The 11th Annual YOU Awards International brings together distinguished artists and cultural leaders in recognition of creative excellence and global artistic impact.

Atlanta-based musician and artistic director Yao Lu will present a featured live performance on the guzheng, one of the most expressive instruments in the traditional Chinese repertoire. Known for her refined musical language and cross-genre collaborations, Yao Lu continues to expand the presence of traditional instruments within contemporary international performance contexts.

Her appearance at this year’s awards reflects an ongoing artistic journey dedicated to innovation, cultural dialogue, and the evolving voice of global music traditions. Through nuanced interpretation and modern sonic aesthetics, the performance invites audiences into a space where heritage and imagination meet.

This special presentation forms part of a broader vision to bridge cultures through sound, education, and creative performance experiences.