Jonathan Kuo
Violin
Jonathan has performed with the Stavanger Symfoniorkester in Norway and New World Symphony in Miami Beach. His music festival experience includes Astoria, Aspen, Britten-Pears, Music Masters Course Japan, Pacific, and Schleswig-Holstein.
What do you want patrons of the Symphony to know about you?
Most people don’t know that my first instrument was the piano with violin following shortly after, or that I played the flute from fourth to eighth grade. During my second year of undergrad, I also played the viola in my string quartet, but my primary focus was always the violin.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals or routines?
Naps are great! (if I can find the time).
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician?
I was very fortunate to grow up in a Mandarin Chinese and English speaking household so I loved learning foreign languages. Because of that, I would probably be working as a translator or teacher in some capacity if I wasn’t a professional musician.
What teacher, mentor or other influencer inspired you the most?
My violin teacher in high school, Ms. Lu-Bin Yu.
What do you do in your spare time?
Run, exercise and explore the nearby nature opportunities.
What has been your favorite moment on stage?
Violins of Hope
Who is your favorite composer?
J.S. Bach
Education
Bachelor of Music from the Juilliard School with Mr. Masao Kawasaki and Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music with Ms. Yoko Takebe. Private studies in high school with Ms. Lu-Bin Yu and Ms. Bing Wang.