About
Xiaoran Liu
Xiaoran Liu is a leading figure in the young generation of bamboo flute performers in China. He has been passionate about traditional Chinese music since childhood. Under the guidance of renowned bamboo flute players such as Zhang Weiliang, Chen Yue, Yuan Feifan, and Wang Xi, he has developed his diverse musical style. In 2012, he gained admission to the Minzu University of China with the highest national ranking in music, continuing his advanced studies.
During his studies, Liu was frequently invited to perform with the China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) and the China Ethnic Song & Dance Ensemble. He has collaborated with prominent Chinese composers like Zhang Zhao, Liu Xijin, and others. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues including the Beijing Concert Hall, the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the Zhongshan Concert Hall, as well as venues in over a dozen provinces and cities. His performance in Singapore was acclaimed by the local media as the “magical flute.”
In 2016, Liu held his second solo concert at the Minzu University of China Chunhui Hall in collaboration with the Asian Philharmonic Orchestra (APO), adapting traditional pieces for Western symphony. He is also the youngest bamboo flute player to have worked with APO. He was honored as Beijing's Outstanding Young Teacher in both 2015 and 2017.
Since September 2024, Liu has joined the Chinese Musicians Association of North America (CMANA) as the association’s only bamboo flute artist, actively engaging in cross-cultural musical exchange. He was invited by the State University of New York (SUNY) to serve as bamboo flute instructor for the 2024–2025 academic year, and in April 2025, he delivered a special lecture-performance on Chinese bamboo flute at Yale University.
CONTACT
Performance Experience
● Yale University Guest Lecturer & Performer (April 2025) – Delivered a special lecture-performance on Chinese bamboo flute and its cultural significance.
● Zhou Shen World Tour (Las Vegas, Seattle, New York) – Guest Bamboo Flute Performer (Feb–Mar 2025) First-ever Chinese bamboo flute performer at Barclays Center, New York
● Cleveland Museum of Art – Invited Artist (April 2025)
● CMANA Inaugural Season Concert – Bamboo Flute Soloist (September 2024)
● Blanc Art Foundation “Nocturnes” Concert – Bamboo Flute Soloist (September 2024)
● Chinese Music Ensemble of New York Spring Concert – Soloist and Music Director (June 2024)
● Red Ball Art Festival, “Echoes of Love” – Principal Soloist (February 2024)
● New York Lunar New Year Spring Festival Gala – Principal Soloist (February 2024)
● “Horizon” Solo Concert at Carnegie Hall – First solo bamboo flute recital in the hall’s history (January 2024)
● Washington D.C. New Year’s Concert – Principal Soloist (December 2023)
● DC Chinese Embassy Annual Gala – Solo Performer (December 2023)
● US-China Business Council 50 Years Gala – Solo Performer (December 2023)
● CMENY 2023 Annual Community Concert – Principal Flute, Stage Manager (December 2023)
● Cornell University Chinese Spring Festival Gala – Principal Flute (2021)
● Various Concerts (2013–present) – Central Minority Orchestra at Beijing Concert Hall and other venues
● “Infatuation for Dizi” Concert, Minzu University of China (2016)
● Tangshan Traditional Orchestra – Principal Flute (2008–2012)
● “Hanging Red Lanterns” Bamboo Flute Solo Concert, Tangshan Concert Hall (2011)
Teaching & Mentoring Experience
State University of New York (SUNY) Instructor of Chinese Bamboo Flute (2024–2025 Academic Year)
No. 2 Elementary School of Zhongguancun, Beijing Traditional Chinese Music Teacher (2017–2018)
● Taught weekly traditional orchestra classes and prepared students for music exams.
Beijing Crazy Kite Culture & Media Co. Bamboo Flute Instructor (2013–2018)
● Provided individual and group lessons; organized youth music festivals; awarded Outstanding Instructor by China Conservatory of Music (2013) and CNOS (2016).
● Minzu University of China, Beijing – B.M. in Chinese Instrumental Performance (Bamboo Flute), 2016
● Columbia University, School of Professional Studies – American Language Program, 2018
● Pratt Institute, New York – Certificate in Art and Culture Management, 2019
Education
● First Prize, Tangshan Musician and Artist Competition (2007)
● First Prize, Traditional Chinese Instruments, Tangshan Art Festival (2008)
● First Prize, Chinese Ensemble Performance, Tangshan City (2008)
● Silver Medal, Beijing Bamboo Flute Competition (2010)
● Gold Medal, Singapore International Chinese Art Festival (2011)
● Gold Medal, International Youth Music Festival (2014)
● Ranked No.1 Nationally – Minzu University of China Admissions (2012)
● Outstanding Young Teacher – Beijing (2015, 2017)
● Outstanding/Excellent Instructor Awards – CNOS, China Conservatory (2013, 2016)
Honors &Awards
● “Gentle Breeze, Water and Scenery” – Principal Soloist, CMENY (2024)
● “In the Bamboo Forest” – Meditation Album, NYU MusEDLab (2017)
● Film: Ping Pong Rabbit – Flute Recording (2015), Directed by Mike Johnson, Produced by Bill Borden
Recordings
Professionals
● Chinese Musicians Association of North America (CMANA) – Bamboo Flute Artist
● China Nationalities Orchestra Society (CNOS) – Member, Bamboo Flute Professional Sub-Committee
● FUCEAN – Cofounder