Nana Ou-Yang is a Taiwanese-American cellist, pianist, and composer who has made a name for herself in the classical music world at a young age. Born on November 28, 2000, in Taipei, Taiwan, Nana grew up in a family of musicians. Her father, Ou-Yang Nana, is a renowned jazz pianist, while her mother, Chen Hui-ling, is a classical pianist. Nana's older brother, Ou-Yang Yen, is also a cellist. Nana began playing the cello at the age of four, under the guidance of her mother. She showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly progressed. At the age of six, she made her debut as a soloist with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, performing the first movement of Haydn's Cello Concerto No. 1 in C major. This performance marked the beginning of Nana's career as a professional musician. In 2009, Nana and her family moved to the United States, where she continued her musical education. She studied with renowned cellists such as Lynn Harrell, Frans Helmerson, and Gautier Capuçon. Nana also began composing her own music, drawing inspiration from her experiences and emotions. Nana's talent and hard work paid off when she won numerous awards and competitions. In 2012, she won first prize in the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition, and in 2013, she won first prize in the American Fine Arts Festival Competition. In 2014, she won the Grand Prize in the American Protégé International Concerto Competition, which led to her performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Nana's career continued to flourish, and she performed at prestigious venues around the world, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the National Concert Hall in Taipei. In 2016, she was invited to perform at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, where she played her own composition, "The Butterfly Lovers," which was inspired by a Chinese legend. In addition to her solo performances, Nana has collaborated with other musicians and ensembles. She has performed with the Berlin Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan, and the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has also collaborated with jazz musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea. Nana's talent and versatility have earned her recognition and praise from the classical music community. In 2017, she was named a Young Steinway Artist, joining a select group of young musicians who are endorsed by Steinway & Sons. In 2018, she was awarded the Outstanding Young Artist Award by the Ministry of Culture of Taiwan. Nana's passion for music extends beyond her performances. She is also an advocate for music education and has worked with organizations such as the Lang Lang International Music Foundation and the Taiwan Philharmonic Orchestra to promote music education and outreach programs. Nana's musical journey has been marked by hard work, dedication, and a love for music. She continues to inspire audiences around the world with her performances and compositions, and her future in the classical music world looks bright.

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