Tyler Xiao and Max Tao's Graduation Concert

Come celebrate Tyler Xiao and Max Tao's Graduation Concert!

Date: August 10th, 2024

Location: 1717 Morena Blvd

Meet Tyler Xiao and Max Tao, two classically trained cellists who recently graduated from high school. Throughout middle and high school, Tyler and Max bonded over their hobby of playing the cello in the AmeriCal Symphony, the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra, and chamber music rehearsals at their homes.

Inspired by YouTube sensations 2Cellos and The Piano Guys, Tyler and Max will conclude their high school music career with a pop-inspired graduation concert. Audience members should expect unexpected use of instrumental techniques, choices, etc. Music may include selections from the movie Titanic, songs by Ed Sheeran, popular songs from recently released movies, and much more. Tyler's brother Alex Xiao, another cellist, will also accompany them.

Just last year, Max's mother was diagnosed with an early stage of cancer. After a year of chemotherapy, a difficult recovery, and prayers, we are grateful that she is on the road to recovery. To help others affected in our Southern California community, all profits from the concert will be donated to the Herald Cancer Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit chosen by Max's mother that focuses on providing aid to treat and support those with cancer.

High school graduates of the class of 2024 may message the event organizers for discounted tickets.

Tyler and Max dedicate this concert to their families, mentors, and fellow class of 2024 students. They are the great people who brought them to where they are today.

Tyler Xiao has been playing the cello for ten years and is one of the principal cellists of the Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra. As a cellist, he has won 1st place in the VOCE Southern Region twice in a row and advanced to the state final. Outside of playing the cello, he runs cross country, codes projects, and watches movies with his brother, Alex. Tyler recently developed an iOS App called, “Grow & Give,” an app to boost student productivity and also received 2nd Place in the Virtual Global Hackathon, developing a prototype app that integrates Uber/Lyft with public transportation services. This coming fall, Tyler will begin his undergraduate studies majoring in Computer Science and Engineering at UCLA.

​Max Tao has been playing the cello for nine years and is a persistent member of MMYO Advanced Orchestra. He has served as the principal cellist and assistant principal cellist for the Chamber Orchestra of Canyon Crest Academy in his sophomore and junior years respectively. Additionally, he has been honored to win prestigious awards like getting 3rd place in the 2022 San Diego Young Cellist Competition and 1st place in the American Protege International Music Talent Competition to perform at the Carnegie Hall. Max's favorite part of playing the cello is being able to collaborate with other dedicated musicians along with contributing back to the community through performing all themes of music. He is an incoming freshman at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with plans to major in Information Systems.

Alex Xiao is 16 years-old, a rising high school senior, and has been playing the cello for 10 years. He plays in the MMYO Advanced Orchestra and enjoys running and playing badminton in his spare time.

Host or Publisher Tyler Xiao and Max Tao