Zhang Ying

Principal Pipa of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, Zhang joined the HKCO in 2004 and served as Acting Principal Pipa in 2013, she has served in current position since 2016. She is a Master’s degree programme lecturer at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and is teaching at the University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Hong Kong Baptist University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. She holds a Master’s degree from the China Conservatory of Music and was trained under Prof Zhao Yinan, Ms Li Guixiang, Prof Wu Junsheng, Ms Ren Hong and Prof Yang Jing.

In 2004, Zhang won First Prize in the Youth Section (Pipa) of ‘Longyin Cup’ International Ethnic InstrumentCompetition. In 2002, she received the Silver Award in Youth Section of Pipa at the 1st Chinese Instrumental Music Competition organised by the Ministry of Culture in China. She has frequently served as a jury member for major events including the ‘Dunhuang Cup’, ‘Nanyang Arts Competition’ and ‘LetongTianxia Pipa Showcase’.

Zhang’s recent soloist engagements include the 2025 premiere with HKCO of the celebrated composer Qu Xiaosong’s ‘The Dream of Concubine’. In April 2024, she was invited coaching and premiere of Moments Between Ledges and Frets for pipa and chamber ensemble with Singapore’s Ding Yi Music Company at its ‘Strings & Pluck’ concert; the ‘Silk Strings Resonance’ concert with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra in July 2024; curation of RTHK Radio 4’s ‘Musical Salon’; and the September 2023 pipa solo premiere of A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at the National Day Concert. In early 2020, Zhang toured Europe with the HKCO, performing as pipa soloist in King Chu Doffs His Armour in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Hungary, receiving critical acclaim. 

Zhang Ying has released pipa albums such as Ying’s Whirling Breeze and a DVD of Zhang Ying Master’s Graduation Recital.