Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Jingze Gao.
Hi Sarah Jingze, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My path has taken me from the mesmerizing world of piano keys to the strategic realms of arts administration, all driven by a profound passion for music. My journey defined by unwavering dedication, strict discipline, and a profound affection for the arts, starting in the simplest of ways.
As a young girl, when I was five years old, I found myself drawn to the world of music and dance. It felt like destiny chose my path for me, guiding me to the piano. This instrument quickly turned into a way for me to express myself. I soon understood that music could do amazing things – it could cross all sorts of boundaries, bring different cultures together, and above all, spread love.
My career has been characterized by a blend of performance and leadership. As a pianist, I’ve been lucky to play in several roles, from solo performances to being part of chamber groups and orchestras. My performances in Europe, especially my interpretations of Schubert’s works, have been described as “unforgettable,” “exquisite,” and “magnificent” by the media and music critics, including a notable mention in the Murcia Regional News.
My musical journey has taken me across continents, performing in recitals and chamber music concerts throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and working with esteemed conductors like Ken-David Masur, Hugh Wolff, Jeffrey Kahane has been an honor for me. I am now pursuing a highly sought-after Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Southern California. I am working with Jeffrey Kahane and focusing on a minor in Instrumental Conducting, Music Teaching and Learning, and Arts Leadership.
Beyond the spotlight of performance, my path ventured into the realms of music education and arts administration. Here, I found a new voice, one that could mentor, guide, and inspire. My roles have been diverse, from a music educator and Piano Department Assistant at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music to the leadership positions as President of the Artciál Music Foundation and Executive Director of the Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival. In these roles, I strive to create more opportunities for young musicians, helping them find their own paths in this enchanting world of music. I am passionately committed to nurturing young talent and providing platforms for emerging musicians.
Witnessing young musicians grow, develop, and succeed under our initiatives is a constant source of inspiration and joy. It’s a reminder of why I embarked on this journey: to share the love and beauty of music with others and to support the next generation in their artistic endeavors. My story is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of artistic excellence, always guided by the love for music that first captivated me as a child. It is driven by my desire to spread love through the universal language of music.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey toward personal and professional growth is rarely without its challenges, and of course, my experience has been no different. During my high school years, there was a significant period, nearly two years, where I stepped away from the piano. As I prepared for college, my interests branched out into diverse fields like law, psychology, and business management. I was deeply engrossed in reading and exploring various subjects voraciously, which led me away from the rigorous practice of piano.
However, about six months before applying to college, I found myself drawn back to the piano. It was an unexpected reunion that reignited my love for music. The piano became a medium for expressing my emotions, and the positive feedback I received from listeners reaffirmed my passion for music. This reconnection made me realize that music was, indeed, my true calling in life.
Another significant challenge arose when I first took on the role of director for a music festival. The transition from being solely a performer to also an administrator was steep and filled with learning opportunities. In this new capacity, I was tasked with a diverse range of responsibilities, including event planning, coordinating with professors, recruiting young talents, and interacting with sponsors. It was an entirely new domain for me, one that required skills beyond my established musical proficiency.
Despite the initial challenges, the experience turned out to be incredibly rewarding. With time, perseverance, and collaboration, my team and I managed to work harmoniously and effectively. Our combined efforts and dedication led to the successful realization of the festival. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone in my career but also underscored the importance of adaptability and teamwork in achieving collective goals.
Reflecting on it, those tough times were actually really valuable. They taught me so much and really helped me grow. Facing those challenges has made me who I am today and improved my ability to make a real difference in the music world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
In 2020, The Articál Music Foundation, a nonprofit organization in San Francisco, established the mission of providing outstanding performance and learning opportunities regardless of their financial situation to musicians from a variety of cultures and ages. Given the expansive nature of music genres, our emphasis is on classical music, particularly piano performance, with the potential inclusion of strings and chamber programs in the future. Our main concentration will be on organizing masterclasses, piano forums & seminars, and concerts.
The year 2023 marks a new beginning for us as we bring the Artciál International Piano Competition and Festival to the renowned San Francisco Conservatory of Music, equipped with top-notch facilities for musicians. From July to August, the AIPCF will provide a platform for international music exchange, firmly believing that music is an art form that transcends boundaries.
In our 3rd season, Artciál festival continues its commitment to providing a diverse range of opportunities for growth and enrichment. Participants can look forward to engaging in private lessons, masterclasses, lectures, piano forums, and student performances, complemented by the exciting addition of special conducting classes. These activities are thoughtfully curated to fit within a condensed yet dynamic one-week schedule, featuring the expertise of nine extraordinary faculty members.
The goal of the competition is to bring together pianists from different walks of life, exploring and promoting the remarkable talents of promising musicians while offering them invaluable opportunities for further development. After the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic in the past years, we have eagerly awaited the moment to gather once again and celebrate the beauty and power of music.
As we look towards 2024 with eager anticipation, our enthusiasm is especially heightened by the prospects and developments in the world of music. We look forward to fostering and experiencing more live performances that not only showcase exceptional talent but also bring people together, creating a sense of unity and shared joy through the universal language of music. There’s an immense excitement about the potential for new musical collaborations, which promise to push the boundaries of creativity and expression.
As we step into 2024, we carry with us the hope and aspiration to experience music in all its forms – as a source of solace, a medium of expression, and a bridge that connects cultures and hearts. Let’s embrace the symphony of opportunities that 2024 holds in store for us in the magnificent world of music.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Though my primary areas of study are art and music, I possess a deep fascination with exhilarating extreme sports like skiing, rock climbing, skydiving, and boxing. This combination merges the creative and thoughtful essence of art and music with the intense, physically demanding nature of extreme sports. This mix also reflects the diverse aspects of my personality, where I find joy in both the calm, introspective world of the arts and the dynamic, adventurous realm of sports.
Also, I have a strong passion for travel. Every vacation, no matter its length, I make it a point to visit a new city in a different country. This isn’t just a way to unwind; it’s an opportunity to engage with and understand the diverse cultures and histories of various places. It’s a fulfilling experience that also helps me recharge and get ready for my next professional endeavor. To date, I’ve explored over 20 cities in more than ten countries, and I’m eager to continue expanding my global experiences in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sarahgaopiano.com AND www.artcialmusicfoundation.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahgpiano/
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@sarahgaopiano
Image Credits
Solo Recital Photos: Yuqi Zhang & Qilin Yuan Artciál Events Photos: Liang Pan & Yuqi Zhang Conducting Photos: Kevin Hsu, 12/34 LAB
