Ke Zhao

He started learning clarinet at the age of 9 under the tutelage of teacher Zhang Yongan. In 1992, he began to study under Professor Tao Chunxiao. In 1995, he was admitted to the High School Affiliated to the Central Conservatory of Music with outstanding grades. In 2001, he entered the Department of Orchestra studies of the Central Conservatory of Music, and joined the Central Conservatory of Music Philharmonic Orchestra the following year as principal clarinet. In early 2006, he joined the Chihuahua Philharmonic Orchestra (Mexico) as principal clarinet, and successfully held a solo concert in August 2006, which received praises widely. In 2009, he passed strict selection and joined the Asian Youth Symphony Orchestra, he received guidance from Steve Barta (principal clarinet of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), and traveled with the orchestra to various parts of Asia. In the same year, he officially joined the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra and has been principal clarinet ever since. In 2011, he was sent to study at the Berlin Philharmonic and received guidance from artists such as Wenzel Fuchs (principal clarinet) and Manfred Preis (bass clarinet). In recent years, he held several solo concerts, and has become more involved in different styles of ensembles and chamber music works. In 2019, he was invited to join China Young Clarinetists Union (CCU). On October 1, 2019, he participated in the 1,000-person symphony gala event celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. He successively won the silver medal of Orchid Award at the 10th and 11th Zhejiang Music and Dance Festival.