Weicheng Zhao

Weicheng Zhao is the first Chinese native to win top prizes in international and U.S. national pipe organ competitions, with the added honor of receiving the Audience Prize each time. He was a featured recitalist at the American Guild of Organists West Regional Conventions in 2015 and 2019. As an ensemble player, he has performed concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, Zubin Metha, Esa-Pekka Salonen and others, and was also a featured artist in their Chamber Music Series concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall. His performances can be heard on National Public Radio (Pipedreams).

Zhao has transcribed over 60 pieces including solos, concertos and chamber music. In addition, his pop music arrangements for piano were published in 15 volumes by the Publishing House of the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing. His commissioned work by the American Guild of Organists West Regional Convention, a transcription of Stravinsky's Fire Bird for three organists (six hands, six feet, one bench) was recognized as a landmark work in the organ world.

Beyond the pipe organ, Zhao also plays the Electone Organ (which features orchestral and newly developed electronic sounds). In 2007, he was the first Chinese to win the Yamaha International Electronic Organ Competition in its 43-year history. He went on to become a leading performer of international stature. Among numerous performances, he was selected to perform as a soloist at significant celebrations, such as the National Day of China, and the World Economic Forum Summer Davos.

Currently, Zhao is the director of music/organist-choirmaster at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California, where he conducts two 45-voice adult choirs. In 2018, he was awarded his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he studied with Cherry Rhodes.