Ethan Chiao

Ethan Chiao is a 18-year-old cellist currently studying at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music doing a Bachelor of Music Performance (BMus) and a recent graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). Ethan has participated and placed in multiple international competitions such as Valsesia Musica, receiving top prize in both the Solo and Chamber Music category, awarding him a recital at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. In his time at VCASS, he has presented multiple recitals with the 3MBS Radio solo and with his piano trio, string quartet, and string sextet. In 2024, Ethan participated in the pilot program in collaboration with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), performing Mendelssohn's String Octet.

Ethan also enjoys playing in larger ensembles, leading the section with VCASS Orchestra and appearing with the Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) in 2022. More recently, He has also participated in numerous Australian Youth Orchestra programs including the Flagship Orchestra in 2025, touring around Europe and Australia, performing in halls such as Musicverein and Concertgebouw. In his time at the University of Melbourne, Ethan has participated and led the University’s symphony orchestra, performing in Hamer hall.