Zhou Dongchao

A celebrated Suona performer and composer, Zhou is a National Class One Musician and the former Wind Section and Suona Principal of the China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra. He currently serves as Vice President of both the China Nationalities Orchestra Society Suona Committee and the Folk Wind Music Research Society of the Chinese Musicians' Association, alongside his role as a Visiting Professor at Singapore Raffles Music College. He is recognized as a designated cultural talent under China's Central Publicity Department and is a recipient of the prestigious State Council Special Government Allowance.

Zhou began his training under his father at a young age before joining the China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra in 1975. Known for a pure, mellow tone, consummate technique, and a deeply moving style, his compositions are richly imbued with rustic charm that highlights the artistic depth of the Suona. To date, he has recorded over a hundred works spanning solos, radio features, and television programmes.

Several of his signature compositions—including Affection for the Loess, The Vast Open Land, The Spring of the Yen River, The Tone of Hebei Bangzi, and Longing for Home—are defining milestones in contemporary Suona artistry and serve as core instructional pieces at elite institutions like the Central and Shanghai Conservatories of Music. Among his accolades, Affection for the Loess claimed First Prizes in both composition and performance at the third Chinese National Music Competition. Zhou was also named a Chinese Extraordinary Folk Performer in 2017, and his work Joyous Song of the Earth won the Silver Award at the 2018 Chinese Orchestra New Compositions competition.

An internationally renowned virtuoso, Zhou has toured more than fifty countries and regions. He frequently collaborates with leading global orchestras and has delivered acclaimed solo recitals at many of the world's most prestigious music venues.