Kai-Yi Kao Kai-Yi Kao

Kai-Yi Kao holds dual diplomas in composition and piano performance from the Franz Schubert Konservatorium in Vienna, and a Master of Arts in composition from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (studying with Prof. Jarrell).

Kao’s works have won prizes at competitions including an international music competition in Greece, Oldenburg in Germany, HOT in Malta, the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Young Composers Competition, Augusto Massari in Italy, AMAT FemFestival and Ise-Shima in Japan.

Kao has taken part in many international music festivals and events, such as re:construction 2014 Japan|Austria, 15th Auftakt, Viva Music 2016, 2017 TIMF, aNOther 2018, MiniFestival Cameristico 2019, FMMN 2020, NottFAR-Symposium, Gagaku x Contemporary 2021, KUNST-KULTUR-NATUR FESTIVAL, Weiwuying TIFA, the One More Wave Arts Festival 2020–22, Anaeresis- meeting 2022, the 2023 Weiwuying International Music Festival, AMAT FemFestival, 51st NFA, the L’Engagement exhibition, the annual season concert of WeiWaDi (韋瓦笛), a CUBE BAND 2024 portrait concert, Gestures, MID SIDE Aps, 蘇筠涵’s pipa recital, Nicholas Southwick Center Stage 2025, the 36th FOCAM and NMB2025. Kao’s works are published by Universal Edition, Doblinger, Diaphonia, Redshift and other publishers in Europe and North America. Performed around the world, Kao has worked with Lux, Platypus, N, KNM, Counterpoint, WeiWaDi, CUBE BAND, the Weiwuying Contemporary Ensemble and the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra, among others.

Alongside commissions, international exchange, interdisciplinary performance and publishing projects, Kao is also committed to music education, having taught at the Franz Schubert Konservatorium in Vienna (2011–2022) while living in Austria. Since 2019 Kao has taken part in the Art Companion Program of House No. 8 (捌號會所), expanding international networks and a number of production projects.