CelloXian Zhuo

Praised for his stunning technique, sensitivity and superb artistry, San Diego Symphony Orchestra cellist Xian Zhuo is a young professional musician whose artistry is recognized by awards and audiences. The winner of the 2011 Isidor Handler Award (1st Prize) at the 38th Dr. Luis Sigall International Cello Competition in Chile, Mr. Zhuo's recent exciting engagements included concertos and master classes in Chile, Brazil, China and the USA. In 2013 he was selected as one of the top ten young Chinese cellists and was featured on a CCTV Concert in Beijing with the China Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Zhuo also had his debut with Guiyang Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Zuohuang Chen in China. He joined the SDSO in 2014.

Mr. Zhuo first gained national recognition when he won 1st prize in the China National Competition. In addition to the Isidor Handler Award, he won 1st prizes in the Corpus Christi International Competition, Loeb/Louviere International Competition, Redlands Bowl Young Artist Competition, Parness Young Artists Concerto Competition, La Jolla Symphony and Chorus Young Artists Competition and Fé Bland Foundation Music Awards. Additionally, he was chosen as one of the 25 participants for the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Russia, in 2011. 

The catalog of Mr. Zhuo’s CDs represents works by award-winning Chinese-American composer Tian Zhou, recorded with the Guangzhou Symphony and released by China’s leading label, Pacific Audio and Video. His album String Poetic: Chinese Folk Music for Cello was released in celebration of the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou. 

Born in Xiamen, China, Mr. Zhuo began cello lessons with his father at age six and made his cello debut at the age of seven. Subsequently, he received professional education at the University of Southern California, Yale University, the Royal Northern College of Music and Shanghai Conservatory on full scholarships. His prominent artist teachers include Ralph Kirshbaum, Nathaniel Rosen, Aldo Parisot, Liwei Qin and Mei-Juan Liu. He also performed at master classes for Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich, Anner Bylsma, Natalia Gutman, Trüls Mørk and Jian Wang. His goal is to share the beautiful musical fabric that he creates with audiences throughout the world. 

"An extraordinarily talented young international artist of great originality and technique…breathtaking, soulful and individualistic performances…Stunning technical command of the instrument, and his artistry is both sensitive and passionate.”
-Nathaniel Rosen, Concert Cellist, Gold Medalist of the International Tchaikovsky Competition