Julia Choi, Violin

Korean-American violinist Julia Ahyoung Choi joined the First Violin section of The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in the 2019 season. Prior to her appointment with the MET, she performed extensively with The Philadelphia Orchestra, has been seen in performances with the New York Philharmonic, Montclair Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and has appeared as Guest Assistant Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Ms. Choi has also served as the Concertmaster, Principal Second, and other leadership positions for the Juilliard Orchestra, Juilliard Opera, New York String Orchestra Seminar, Music Academy Festival Orchestra, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, and the Manhattan Chamber Sinfonia.

A versatile and well-rounded musician, Ms. Choi enjoys a varied musical career of solo, chamber, and orchestral appearances throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Ms. Choi has been recognized and praised for her “narrative sweep and involving performance” (NY Times), and “delightful idiosyncrasy” (The Classical Source). She was a co-founding member of the Hyon Trio, with Kevin Ahfat on piano and her sister Jennifer Choi on cello, who made their Alice Tully Hall debut in 2015. Together with her sister, a cellist currently with the Dallas Symphony, Ms. Choi has performed the Brahms Double Concerto in Santa Barbara, and presented several duo recitals throughout New York City. Ms. Choi has premiered works as a member of the New Juilliard Ensemble and AXIOM, and has collaborated with various groups in New York City, including the Korea Society, Manhattan Chamber Players, BalletX, OnSite Opera, Scandinavia House Events, Music on Park Avenue, and Music for Life International.

Ms. Choi has spent her summers performing at the Verbier Festival, Artosphere Festival, Aspen Music Festival, 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 third-generation educator, Ms. Choi has served for three years as a Teaching Assistant in the Ear Training Department for both the College and Pre-College Divisions at The Juilliard School, alongside Mary Anthony Cox, Dr. Kyle Blaha, and Dr. Wayne Oquin. She has taught and led coachings for NYC Music School, Juilliard Pre-College, and Friends with Music. Ms. Choi has maintained a private violin studio for over a decade, with student accomplishments including regional competitions, orchestral auditions, and acceptance to Pre-College programs throughout NYC.

A native of New Jersey, Ms. Choi began her studies at the Juilliard Pre-College Division, and went on to receive her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Glenn Dicterow, Sylvia Rosenberg, and Sally Thomas. She was generously awarded the Juilliard Alumni Scholarship and the Irene Diamond Graduate Scholarship for her studies. In 2017, Ms. Choi earned a Professional Studies Degree in Orchestral Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, studying with Glenn Dicterow and Lisa Kim of the New York Philharmonic.