Taiwanese musician Ting-Yun Wu, 27, has made a name for herself on the international stage with her exceptional artistry. Recently, she claimed first prize in both the BACH International Music Competition and the Classical Music Stars International Music Competition, demonstrating her outstanding talent in French horn performance.
A Musical Journey: From Taiwan to the World Stage
Ting-Yun Wu began her musical training at the age of seven, studying both piano and French horn. At 11, she won first place in the elementary school division of the Taiwan Music Competition for French horn. In high school, she was admitted as the top-ranking French horn major and second highest-ranking piano minor to the prestigious Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University (HSNU), Taiwan’s most competitive music program.
During her years in Taiwan, Wu received numerous awards, including multiple first-place finishes in Taipei’s Ministry of Education Music Competition for both French horn and piano (2012–2016). She also won top honors in the National Student Music Competition in woodwind quintet and brass quintet categories. In 2017, she attended the Beijing International Horn Festival, where she participated in a masterclass with Félix Dervaux, a prizewinner of the ARD Munich International Music Competition and former principal horn of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
International Performance Experience and Collaborations Wu completed her undergraduate studies at the National Taipei University of Education, actively participating in major performances, including performing as an alumna at the HSNU 70th Anniversary Celebration Concert at Taiwan’s National Concert Hall. She served as principal horn with the National Taiwan University Symphony Orchestra, performing in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, and collaborated with the Taipei Symphony Chamber Orchestra at the inaugural VOGUE Taipei Fashion Week. Additionally, Wu was invited to perform with the Taoyuan Municipal Wu-Ling Senior High School in Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau.
She was awarded a full scholarship to further her studies in the U.S., earning a Master of Music in French horn from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 2024, followed by a Master of Music in Piano in 2025—a rare achievement of dual master’s degrees in two distinct performance disciplines.
Wu’s musical expertise extends beyond solo performance to collaborative piano and chamber music. She received the Best Collaborative Pianist Award at the NIU Concerto Competition for two consecutive years and performed with principal musicians David Cooper (Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Kelsey Williams (Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra), and Brett Hodge (Omaha Symphony).
Her exceptional collaborative piano skills have been highly praised by international artists. Steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague stated, “Ting-Yun Wu’s piano playing was brilliant and highlighted her exceptional gift as an accompanist. Throughout my long career, I have performed recitals and concerts with many talented pianists, and I can say with absolute certainty that Ting-Yun Wu has earned my highest respect.”
Similarly, internationally acclaimed trumpeter Christopher Scanlon (University of Florida professor and member of Chicago Axiom Brass) remarked, “Ting-Yun’s positive presence always brightened the room, and she approached every performance with professionalism, preparation, and a remarkable work ethic.”
Ting-Yun Wu’s Accompaniment Helps Make History at Prestigious Competitions March 2024 marked a historic moment at the Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artists Competition, where Jaden Teague Nuñez became the first steelpan player to win first place. A crucial element of his success was the impeccable piano accompaniment provided by Ting-Yun Wu, whose musicianship offered a solid foundation for Jaden’s groundbreaking performance.
March 2025 – This victory earned Jaden an invitation to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, solidifying his status as a rising star.
Later, in December 2024, Wu and Jaden reunited for the YoungArts National Arts Competition, where they received the prestigious “Winner with Distinction.” Their program featured the technically demanding A Visit to Hell and Jan Bach’s Concerto for Steelpan and Orchestra, works that required both precision and deep musical sensitivity. Wu’s exceptional ability to navigate these complex pieces played a pivotal role in their success. Jaden’s achievement captured nationwide attention, with coverage from Chicago’s WGN-TV, WMT Radio, Trinidad and Tobago Newsday, and La Estrella de Panamá.
Versatility Across Instruments and Genres Beyond Wu’s collaborative accomplishments, she showcased her versatility as both a French horn and piano musician throughout 2024, demonstrating her ability to excel in multiple performance disciplines:
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April 2024 – Wu performed as the principal hornist in the Butterfly Lovers concert series with Jade Chinese Music Ensemble at The University of Chicago, showcasing her mastery of the brass repertoire.
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May 2024 – Wu returned to the same stage as the featured pianist for the Spring Series: Blossoms of Spring, collaborating with both the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Jade Chinese Music Ensemble. Her performance highlighted her artistry as both a soloist and ensemble musician, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
• In the Butterfly Lovers violin concerto, Wu had the honor of performing alongside Ania Filochowska, an award-winning, world-renowned violinist. Wu’s extraordinary virtuosity and evocative interpretations of the piece added unmatched depth to the performance, contributing to the ensemble’s success.
Expanding Cultural Boundaries Through Music Ting-Yun Wu has also gained recognition for her collaborations with traditional Chinese musicians, bridging classical Western repertoire with Eastern influences:
As a featured pianist, she collaborated with Chinese bamboo flute players for Winds of Affinity, a performance that blended delicate flute melodies with her expressive piano accompaniment. She also partnered with the Jade Chinese Music Ensemble on Méditation from Thaïs, where her nuanced playing enriched the ensemble’s interpretation of Massenet’s famous work.
Her two-piece collaboration on the upcoming album Ruan to the World of Tzu-Tsen Wu, winner of the "Best Asian Entertainer" award at the Chicago Music Awards and a renowned ruan instrumentalist, is a prime example of her adaptability to a range of musical styles. As both a composer and horn player, Ting-Yun’s contributions play a crucial role in shaping the album’s global soundscape.
Current Roles and Future Endeavors Ting-Yun Wu is currently a Collaborative Pianist and an Orchestra Musician in the Faculty-Student Orchestra at Colgate University’s Department of Music in New York. She also serves as a church musician and music educator at YMCA of Central New York and participates in events at The Chamber Music Society of Utica and the Norwich Monday Evening Music Club, promoting music education and artistic engagement.
Double Championship Triumph in Prestigious International Competitions In early 2025, Wu secured top prizes in two major international competitions:
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Classical Music Stars International Music Competition – 1st Prize, French Horn Division (January 2025)
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BACH International Music Competition – 1st Prize, French Horn Division (February 2025)
Looking ahead, Wu continues to perform, teach, and engage in international music collaborations, aiming to bridge cultures through music and inspire the next generation of musicians.
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