Elaine Zhang, age 16, is a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. She began studying the cello at age 10. A National Symphony Orchestra Youth

Fellow since 2024, Elaine has appeared as a soloist with the Richmond Symphony, Montgomery Symphony Orchestra, Old Dominion University Symphony Orchestra, American Youth Philharmonic, and American Youth Concert Orchestra. She has performed throughout the Washington, D.C. region, including at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Anthem, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Building Museum, and the Embassy of Hungary.

Elaine has also been a member of the Northeast Virginia Senior Regional and Virginia All-State Orchestras and has participated in masterclasses with renowned cellists Alban Gerhardt, Colin Carr, and Pablo Ferrández.

Committed to sharing music with her community, Elaine serves as Chief Intern with the Tacy Foundation, where she founded and leads concerts at Sunrise of Falls Church.

Outside of music, Elaine is an avid writer. Her work has earned a National Gold Medal in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards and recognition from The New York Times.