Founded in January 2018, the Yang and Olivia Arts Foundation is a non-profit 501c3 organization whose aim is to provide a platform embracing diversity, equality and inclusion. The first years of activities focused on international cultural exchange between United States, China and Taiwan, particularly in the area of classical music. Since the pandemics, the foundation dedicates its outreach to local communities, fundraising and live streams. We have helped to raise funds via live stream for KerryTown Concert House and Vandercook College of Music. In addition, We provide zoom performances for several private organizations, who have not been able host events due to shelter-in-place order. We also dedicate our music sharing into recording projects. The organization supports educational opportunities for the youth by coordinating events where professionals from different diversity groups share their ideas in the format of performances, lectures, masterclasses and applied lessons. Events may be 1. overseas study tours for the youth, 2. international music festivals or workshops, and 3. local music performances in the US that promote classical and Chinese music to the general public.
Award-winning duo Yang and Olivia have been the featured recitalists for many concert associations, performing in 30 some cities across the United States. They are the silver medalist of the Global Music Award, appearing internationally and in the U.S. highlighted by performances at major festivals and venues, such as Ravinia Festival, Kennedy Center, Oficina Music Festival in Brazil, Algarve Music Festival in Portugal and throughout their homeland China, among others. Violinist Yang Liu is the first prize winner of the 2021 International Artists Award Competition, China’s 5th National Competition, and prize winner of the 12th International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Olivia is a frequent presenter of MTNA, CMS and other music festivals and conferences, promoting music of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage. They believe music sharing is sharing life and not just a demonstration of technical brilliance and virtuosity. Ultimately, with their performances they want to also communicate their message of faith, love, and joy. In 2018, the duo founded the Yang and Olivia Foundation, advocating diversity, equality, and inclusion through music of different cultures.
Yang and Olivia were both students at the University of Cincinnati when they first met. At the time, Yang Liu was a sought after violinist and a prodigy from China. Olivia was an accomplished pianist combining both scholarly and concert activities. Their life coincided when Yang, a complete stranger to Olivia, was asked at the last minute by Olivia to turn pages for her at her performance. From that moment on, they have been life partners and music partners ever since, sharing stories with audiences through their music.