Guangwei Fan is the Second Trombonist of the Louisville Orchestra and the Glimmerglass Festival Orchestra. He has performed with renowned ensembles including The Cleveland Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony, and the Macao Orchestra, as well as the New World Symphony as a fellow. Fan’s festival appearances include the Spoleto Festival USA, Pacific Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra and the National Orchestral Institute, where he contributed to a Grammy-nominated recording. Fan has worked with conductors such as Teddy Abrams, Michael Tilson Thomas, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Stéphane Denève and Valery Gergiev, among others. As a soloist, he was the co-winner of the Larry Wiehe Tenor Trombone Competition at the 2020 International Trombone Festival. Fan earned his Bachelor of Music from Curtis Institute of Music, where he studied with Nitzan Haroz, Matthew Vaughn, Blair Bollinger and Craig Knox.
What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?
One of the aspects I enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra is the orchestra’s incredible sense of community and collaboration. Under the leadership of Teddy Abrams, there’s an innovative and forward-thinking approach to programming, which keeps every performance exciting. The orchestra pushes boundaries, whether it’s through performing modern compositions or reinterpreting the classics in fresh ways.
In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?
The Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community by continuing its efforts to foster inclusivity and access to the arts. Through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and free or low-cost but very approachable performances, the orchestra can bring classical music to underserved areas, creating more opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience and enjoy live orchestral performances.
What is your favorite type of orchestral music to perform, and why?
One of my favorite types of orchestral music to perform is Romantic-era repertoire, especially works by composers like Mahler, Strauss, Brahms and Tchaikovsky. This period is full of emotional depth and dramatic intensity, which allows the trombone section to shine with both lyrical beauty and powerful resonance.
Who is your favorite composer or musician?
Michael Tilson Thomas
Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?
One of the most meaningful performances I’ve had with the Louisville Orchestra was playing Mozart’s Requiem under the direction of Eric Whitacre. This piece has always been powerful, but Whitacre’s interpretation brought a unique emotional intensity to the performance. I had the honor of playing the solo trombone part in the Tuba Mirum section, which was an incredible experience.
What are some things that inspire you as a musician?
I am deeply inspired by my parents, who have surrounded me with music and the arts throughout my life. My father, a singer with a passion for classical music and a skilled photographer, taught me the importance of emotional connection in performance and how to capture beauty, whether through sound or imagery. My mother, a dancer and piano teacher, instilled in me discipline, rhythm, and precision. Their combined influence shaped my artistic journey, teaching me to approach music with both expression and technical mastery, and they continue to inspire me as a musician today.
What do you love most about being part of the Louisville community?
What I love most about being part of the Louisville community is its strong sense of connection and support for the arts. There’s a genuine enthusiasm here for cultural events and performances, which makes it an inspiring place to perform.
What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?
One unique and fun fact about me is that, aside from being a professional trombonist, I’m also a passionate photographer. I especially enjoy taking headshots for musicians and capturing the energy of concerts and live events. It’s a way for me to blend my love for music with visual storytelling, and it offers a different creative outlet where I can see things from a different perspective—literally. Another interesting aspect is my love for learning languages. Right now, I’m diving into Japanese, which has been an exciting challenge. This mix of music, photography, and language learning gives me a well-rounded way to engage with the world around me.
What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?
Outside of my work with the Louisville Orchestra, one of my main hobbies is photography. I enjoy capturing both headshots for musicians and concert/event photography, as it allows me to combine my love for music with visual art. There’s something special about being able to freeze a moment of performance, preserving the energy and emotion in a single image. I also have a passion for learning languages. Currently, I’m learning Japanese, which has been a fascinating and rewarding challenge. Exploring new languages opens up different cultures and perspectives, and I find it to be a great way to continually expand my understanding of the world.
How do you stay connected with the community outside of your performances?
I stay connected with the Louisville community in several ways outside of my performances. One of my favorite ways is through my passion for photography, especially in capturing headshots for fellow musicians and doing concert/event photography around town. This gives me a unique opportunity to connect with other artists and creative individuals outside the concert hall. Additionally, I enjoy engaging with local schools and educational programs, sharing my experiences and helping inspire the next generation of musicians. I also love exploring Louisville’s vibrant cultural scene, whether it’s attending local events or simply enjoying the community’s welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Favorite orchestral work?
Mozart Requiem, Mahler Symphony No. 2, Strauss Eine Alpensinfonie.
What's on your playlist (what song are you currently into)?
Rickie-G Roots in Sync