Minlu started playing violin when she was 9 for her elementary school orchestra at Hopkins Junior High as co-concertmaster for the entire duration. In middle school, she joined the Hopkins advanced orchestra, becoming co-concertmaster in 8th grade. Additionally, in 7th grade, she joined San Jose Youth Symphony (SJYS) for one year as concertmaster and in the following year joined California Youth Symphony (CYS) in the IS level for one year and moved to the Associate Orchestra the following year which she is currently in. Additionally, she enjoys playing piano, which she has been playing for 10 years and passed Certificate of Merit levels 5 and 7 with California State Honors.
Watch Minlu Zhao perform Violin Concerto No. 1 in A Minor by Accolay on the violin for the 2025 Winter Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.