Recognized as one of the world's most successful performing artists of his generation, Xiang Gao has been hailed by The New York Times as "a rare and soulful virtuoso." Gao has performed for such world leaders as former President George H.W. Bush and former President Xian-nian Li of China. His musical integrity and virtuoso technique have gained accolades from reviewers around the world.

As an active chamber musician, Gao has collaborated with some of the world's leading chamber musicians, such as members of the Guarneri String Quartet and the Beaux Arts Trio; violinists Cho-liang Lin, Paul Kantor and Pamela Frank; pianists Fou Ts'ong and Martin Katz; cellists Andres Diaz, Erling Bengtsson and Peter Wiley and many others. Gao is a founding member and the Artistic Director of the International Chamber Players and the University of Delaware Chamber Music Society.

Born into a family of musicians, Xiang Gao began piano studies at the age of 6. Two years later, he switched to violin studies with his parents, Tan and Zhiling, both of whom are professional violinists. He continued his education at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. His teachers in China were Wei Zhao, Zhen-shan Wang and Yao-ji Lin.

Gao became a permanent resident of the United States in 1999. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan School of Music, where he studied with Paul Kantor. Gao's new CD, Kind of Colorful, was released recently on the Prestant Records label, featuring virtuoso pieces with pianists Howard Watkins and Musical America's "Accompanist of the Year" Martin Katz.

When Gao moved to Delaware, he became the youngest faculty member in the University of Delaware's Department of Music. He is also the winner of the 2002 State of Delaware Division of the Arts Established Artist Award.

Between his busy performing and teaching schedule, he can be found cooking Chinese cuisine, watching Delaware and Michigan football or skiing with wife, Renee, in Vail, Colo. The Gaos have two Tonkinese cats, Tiggie and Meili.