Sylvia Yan, Flutist

Sylvia Yan studied bamboo flute, bawu, hulusi, xun, xiao, and paixiao with Mr. Lizhong Zhang, renowned in China as a wind instrument player and educator. Yan went on to serve as a training teacher at Zhang’s Orchestral Music Studio, the Jichang Qian and Xinhua Elementary Schools, and the Hailang Model Training School. Her exceptional command of the instruments earned her first place at the National Youth Competition for Chinese Traditional Instrument Performance, the golden prize at the Competition of Chinese Traditional Instrument Performance of Liaoning Province, and an invitation from Mayor Xilai Bo of Dalian, China, to perform at a historic cocktail reception for the 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. In addition, she made numerous television appearances in Dalian and for the China Central television network in Beijing. She has also toured in Tokyo and Kitakyushu, Japan, as a representative of Dalian.

Now a resident of Houston, Yan holds an EB-1A green card, distinguishing her as an alien of extraordinary ability who has risen to the very top of her field of endeavor. She has performed throughout the City of Houston, Sugar Land, and beyond. Her appearances include performances at the 13th anniversary celebration for the Chinese Entertainment Center; the award ceremony for Chinese international student scholarships hosted by the Consulate General of the PRC in Houston; the opening of the terra cotta soldiers exhibit at the Houston Natural Science Museum; the World Expo 2012 Shanghai and New Year celebration for the City of Houston; and the Celebration of China-U.S. Friendship hosted by the City of Atlanta and the Chinese consulate in Houston. Yan recently gave a solo recital in Dallas, Texas, to critical acclaim. She remains an active member of the Chinese Bamboo Flute Professional Association.