Ruoyi Wang, 14, is a cellist from Fairfax County, Virginia. Ever since hearing Yo-Yo Ma perform at the age of six, Ruoyi has been drawn to the cello’s expressive depth and versatility, inspiring her to pursue the instrument as a soloist, orchestral performer, and chamber musician.
In eighth grade, Ruoyi earned the position of Assistant Principal cellist in the District XII Honors Orchestra, marking a significant improvement from her seventh grade placement. She has been a member of the American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras’ Concert Orchestra for two years and previously performed in AYPO’s String Ensemble and the TCSYO Prelude Orchestra.
She was also accepted into the AYPO Junior Chamber Ensemble, where she especially enjoys the collaborative and expressive challenges of playing in a string quartet. Currently, Ruoyi serves as Principal cellist in her middle school’s Chamber Orchestra and has received a Superior rating at Solo & Ensemble Festival for the past two years.
Outside of music, Ruoyi enjoys studying math and spending time with friends and family, including her two dogs, Cookie and Bubble.
Watch Ruoyi Wang perform Concerto in D Minor 1st Mvmt by Édouard Lalo on the cello for the 2025 Finale Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.