Darren Gao was born in July 2008 in Manhattan, New York and is currently a high school senior on Long Island, New York. He began learning piano at the age of 5 and is a current student of Mr. Qi Zhang at Musart Music School in Syosset New York. Darren was a First-Place and Second-Place Winner in Crescendo International Piano Competition in 2024 and 2025, and Second-Place and Third-Place Winner in Charleston International Piano Compositions in 2025. In addition to piano, Darren began learning his second instrument, the trumpet, at the age 13. He performed at numerous concerts at school and Nassau County community centers for seniors and the disabled, as well as at Kauffman Musical Hall in Manhattan for World Peace in 2025.
Watch Darren Gao perform Rondo Op. 51 No. 1 by Ludwig Van Beethoven for the 2025 International Piano Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Darren Gao perform Polonaises, Op.40 in A Major by Fryderyk Chopin on the piano for the 2025 Winter Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Darren Gao perform Nocturne Op. 48 No. 1 by Frederic Chopin on the piano for the 2025 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.
Watch Darren Gao perform Sonata for Trumpet & Piano by Paul Hindemith on the trumpet for the 2025 Romantic Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.