In a significant acknowledgment of artistic and scholarly excellence, violist Xue Ding has been appointed to the Executive Council of The Liszt Society China. This esteemed appointment recognizes Ms. Ding as a distinguished figure in the classical music world, whose multifaceted career as a performer, scholar, and educator aligns perfectly with the Society’s mission to advance musical culture.
The Liszt Society, with its headquarters in London under the presidency of the renowned pianist and scholar Prof. Leslie Howard, is a globally recognized authority on the legacy of Franz Liszt. Its China branch, chaired by Mr. Hao Yao, serves as a vital cultural bridge, promoting high-level musical discourse and performance. Appointment to its Executive Council is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional merit and a profound contribution to the field.
Ms. Ding’s selection is a direct result of her outstanding and well-documented achievements across the spectrum of musical endeavors.
A Distinguished Performing Career
As a soloist, Xue Ding has graced some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including performances of Walton’s viola concerto at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Penderecki’s Cadenza at Merkin Hall in New York. Her extensive orchestral experience, serving as principal violist with the Stony Brook University Symphony Orchestra and the Manhattan School of Music orchestra, underscores her leadership and collaborative prowess. Her talent has been further honed at notable festivals around the world, including the Aspen Music Festival, the Sarasota Music Festival, and the Young Artist Program at Canada’s National Arts Centre.
An Award-Winning Scholar and Contributor
Beyond the concert stage, Ms. Ding has distinguished herself as a significant scholarly voice. She was a prize winner of the American Viola Society’s highly competitive Dalton Research Paper Competition. Her award-winning paper, ‘The French Influence in Charles Loeffler’s Two Songs for Mezzo-Soprano, Viola, and Piano,’ was published as a featured article in the Fall 2024 issue of the Journal of the American Viola Society, with a second paper, ‘A Mirror of the Soul: The Viola in Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel,’ published in the Summer 2025 issue. Further contributing to the viola repertoire, she has published her own editions of Stamitz’s and Telemann’s Viola Concertos, complete with her original cadenzas and embellishments.
Photo Courtesy: Xue Ding
A Record of Competitive Excellence
Ms. Ding’s technical mastery and artistic sensitivity have been consistently validated in the international arena. She is a recipient of numerous prizes from recent competitions, including the International Music Leadership Award (Distinguished Violist and Distinctive Character Special Award), the European Classical Music Awards (Gold Prize and New York Regional Award), the George Bizet International Music Competition (Platinum Prize in Baroque Category and Special Prize for Excellent Musicianship), and the Erik Satie International Music Competition (Platinum Prize in Concerto Category and Gold Prize in Professional Category), among many others.
A Commitment to Future Generations
Rounding out her profile is a deep commitment to education. She has served as a Teaching Assistant and chamber music coach at Stony Brook University. She holds teaching positions at the Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts and the Long Island Music Conservatory, demonstrating her dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians.
In her new role on the Executive Council, Xue Ding will participate in the Society’s management and strategic decision-making, help with special events and competitions, and have priority access to academic resources. Her unique perspective as an active performer, published scholar, and educator will be invaluable in guiding the Society’s initiatives in China. She will also serve as a bridge between The Liszt Society and other organizations with which she is affiliated, such as The American Prize and the Charleston International Music Competition, to foster collaborative opportunities and expand the Society’s network and impact.
“This appointment is a tremendous honor,” said Ms. Ding. “I am eager to contribute to the Liszt Society’s vital work and to help foster a deeper appreciation for classical music. I look forward to collaborating with Prof. Howard, Mr. Yao, and the entire council to create meaningful opportunities for artists and audiences alike.”
The appointment of Xue Ding reflects The Liszt Society China’s dedication to working with outstanding musical talent and scholarship, helping to ensure its mission remains relevant and effective in the years ahead.
About Xue Ding:
Xue Ding is a violist currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music and the New England Conservatory, she maintains an active career as a performer, scholar, and teacher based in New York.
About The Liszt Society China:
The Liszt Society China is the regional branch of the UK-based Liszt Society, dedicated to promoting the music and legacy of Franz Liszt through performances, academic research, and educational outreach.
