Alysa Liao
Description
Born in Taipei, Taiwan, in 2010, Alysa began studying piano at the age of five and started playing harmonica at seven. Since the age of nine, she has focused on the chromatic harmonica under the guidance of Chaoteng Chang.
In 2023, Alysa won 1st Prize in the Solo Chromatic Open Category at the Taiwan Harmonica Music Festival. In 2025, she was awarded 3rd Prize in Solo Chromatic, Youth Category at the World Harmonica Festival 2025, becoming the first Taiwanese performer to place among the top three in this category. At the same festival, she also achieved remarkable success in the Open Category, winning 1st Prize with 111 Duo and 2nd Prize with 111 Quintet.
Since co-founding 111 Trio in 2022, Alysa has explored the expressive possibilities of the chromatic harmonica in chamber music and cross-instrument collaboration. In 2025, the ensemble expanded into 111 Quintet for the World Harmonica Festival and later presented Twin Triumph, an award-winning concert in May 2026. In June 2026, Alysa performed with the Mark Wu Tango Quintet in Voices of Reeds • Island Tango at the House of Friendship of the Rotary International Convention in Taipei.
Alysa currently studies with Chaoteng Chang. She has also received coaching in musical interpretation and stage performance from Korean harmonica virtuoso Jongseong Park (박종성). In the field of tango music, she continues to work with Taiwanese bandoneon master Mark Wu (Wu Yung-lung), broadening both her artistic vision and musical versatility.
Artist's Words
“My first handcrafted harmonica was the Laelaps 48 Stellar. Whether in solo performance, chamber music with cello and piano, or collaborations with orchestra, this 12-hole instrument consistently delivers the sound quality I seek as a lead performer. Its clarity and projection in the upper register are particularly impressive and have often received enthusiastic praise from orchestra musicians.
“I later began using the Laelaps 64x Stellar (16-hole, double reed plates) and became deeply fond of its warm and richly layered tone. During the 2025 World Harmonica Festival, the 64x Stellar accompanied me throughout all competitions and performances, proving to be a remarkably reliable partner on stage.
“I am sincerely grateful to the Laelaps makers for understanding my artistic needs and tonal preferences, and for recommending the instruments that suit me best. Their craftsmanship empowers me to realise the sound I imagine across different musical settings and ensemble combinations.”
