In this episode with SongHa Choi, one of the most compelling violinists of her generation, The Founder Spirit sits down to explore her remarkable journey from South Korea to the global stage. More than a critically acclaimed violinist, SongHa is an artist with a creative, personal voice. And believe or not, she is only 25-years old, and is wise far beyond her years!

Discover how her diverse musical experiences and cultural immersion have shaped her unique artistic voice. Listen as she shares insights into her rigorous practice routines, the influence of her family, and the challenges of pursuing a career as a soloist. This conversation also delves into the intersection of art and nature, highlighting the transformative power of music.

What inner drive propelled SongHa to international fame so early in her career? TUNE IN to this conversation & find out.

Described by The Times as "mesmerising: full of passion, imagination, and daring," South Korean violinist SongHa Choi has established herself as one of the most compelling violinists of her generation. A laureate of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition (2024), she has garnered international acclaim through numerous recent accolades, including the Prix Reyl at the Verbier Festival (2024) and the Ana Chumachenco Award at the Kronberg Festival (2023).​

SongHa’s artistry has been recognized with multiple honors at the Concours Musical International de Montréal (2023), where she was awarded Second Prize, Audience Choice Award, Best Interpretation of a Sonata, and Best Performance of a Commissioned Canadian Work. She has also secured top prizes at renowned international competitions, including the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition (2016), Premio Rodolfo Lipizer International Violin Competition (2020), and Windsor Festival String Competition (2021).​

As a soloist, SongHa has collaborated with major orchestras worldwide, including the Belgian National Orchestra, Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, Orchestra Sinfonica del Friuli Venezia Giulia, and numerous leading South Korean ensembles such as the KBS Symphony Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Daegu Symphony Orchestra, and Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra.​

Her solo performances have graced prestigious stages such as the Berliner Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Wigmore Hall and Royal Festival Hall in London, Palais des Beaux-Arts (Bozar) in Brussels, Maison Symphonique in Montreal, Seoul Arts Centre, and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

​A sought-after chamber musician and festival artist, SongHa has appeared at renowned festivals including the Verbier Festival, Gstaad Menuhin Festival, Kronberg Festival, Krzyżowa Music Festival, and the Davos World Economic Forum. Her festival engagements have taken her across Europe, Asia, and North America, showcasing her versatility and depth in both solo and collaborative settings. She has been featured on international platforms such as BBC Radio 3, Medici TV, Classic FM, Bulgarian National Radio, Deutschlandfunk Kultur, NPO Klassiek and RAI Italia Radio.

SongHa’s education reflects her deep commitment to musical excellence. After completing her studies at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School in the UK under Professor Lutsia Ibragimova, she continues her training at the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin with Professor Kolja Blacher. She performs on a violin generously loaned by the Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben.

Takeaways:

• Her family's musical background and her mother's encouragement played a significant role in her development.
• SongHa emphasizes the importance of diverse musical experiences and cultural immersion.
• She discusses the challenges and rewards of a solo career in music.
• SongHa values the freedom to express her unique artistic voice.
• SongHa's experiences at the Yehudi Menuhin School and Hochschule in Berlin were pivotal in her development.
• She aspires to continue sharing the magic of music with audiences worldwide.

‍Personal Links:

• Website:  https://www.songhachoi.com/about
• YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@songha.violin
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/choi_duo/?hl=en