Fifteen-year-old Yiran Zhao started learning the cello with Taki Zhang at the age of 13 and has recently sat her ATCL exam. Yiran is a new member of AYO in 2025 and is looking forward to playing in a big orchestra. Yiran enjoys using the cello to express her feelings through different types of sounds and creating beautiful atmospheres.
Besides cello, Yiran has a passion for art, and won a prize in the New Zealand Youth Art Awards in 2024. In addition, Yiran also enjoys playing golf .