Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence
Xiao Fu
Violin
Xiao Fu did her initial training in China, followed by a Master’s Degree and Artist Diploma at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music on full scholarship, studying violin with Kurt Sassmanhaus and chamber music with Michael Frischenschlager (late Lasalle Quartet), Sandra Rivers and Cho Liang Lin. She was first prizewinner in the Dorothy Starling Foundation violin competition, and a full scholarship student at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival. During her time in Ohio, Xiao performed professionally with the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
In 2008 she was appointed Associate Principal Second Violinist of the Louisiana Philharmonic and New Orleans Opera Orchestras, positions she held till 2022. She appeared twice with the Louisiana Philharmonic orchestra as soloist, including at Carnegie Hall, and also served as the LPO’s Acting Associate Concertmaster for the 2012 – 2013 season.
Since moving to New England Xiao has performed with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, Portland Symphony and Cape Cod Symphony orchestras. She has recorded soundtracks for the movies Black and White (Kevin Costner) and The Switch (Jennifer Aniston).
As well as teaching privately for 20 years, Xiao was a faculty member of the Louisiana Philharmonic’s Music for Life program, a musical mentorship program that provides New Orleans youth with the opportunity to study music intensively at no cost in one-on-one and small-group settings. Her students have been winners of various youth orchestra auditions and youth competitions.
Meet Xiao
- How/what age did you start your instrument?
I started playing when I was 5-years old. I saw a violinist play on TV and I loved the sound of violin from that point since. When my Mom asked if I would like to learn an instrument, I told her I wanted to play violin. - Did you come from a musical family?
No I did not come from a musical family. But my parents are definitely music lovers. I remembered they would like to listen orchestra music and ballet music at home. And also one of my aunts is a professional dancer. My family appreciates all different kinds of art forms in general. We love to spend time at museums or go to theaters. - Best or funniest (or even worst!) musical memory from childhood?
I have lots of funny musical memories with violin. One of those was I prepared so well for one of my solo recital in middle junior high school. In the middle of my playing, my G string suddenly came completely loose, I had to stop playing to re-tune my strings. The audience must have seen this was very funny and panicked face. I heard some laughing at beginning. Then they all waited for me quietly and nobody left. I definitely felt all of them are so friendly and supportive.After that, I finished my recital peacefully. From that moment of time, I realized everything could happen in the performance, but it may not a bad experience. - A highlight or two from your performing career:
As a principal player, I lead the orchestra debut in Carnegie hall in 2018. I saw the critic review from the New York Times. They mentioned "the strings projected a graceful, simmering clarity, and helped elevate a minor work into a minor marvel. I have been featured as a soloist with my orchestra couple times. Those are great experience to take the center of the stage with sold out concerts. - What do you love about teaching?
I love to share my music experience with younger or older people. It is a way to connect to people who love violin and music. I found myself enjoying to help them to improve their playing. - What would you like your students to know about you?
I would like to share with you all my knowledge practice tips and performance experiences. Hopefully, you will start to enjoy and appreciate music more. - Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
Besides music, I enjoy cooking reading and traveling.