Charles Yang

Charles Yang is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, composer, and vocalist known for his dynamic artistry and genre-crossing performances. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Yang has been described by The Boston Globe as someone who "plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star." He has performed as a soloist with orchestras and in concert across the United States, Europe, Brazil, Russia, China, and Taiwan, earning accolades including the Leonard Bernstein Award and recognition from his hometown with an official Charles Yang Day.

Yang's career is marked by versatility, blending classical technique with improvisational and crossover styles as both a violinist and electric violinist. Since joining the string trio Time for Three, he has contributed to the group's Grammy-winning achievements and expanded his reach through collaborations with artists such as Joshua Bell, Jon Batiste, Misty Copeland, and Twyla Tharp. His performances at major festivals—including the Aspen Music Festival, Ravinia Festival, and TED—as well as appearances at venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Forbidden City in Beijing, demonstrate his global presence in the music industry.

Yang is also a public speaker and performer, recognized for engaging audiences with technical mastery and stage presence. His solo debut with the Chicago Symphony under Marin Alsop and his role as artist-in-residence at the Kaufman Music Center highlight his leadership in contemporary classical music. Yang’s career reflects an innovative approach and commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical music, establishing him as a prominent figure in the field.