Visiting Professor of Violin,The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Associate Concertmaster, Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Guest Concertmaster, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra

Professor Kong Zhaohui began learning the violin at the age of five under the guidance of his father, Kong Guangtian. At eleven, he was admitted with outstanding results to the Central Conservatory of Music, where he studied under professors Wang Zhenshan and Sui Keqiang. During his studies, he served as concertmaster of both the China Youth Symphony Orchestra and the China Junior Symphony Orchestra. He also received instruction and acclaim from renowned violin masters including Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, Henryk Szeryng, and Pierre Amoyal. In 1984, he graduated with honors from the Central Conservatory of Music and subsequently joined its faculty.

He has served as concertmaster of the Beijing Concert Hall Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra and as guest concertmaster of the China Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra. In September 1987, his performance of The Butterfly Lovers at the First Macao International Music Festival captivated audiences with its exquisite, delicate, and emotionally resonant interpretation, earning high praise from multiple newspapers in Macao. Since the 1980s, he has performed The Butterfly Lovers over a hundred times, consistently receiving widespread acclaim. His playing is distinguished by refined technique, a distinct artistic personality, emotional depth, and passionate expression. With profound musical insight and exceptional artistry, he is regarded as a highly accomplished violinist, particularly recognized for his deep interpretation of The Butterfly Lovers, described by Asiaweek as a leading expert on this masterpiece.

Kong Zhaohui’s released recordings include:

Yellow River & The Butterfly Lovers Gold Disc (Hugo Productions, 1991)

Ma Sicong Violin Masterpieces Collection (Pacific Audio & Video Company, 1995)

Melodies of Remembrance (Golden Penguin Record & Tape Co. Ltd., 2005)

Five Chinese Works (Accord Music, Singapore, 1993)

Album of Chinese Violin Solos (Accord Music, 1994)

Passion Remains (China International Audio & Video Publishing House, 2006)

As a violinist who captivates and earns the trust of audiences, Kong Zhaohui has performed across Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Orchestras he has collaborated with include the Central Orchestra, China National Symphony Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, China Ballet Symphony Orchestra, Central Opera House Symphony Orchestra, China Broadcasting Symphony Orchestra, China Youth Symphony Orchestra, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, Guiyang Symphony Orchestra, Tianjin Symphony Orchestra, Jinan Symphony Orchestra, Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, China Junior Symphony Orchestra, Wuhan Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Malaysian Youth Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestra (Australia), Macao Symphony Orchestra, Macao Chinese Orchestra, Taipei Symphony Orchestra, Taipei Chinese Orchestra, Taipei Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, Presidential Symphony Orchestra (Turkey), and Brittany Symphony Orchestra (France).

In the field of education, Kong Zhaohui has dedicated decades to teaching with remarkable achievements. As a former faculty member of the Central Conservatory of Music, he has been invited to conduct masterclasses at institutions such as the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, integrating his rich stage experience into pedagogy and focusing on the passing on of technique and emotional expression. He has nurtured a number of outstanding talents for the musical landscape both in China and abroad. His students have consistently won gold and silver awards in national and international music competitions in Singapore, including the second prize in the children’s category of the 2009 Singapore National Piano & Violin Competition, first prize in the junior category in 2011, and first prize in the youth category in 2013. His students have been admitted to prestigious institutions such as the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, and the Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, Japan.