Qi Li, Erhuist

 

Qi Li is a master erhuist whose technique and artistry have earned her tremendous acclaim. After receiving the highest erhu test score in all of Sichuan province, she entered and earned her music degree from the prestigious Southwest University in China. She has studied under a host of internationally renowned erhu virtuosos including Zhao Shu, Guangyu Liu, Hanyang Zhao, Jiemin Yan, Jiangbo Zhu, and Wei Zhou. Li’s career has encompassed success as a concert soloist, concertmaster, conductor, and a recognized music educator. She founded and served as principal conductor and player in the Chongqing Chinese Folk Music Band from 2002 to 2007, soloing for occasions such as Semaine des cultures urbanes Les Pekins de Toulouse and the Singapore Shulang Culture Festival. Her performances were broadcasted by Chongqing People’s Music Radio Station and Central People’s Radio Station. Li also taught nearly 300 erhu students at the Philharmonic Arts Academy and Royal Artistic Academy in Chongqing. In addition to performing and teaching, she served as director of performance at the People’s Great Hall of Chongqing and the general manager of Yu Dao Culture Co., Ltd.

 

In 2008, Li moved to the U.S. and founded her studio in Houston. One of fewer than 100 senior erhu educators certified by the Chinese National Orchestra Society, Li provides formal erhu training to students from across the globe. She maintains a prolific performing schedule, accepting invitations to perform from the Chinese Consulate in Houston and its past two Consul Generals; the City of Houston; the City of Stafford; the Confucius Institute at Texas A&M University; the Houston Museum of Natural Science; the Chinese Community Center; the Taiwan Benevolent Association of America; the Rice Design Alliance; The McKinney Center in Dallas; the Rialto Center in Atlanta; the Atlanta Symphony Hall; Moores School of Music at the University of Houston; the Institute of Chinese Culture in Houston; and many others. In 2010, Li won the Professional Adult Category Bronze Award at the Chinese Instruments International Competition World Cup U.S.A. in California, along with special recognition for her outstanding contributions to propogating Chinese folk music in the United States. Li is also an active member of the Chinese Musicians Association (also a UNESCO’s advisory body on music), the China Association of Performing Arts, and the Chinese Musicians Association of America.