Internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi will inaugurate the 2024-2025 Visiting Violin Series at SUNY Fredonia by conducting a master class followed by a guest artist recital.
Chooi, who serves as concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and has earned top honors in prestigious competitions including the Queen Elisabeth and Tchaikovsky competitions, will host the master class on Thursday, September 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. The guest artist recital will follow at 8 p.m. Both activities will take place at the Juliet J. Rosch Recital Hall and are open to the public without charge.
“My intention in establishing the Visiting Violin Series was to bring outstanding, innovative violinists with extensive musical and entrepreneurial expertise to offer master classes, interactive workshops, and performances for students at Fredonia,” explained Assistant Professor Jessica Tong. “This initiative exposes students to a wider musical landscape beyond their regular curriculum.”
Chooi is celebrated for performances marked by emotional intensity and lyrical sensitivity. Gramophone magazine notes his playing is characterized by “total conviction and assurance.”
Jessica Tong remarked, “Nikki is an extraordinary violinist who has garnered awards at nearly every major international violin competition. Equally impressive is his humble and approachable nature.”
In addition to his role with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Chooi is a highly sought-after guest concertmaster, having performed with orchestras in cities including Boston, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, Houston, and with the Macao Orchestra in China. He is a first prize recipient of the Montreal Symphony’s Manulife Competition as well as the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.
A dedicated educator, Chooi has led master classes at institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music, the New England Conservatory’s Morningside Music Program, San Francisco Conservatory, Orchestra of the Americas Academy, Sphinx Academy, Hong Kong Cultural Center, and the University of Auckland. His own formal education was completed at both the Curtis Institute and The Juilliard School.
Chooi holds American and Canadian citizenship and has recorded under distinguished labels including Naxos, Beau Fleuve, Atoll, and Decca.
Echoing his commitment to enriching student learning, Tong reiterated, “The Visiting Violin Series is designed to introduce Fredonia students to a broad spectrum of musical perspectives through master classes, workshops, and performances by leading violinists.”
The String House, based in Rochester, New York, and sponsor of Chooi’s visit, will also host a “visit the luthier” event on September 26 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Mason Hall lobby, offering a showcase of instruments and accessories.
Upcoming with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Chooi’s performances at Kleinhans Music Hall include concerts scheduled for September 28; October 11 and 13; November 9, 10, 22, and 23; and December 13 and 14.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
