Yuxuan Zhang
viola
Hometown: Beijing, China
Alma maters: University of Houston, 2024; Indiana University, 2018; Kent State University, 2015
Photo credit
Appearances
Houston Repertoire Ballet Orchestra, 2024; Texas Music Festival, 2024; Texas New Music Ensemble, 2022; Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, 2016–17, National Repertoire Orchestra, 2016; Canton Symphony Orchestra, 2013–14; Aspen Music Festival, 2012–14
What is your earliest memory of classical music?
When I was a child, I watched a recording on TV of Herbert von Karajan conducting Anne-Sophie Mutter performing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, which is my earliest memory of classical music.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
I was incredibly fortunate to have studied with many distinguished viola professors, such as Wayne Brooks, Atar Arad, and others. They not only taught me techniques but also guided me on how to practice independently and develop my own musical interpretation. They all played vital roles in my journey of learning the violin, but the teacher who had the most profound impact on me was the one I studied with when I was just 12 years old and still playing the violin.
What made you decide to become a musician? Was there a particular performance or person that influenced your decision?
When I was 12 years old, I studied violin with Professor Zhao Wei from the Central Conservatory of Music in China. She was a very kind elderly lady who placed great importance on nurturing her students’ passion for music during lessons. She told me that she felt incredibly lucky to have found something she truly loved and to be able to build a career around it. Later, when I was considering what path to pursue in the future, her words resonated with me again. I couldn’t imagine my life without classical music, so I decided to pursue a path as a musician.
How did you hear about TŌN? What inspired you to apply?
I came across TŌN’s post on Musical Chairs and later discussed it with my professor Wayne Brooks at the University of Houston. He thought it was an excellent program, so I decided to apply.
What is the most memorable performance you ever had?
When I performed Berlioz’s Symphonie fantastique at the Aspen Music Festival, it was my first time playing such a large-scale symphony alongside many professional musicians. That remains my most memorable performance and the experience that made me want to become an orchestra musician.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
What is a surprising part of playing your instrument that you think most people don’t know?
As a violist, I can’t count how many times I’ve had to tell people I play “the bigger violin”.
What is the biggest challenge and/or surprise about playing in an orchestra?
For me, the most challenging part of playing in an orchestra is listening to the other parts simultaneously, reacting quickly, and blending my sound with the rest of the section.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Take music theory class more seriously and practice with a metronome!