Dr. Wei Cheng is the Director of the Choral Program and an Associate Professor of Teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, Department of Music. She oversees the UCB Chamber Chorus, University Chorus, Vocal Program, and conducting instruction. For her outstanding contributions, she has been named the Virginia Chan Lew Distinguished Professor in Music for 2023-2028, following her tenure as the Jerry and Evelyn Hemmings Chambers Distinguished Professor in Music from 2020-2023. Originally from Beijing, China, Dr. Cheng earned her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in choral conducting from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati.
Recipient of the Dale Warland Conducting Award from the American Prize, Dr. Cheng is revered as an accomplished performer, educator, clinician, and adjudicator, engaging musicians across the USA and China. Her choirs have embarked on numerous international tours, collaborating with renowned musicians and ensembles such as the Ethel String Quartet, Phillippe Entremont, the Munich Symphony Orchestra, and Essa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra (London). Under her guidance, the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus won the American Prize in 2022 (college division), attesting to Dr. Cheng's commitment to excellence in choral performance.
Dr. Cheng's primary professional focus lies in China, where she serves as Principal Guest Conductor of the Beijing Harmonia Choir and frequently conducts the Young People’s Chamber Choir at the National Center for Performing Arts in Beijing. She has also led residencies at prestigious institutions such as the China National Opera House and the Lanzhou Performing Arts Group. Additionally, she guest conducted the Stara-Zagora Opera Chorus and Orchestra in Bulgaria and was invited guest teaching by the Portugal Choral Association.
As a clinician, Dr. Cheng has worked with diverse age groups, from children's choirs to conservatory-level ensembles, in both the USA and China. Her expertise includes contemporary choral repertoire, conducting pedagogy, and the advancement of choral music in China. Committed to promoting Western choral traditions in China, she has served as a guest lecturer and conducting master teacher at prestigious conservatories. Additionally, Dr. Cheng has adjudicated numerous contests and presented at conferences at the state, national, and international levels, further solidifying her reputation as a leader and innovator in the choral community.