The Howard Performing Arts Center will welcome Junqi, or Sophie, Tang, an internationally acclaimed violinist and professor, this Sunday, Nov. 16, from 4-5:30 p.m. An assistant professor of violin at the Irving S. Gilmore School of Music at Western Michigan University, Tang’s musical journey began in Beijing, where she earned her Bachelor of Music at Renmin University of China under Hsiaowei Chen. She later completed her Master of Music at the University of Southern California and her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, studying under Kurt Sassmannshaus.
Tang’s performances have spanned major orchestras and festivals worldwide, including the Cincinnati Symphony, the National Arts Center Orchestra in Ottawa and the Toledo Symphony, among others. As a chamber musician, she was also the founding violinist of the Cincinnatus String Quartet. Tang is also the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival and serves as music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. Her list of accolades includes first prize at the 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival and top honors at the Schoenfeld International String Competition.
In addition to her achievements on stage, Tang has spent over a decade shaping the next generation of musicians, as her teaching career includes positions at the University of Toledo, the Starling Preparatory Program and the Great Wall International Music Academy in Beijing. Many of her students have gone on to win top prizes in international competitions and receive scholarships to prestigious institutions such as the Aspen Music Festival and the Tianjin Juilliard School.
The upcoming concert will offer a glimpse into Tang’s artistic vision, and for listeners, it’s an invitation to witness not just her performance but her impact in the arts in Cincinnati. Admission to the concert is free, and all are invited to attend. Whether you are a long-time classical music enthusiast or want to explore live string music for the first time, Junqi Sophie Tang’s recital promises an elegant and captivating performance.
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