Jazz Articles about May Yu

About May Yu

Interview

Jazz Journeys: A Conversation with Violinist May Yu

by Kurt Ellenberger
June 3, 2026

In New York City's crowded and competitive music scene, All About Jazz encountered in May (Tianyang) Yu, a violinist whose deep classical foundation, serious jazz language, and improvisational imagination have quickly placed her in professional settings with leading artists including Darcy James Argue. Ingrid Jensen, Erena Terakubo, Misha Piatigorsky, Peter Slavov, Chris Wabich, and recently opening for Warner Records pop artist, Nessa Barrett. All About Jazz sat down for a conversation with May about her musical and personal background, her ...

The Jazz Life

May Yu and the Evolving Voice of the Jazz Violin

by Kyle Simpler
May 7, 2026

On April 19, 2026, violinist May (Tianyang) Yu performed at NYU Skirball as part of To the Stars and Night, a gala event that included a string quartet piece commissioned by China's Ministry of Culture and developed by the Central Conservatory of Music. The production brought together institutional Chinese arts programming, conservatory-level training, and a contemporary New York performance venue. Within that setting, Yu stood out for her command of both classical performance and jazz improvisation. ...