Today we’d like to introduce you to Hua Zhang.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in a non-musicial family, it was always my mom’s dream to play the violin and that’s why I started playing the violin from three and half years old. It wasn’t our intention to go on a professional path, but when I was 8 years old my violin teacher at the time recommended me to try to audition for elementary school affliated to shanghai conservatory of music because she thought I was talented. I prepared hard for it and I got in. And that’s how my path was decided, I’m going to be a professional violinist. I participated in my first ever competition in 2014 and won the third prize at the Hong Kong International String Competition. When it was time to consider where to go for colalge, I wanted to continue to pursue my career in the united states because of the numbers of world-class conservatories, opportunity to study with internationally renowned faculty, and an environment that welcomes diversity and encourages individual identity. My dream came true when I got a full scholarship offer from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where I studied under Prof. Kevork Mardirossian. I worked on perfectioning my technique, developing my own artistic approach to music. I started going to competitions when I was ready. I won Lima Symphony’s Young Artist Competition. I was semi-finalist for Irving Klein International String Competition and Washington International String Competition. In Sofia, Bulgaria, I won the second prize and best performance of Pancho Vladigerov’s Work at Pancho Vladigerov International Violin Competition. I also received different grants and additional scholarships at IU. I led different IU orchestras as concertmaster, worked with world-famous conductor such as Carl St Clair, Thomas Wilkins, Krzysztof Penderecki, Giancarlo Guerrero etc. I’m passionate about Chamber music. I was a regular participant at Seiji Ozawa’s Chamber Music Academy Okushiga 2015-2019. I was a past member of the famous Cong Quartet based in Hong Kong. My quartet studied under Grammy winner Pacifica Quartet’s member, our notable performance include the IU Northwest Chancellor Installation Ceremony, premeire of Fever Candelight Series in Indianapolis, Gentri performance in Vincennces, IN. I hold a Bacholors, Masters and Artist Diploma in violin performance at Indiana University. Now I’m devoting my time into nurturing and cultivating the younger generation of musician. I also perform regularly with my duo partner Abraham Zhang
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I was very lucky to receive many help along the way from my teachers and friends. I would say it was quite smooth until I got injured due to playing too much. It took a year for me to go back to playing again. There was a lot of PTs, doctor visits, all different kinds of tests and a lot of feeling of despair, but I made it through and when I started playing again, I felt better than ever. The experience of almost can’t do what I love and what I’m so good at made me appreciate and cherish being able to play the violin again. I approach music differenly and I felt like I took a big step forward, became a more mature artist
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As someone who has played the violin for more than 24 years, music is an essential part of my life. It’s what I love and what I’m good at. As a concert violinist, I have appeared on international stages in concert halls across North America, Europe, and Asia. Such as Shanghai Oriental Art Center; Shanghai Concert Hall. Suntory hall, Kioi Hall, National Community Hall Dobri Yoynikov. As a chamber musician, I had to honor to work closely with world-class conductor Seiji Ozawa, founder of the Tokyo quartet Harada Sadao, and grammy winning quartet Pacifica quartet.
Here’s a couple things that sets me apart from other violinists. First is my impeccable technique, how I can make something techniquelly challenging sounds and looks easy. With years of hard work and technical training I had I can tackle any piece in a short period of time no matter how difficult it is. Second is how I communicate with the audience with my instruments. I love making connections and music allows to speak to audience in a way that cannot be substituted with words. My sound has the power to quiet busy minds and bring people in. I always give my whole heart out no matter if I’m performing for just one people or a concert hall full of people. I believe sincerity is the most important thing when making music, far more important than playing something perfectly. Only when you’re honest with yourself, with the music and open yourself up to all the possibilities, magic happens in the moment and music becomes more powerful than ever. Last is my insightful interpertation of music from different periods and different backgrounds. When I learn a piece, I not only learn the notes and what’s on the music. I dig deep into what’s behind the music. What is going on historically? what is happening in composer’s life when he wrote the music? what’s the art/philosophy trends at the time? These information help me shape my interpretation. With my ability to adapt technical skills to fit the musical expression (left hand – legato between the notes, fast or slow vibrato, attact of the finger. right hand – control of bow speed, weight, contact point and bow strokes), I create something unique and personal.
Upon graduation I split my career into teaching and performing. I play concert with my duo partner Abraham Zhang regularly. I meet new friends and make future performing plan, hopefully more chamber music. At the same time I enjoy working with my students and help them discover themselves and explore in the musical world on top of my performing schedule.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Playing the violin is not a sprint, but a marathon. It’s not about competing with others—it’s about challenging yourself to grow, day by day. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to make peace with the rhythm of the journey: sometimes you move fast, sometimes slow, and sometimes you need to rest. But you never give up, you never stop learning, and you keep showing up for what you love. Progress takes patience, and it’s the joy of music that carries you through the long road ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://huazhangviolin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/huazzz.violin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huazzz.violin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@huazhang603
