Cara Wang

2025 Instrumental Scholarship Recipient

Cara, a passionate young cellist from Fremont, California, has spent the past ten years exploring the expressive depth of her instrument. From her first notes at age four to her current role in two piano trios, she has discovered that playing for herself often translates into more meaningful performances for others. Inspired by pieces like the Brahms B Major Piano Trio, she finds joy in the cello’s resonance and its capacity to reflect personal emotion and artistry.

Through chamber music, Cara has gained a deeper understanding of collaboration and communication. Working with fellow musicians has introduced her to diverse approaches and techniques, helping her expand her expressive range. These experiences have taught her to listen closely—not only to the music, but to the thought processes and artistic styles of her peers. She brings this skill into her own teaching, using empathy and observation to guide her students more effectively.

With the support of the Anthony Quinn Foundation, Cara will attend the ENCORE Chamber Music Institute Summer Academy this summer. She views this opportunity as a transformative step in her musical journey, allowing her to deepen her technical and artistic abilities while forging an even stronger connection with herself, her collaborators, and her audiences.