News

Congratulations to Xiaodi Zhao, the new recipient of the Bagri Foundation Scholarship. The cellist joined Trinity Laban’s Faculty of Music on the one-year Artist Diploma Programme this September. 

Supported by the Bagri Foundation, talented young musician Xiaodi Zhao will study with Trinity Laban’s internationally celebrated Cello Department. Her musical journey began at the age of six under the guidance of her first cello teacher, Zhang Yiming. This pivotal introduction led to admission to the Affiliated Middle School of Sichuan Conservatory of Music, laying the foundation for her passion for the cello. Driven by a commitment to continuous improvement, Xiaodi aims to delve into the nuances of music performance, refining her craft and bringing even more captivating music to audiences.

The Artist Diploma is an ideal window into the music profession for advanced students who have already completed a postgraduate programme. Having graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music with a BMus (Hons) and the Royal College of Music with a Master of Music in Performance, Xiaodi will further develop her musical skills and collaborate with fellow artists at Trinity Laban this year.

The Bagri Foundation Scholarship

The Scholarship is part of the Foundation’s mission to encourage emerging artists from Asia to develop their work, especially those in need of additional financial support. Established in 1990, the Bagri Foundation is committed to individual excellence in the arts. It works collaboratively across artistic disciplines to engage and inspire, raising the visibility of artists and experts from across Asia and the Diaspora.

As a Bagri Foundation Scholar at Trinity Laban, Xiaodi Zhao will continue to cultivate her distinct and individual artistic voice through performance, mentoring and collaboration to confidently enter the music world with a highly evolved professional profile and portfolio.

Alka Bagri, Trustee of the Bagri Foundation says – “In our pursuit of nurturing learning, creativity, and artistic excellence, the Bagri Foundation is delighted to offer cellist Xiaodi Zhao the opportunity to advance her education with Trinity Laban.”

On being awarded the scholarship, Xiaodi Zhao comments – “I am very honoured to receive the Bargi Scholarship – this will really help me with studying for my Artist Diploma. I’m very much looking forward to collaborating with other professional artists at Trinity Laban, including dancers as well as musicians. It will be a great experience!”