Renowned Chinese violinist Xiao Xiao Cao (Sha) was awarded an honorary doctorate at a ceremony at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus on Tuesday (12th May).
Professor Sha was awarded the doctorate after she performed with the Shanghai University’s string orchestra at a special concert held at the University.
The musician’s training began at the Central Conservatory of music in Beijing where she studied with Ting-Sun Pang and Yao-Ji Lin.
She has won top honours at the Chinese National Violin Competition and her string quartet won the Chinese National Quartet Competition and the Menuhin prize in the UK.
Sha made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2003 and has performed extensively in the USA, Asia and Europe.
She was also the featured soloist at the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s 40th anniversary concert celebrating Gang and Zhanhou’s ‘Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto.
She appeared in a film version of the work which was broadcast nationwide in China, and her performance has been released on her debut CD recorded in Moscow.
Upon receiving her degree, Xiao Xiao Cao (Sha) said: “I am delighted to accept Bath Spa’s invitation to join their list of Honorary Doctors.
“The University has many years of teaching in a wide range of arts and its music courses are highly regarded in the industry.
“I am honoured to become part of such a long and distinguished tradition.”
Associate Dean, School of Music and Performing Arts, Charles Wiffen, said: “Sha is a great inspiration to our music students and it is a real honour that she will join the Bath Spa Community.
“We’re currently developing a joint programme with Shanghai University which will see students spending two years studying in Shanghai followed by two years here at Bath Spa.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to develop our links with China.”
