with the Orbifold Global Music Competition and the Curtis Theatre Concert Star competition in Los Angeles. Her expanding adjudicative portfolio reflects her increasing international stature and the broad trust placed in her judgment by prestigious organizations.
“Almost Quintet” is performing at the Curtis Theatre as part of the Judge section for the Concert Star Music Competition LA
APEX Competition Recognition
The APEX Competition Committee, recognizing Dr. Yan’s preeminent status, formally invited both her individually and the “Almost Quintet” collectively to serve as judges for their upcoming competitions. APEX events attract highly accomplished musicians, including numerous doctoral candidates and established performers. The specific invitation to adjudicate chamber music divisions demonstrates recognized expertise and leadership in this specialized field.
Almost Quintet: National Leadership and Innovation
Almost Quintet stands as one of America’s leading chamber music ensembles, recognized nationally for their innovative approach and exceptional musicianship. Dr. Yan’s dual-instrument mastery allows the ensemble to access a vastly expanded repertoire and create distinctive textures unavailable to standard ensembles. Complemented by Peiyao Yu’s piano and pipe organ expertise and Zhengyingyue Huang’s soprano voice, the ensemble creates a unique fusion that is both intimate and orchestral in scope.
The ensemble’s national recognition is evidenced by their extensive performance schedule, including a three-week residency throughout Kansas (August 2025) and concert series in Los Angeles (September-October 2025), demonstrating their significant cultural impact across diverse American communities.
International Performance Record
Dr. Yan’s international achievements extend far beyond American borders. She has delivered acclaimed performances on revered global stages including Vienna’s Musikverein (Golden Hall), France’s cultural epicenters, and Belgium’s distinguished musical institutions. This international performance record demonstrates her global recognition and influence in classical music.
Sustained Excellence and Future Engagements
Dr. Yan continues to demonstrate exceptional versatility through multiple upcoming engagements: a solo recital in Reno, Nevada, and a guest violist performance with the renowned Nightingale String Quartet. These diverse engagements highlight her capacity to excel across different musical settings—from innovative ensemble fusion to demanding string quartet repertoire and solo artistry.
Academic Excellence and Early Achievement
Dr. Yan’s foundation of excellence began remarkably early, when she won ensemble competition awards at age ten in China. She holds a Doctorate in Violin Performance and is currently pursuing a second Doctorate in Viola Performance—a dual specialization that demonstrates extraordinary commitment and ability. This academic achievement, combined with her performance excellence, establishes her as both a practitioner and a scholar at the highest level.
Professional Recognition and Industry Impact
“Dr. Xiaohui Yan embodies the exceptional talent and dedication the International Classical Music Alliance seeks to recognize and promote,” stated a senior ICMA representative. “Her consecutive performances at Manhattan School of Music and Carnegie Hall were masterclasses in collaborative artistry and innovative programming. Her unique dual-instrument mastery and profound understanding of ensemble dynamics make her invaluable to our Concert Star jury.”
The APEX Competition Committee added: “Dr. Yan’s appointment reflects our commitment to having the most distinguished artists evaluate our competitors. Her triumphs at Manhattan School of Music and Carnegie Hall, combined with her unique expertise and demanding national performance schedule, represent precisely the caliber of accomplishment we require.”
Extraordinary Achievement and International Standing
Dr. Xiaohui Yan’s journey from child prodigy to internationally recognized artist, performer at the world’s most prestigious venues, and authority in her field demonstrates sustained excellence at the highest level. Her dual-instrument mastery, leadership in innovative ensemble work, extensive international performance record, and recognition by prestigious organizations as both performer and judge establish her as one of the leading figures in classical music.
Her achievements encompass not only exceptional artistic ability but also significant contributions to shaping the future of classical music through education, mentorship, and adjudication at elite international competitions. Dr. Yan continues to demonstrate the leadership, recognition, and prolific activity that define the highest echelons of the international classical music profession.
