Yang Zongao
Born in the Republic of China, Zongao is a distinguished classical saxophonist and educator who has captivated audiences across Asia with his dynamic performances and artistic versatility. A product of both Chinese and Singaporean music institutions, he began his musical journey at Yaohua High School, where his exceptional talent was evident from a young age. He later honed his craft at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), earning a Diploma in Music (2021) and a Bachelor of Music (2024) with First Class Honours. He is currently a pursuing his Masters of Performance degree (expected 2026) at NAFA.
His dedication to music extends beyond performance into education, where he continues to nurture the next generation of saxophonists. As a Teaching Assistant at NAFA, Zongao shares his expertise with aspiring musicians. His teaching experience spans various prestigious institutions, including Raffles Music College, Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School, and international programmes such as the Suzhou International Wind Band Festival in China and Chuang Hwa High School in Malaysia. His commitment to fostering musical excellence earned him the “Excellent Instructor” accolade from the Hunan Music Examination, awarded by the China Music Association in 2021.
Throughout his career, Zongao has accumulated numerous accolades, including multiple gold medals from international competitions such as the Bright China Art Talent International Exchange Performance and the International Saxophone Art Festival Invitational Competition.
Notably, he emerged as a winner of the highly competitive MEDICI International Music Competition in 2021, cementing his reputation as a world-class performer. An active ensemble musician, Zongao has contributed to numerous prestigious groups, such as the NAFA Wind Ensemble, Protégé Saxophone Ensemble, and Mao Shan Wang Saxophone Quartet. His collaborations have taken him to iconic venues and institutions across Asia, including Singapore’s Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Xi’an Conservatory of Music, and Thailand’s Horwang High School. His participation in the Last Minute Wind Ensemble, Praesto Saxophone Quartet, and NoVous sOnUs Quartet showcases his adaptability and passion for chamber music.
In addition to his ensemble work, Zongao has delivered notable solo performances, such as his feature at the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, where he mesmerized audiences with his expressive interpretation and technical precision. His international presence has further expanded with masterclass presentations and concert tours across China, Thailand, and Malaysia, establishing him as a sought-after performer and mentor.