About
Kaissy Yau made her orchestral debut at the age of eleven with the International Concert Orchestra of Hong Kong. An award-winning flutist, she has been recognized with first prizes at a multitude of competitions, including the Arizona Flute Society’s Young Artist Competition, the Charleston International Music’s Young Artist Competition, and the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra’s Concerto Competition.
As the 2021 Presser Scholar for the University of Arizona, Yau graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development. During her studies, she served as principal flutist of the Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, where she had the opportunity to premiere Joel Love’s Three Images and Howard Buss’ flute concerto, Vibrant Horizons. Yau’s passion for entrepreneurship granted her the McGuire Center Scholarship, the highest accolade given to a single outstanding student at the Eller College of Management. Her accomplishments in both programs led her to be named valedictorian of both the School of Music and the College of Fine Arts, delivering the commencement address at graduation.
Yau recently graduated with a Master of Music degree in Flute Performance from Northwestern University, where she was offered a graduate assistantship to perform in the conducting seminars of both Dr. Mallory Thompson and Maestro Victor Yampolsky in his last year of tenure at Bienen. She has sat principal with the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Northwestern University Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Music Ensemble, and Contemporary Music Ensemble. An avid chamber musician, she is a founding member of leading ensembles Duo D’or, Sospirare Trio, and the Lakeside Wind Quintet. Aside from performing, Yau was also the inaugural Band Staff Lead and served as Programs Specialist for Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, where she was invited to continue her role following graduation.
A multifaceted musician, Yau is the Flute Choir Director at Niles West High School and substitute Principal Flutist with the Peoria Symphony. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to podcasts while taking walks on the Lakefill.