Date: 14 July 2025
Institution: SOAS University of London

Dr Cheng Yu has been officially appointed as Professor of Practice at SOAS University of London, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Chinese music, performance, and cross-cultural education.

In the appointment letter issued by the Executive Board of SOAS, Prof. Cheng is welcomed as an honorary member of the academic staff in the Department of Music, where she will continue to contribute her professional expertise to research, outreach, and international collaboration.

Reflecting on this milestone, Prof. Cheng Yu wrote:

I was deeply honoured to receive this letter from the Vice Dean of SOAS. Since arriving in the UK, SOAS has been like an invisible magnet drawing me closer over the years. From a young musician fresh from the Beijing Chinese Orchestra—barely speaking English—to completing my Master’s, PhD, and Postdoctoral studies, and teaching at SOAS… I am truly grateful for this recognition and for the support of my family. I will continue to dedicate myself to the music I love — Chinese music.