Biography

Karl Yang is a conductor Composer and music educator in China and Australia.  He founded the Karlyang Music Education Centre and is Director of the Chorus Association of China, a member of the Australian National Choral Association, and Director of the Australian Chinese Musicians Association.  He studied conducting under the supervision of Dr Ronald Smart, world-renowned conductor, Chairman of the Australian International Conservatorium of Music.  Karl holds a Master Degree in conducting from the Australian Institute of Music, Sydney.

Born in China to parents who are both music teachers, Karl’s musical talent was nurtured since early childhood.  At the age of six, he debut on stage as a soloist.  Thereafter, he attended ‘ Peng Xiao Hong School of Performing Art for Children’ where he studied music theory and instruments (violin, piano,  Accordion) and dancing.  He developed a passion in conducting and choral music when he attended the University in China.  During this time, he was invited to conduct a Chinese Opera ‘Liu Hu Lan’.  His involvement in conducting orchestras as well as choirs won him numerous awards in music composition, piano competitions and conducting.   Karl was the Director of the Chorus Association of China, Executive Director of China Normal University Teachers Choral Association and music exam adjudicator. 

In 2002, Karl migrated to Australia with his family to make Sydney his home.  Karl has conducted concerts and choirs in the Willoughby Civic Centre Town Hall, the Sydney Town Hall and the Sydney Opera House.  In 2000 Karl conducted all eight movements of the Chinese classical work Yellow River Cantata premiered at the Sydney Opera House with the Australian Beethoven Society Symphony Orchestra and the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra.  His performance was described by the media as, ‘passionate and accurate; matured and sensible’, ‘an energetic young conductor’.  He has also been guest conductor with the SBS Youth Orchestra and Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra, he is a chief conductor of the Good Friends Chamber Choir and Hwa Sheng Chorus. Karl’s music repertoire ranges from Baroque to Contemporary, from jazz to pop which are composed in a variety of languages such as: Latin, Italian, French, English, Japanese, Indonesian and other local dialects. 

Karl was awarded Certificates of Appreciation in Volunteer Work from the Australian Government for his service to music in particular his commitment and contribution towards the development of music within the Chinese community.