Praised by the New York Times for her “narrative sweep and involving performance” and lauded by The Classical Source for her “delightful idiosyncrasy,” violinist Julia Choi is recognized for her versatility and artistry. In her strive to be a versatile and well-rounded musician, her musical endeavors span solo, chamber, and orchestral appearances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
Ms. Choi joined the First Violin section of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2019. Her distinguished career prior to this appointment includes performances with leading ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Montclair Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared as Guest Assistant Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Choi ‘s leadership experience is extensive, having held prominent roles as the Concertmaster and Principal Second with the Juilliard Orchestra, Juilliard Opera, New York String Orchestra Seminar, Music Academy Festival Orchestra, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and the Manhattan Chamber Sinfonia.
Ms. Choi is a co-founder of the Hyon Trio, which includes pianist Kevin Ahfat and her sister Jennifer Choi on cello. The trio made its memorable debut at Alice Tully Hall in 2015. With her sister, a cellist with the Dallas Symphony, she has performed the Brahms Double Concerto in Santa Barbara, and presented numerous duo recitals in New York City. Ms. Choi has also premiered works as a member of the New Juilliard Ensemble and AXIOM, and regularly collaborated with various New York City groups, including the Korea Society, Manhattan Chamber Players, BalletX, OnSite Opera, Scandinavia House Events, Music on Park Avenue, and Music for Life International.
This season, Ms. Choi will perform in chamber music recitals including a harp trio recital titled “The Ties that Bind” for Fine Arts Chamber Players, and a duo recital, “American” for the Charles Ives Music Festival with pianist Mika Sasaki . She continues to collaborate with her esteemed Met colleagues, bringing innovative programs to Carnegie’s Weill Hall each season.
Her forthcoming CD album, set for a 2024 release on Azica Records, features trios for harp, violin, and cello and includes works by Henriette Renié, Reena Esmail, and Angélica Negrón. Ms. Choi will perform on this album alongside cellist Christine Lamprea and harpist Emily Levin. The harp trio has performed in Dallas and San Juan.
Ms. Choi’s summer engagements have included prestigious festivals such as Verbier, Artosphere, Charles Ives Music Festival, Aspen, Music Academy of the West, Spoleto Festival USA, Great Mountains Music Festival, and Meadowmount School of Music. She is also a prizewinner of competitions including the LISMA International, NJ ASTA, Music Academy Concerto, and Caprio Young Artists Competitions.
A native of New Jersey, Ms. Choi began her intensive studies with Sally Thomas at the Juilliard Pre-College Division, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the Juilliard School under the guidance of Glenn Dicterow, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Sally Thomas. She was awarded the Juilliard Alumni Scholarship and the Irene Diamond Graduate Scholarship for her studies. Ms. Choi earned a Professional Studies Degree in Orchestral Performance in 2017 from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Glenn Dicterow and Lisa Kim of the New York Philharmonic.
In addition to her performance career, Ms. Choi is a dedicated educator. She is currently on faculty at Manhattan School of Music’s Pre-College Division, and is part of the Artist-Faculty with Charles Ives Music Festival in Ridgefield, CT. A third-generation teacher, she has given masterclasses at University of Denver, DePaul University, Orchestra of the Americas, Pontifical Universidad Católica de Chile, and Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico. She frequently adjudicates for Juilliard Orchestra auditions, and various regional competitions. Previously, she was a Teaching Assistant of the Ear Training Department at Juilliard for both the College and Pre-College Divisions for three years, with Mary Anthony Cox, Dr. Kyle Blaha, and Dr. Wayne Oquin. Ms. Choi has taught and led coachings for Juilliard Pre-College, NYC Music School, and Friends with Music. With over a decade of private teaching experience, her students have achieved notable successes in regional competitions, orchestral auditions, and acceptance to Pre-College programs throughout NYC.
Born in Korea, she was raised and is currently based in New Jersey and New York City.