Yonhee Chang
First Violin
Yonhee Chang earned a Master of Music degree in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Ian Swensen. Born in Seoul, she received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Yonsei University. She won the Night of Concertos Competition and made her solo debut. She was named "one of the New Musicians of 1992” by the Seoul Solisten. After performing with the Fairfax Symphony and Maryland Symphony in US from 2000 to 2005, she immigrated to Canada, where she performed with the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony from 2006 to 2009 and the Kitchener- Waterloo Chamber Orchestra. She also has appeared at The Music Room in Waterloo, presented by the Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Music Society, and at the Rose Theatre with support from the Brampton Arts Council. Since 2013, she has been a member of the Guelph Symphony Orchestra.
What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
A friend inspired me to play violin and become a Orchestra member.
Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
One of my most memorable experiences was winning my first concerto competition and performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto with an orchestra.
How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
I pray that I will truly enjoy making music. Physically, I rest well, stretch, and warm up carefully before going on stage.
What is the most challenging piece of music you've ever performed, and what did you learn from the experience?
Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto in D major. It reminds me that true success requires tireless perseverance.
If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be and why?
Berlin Philharmonie-The Berlin Philharmonie is famous for its unique “vineyard-style” seating arrangement.
Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
Bach. I love playing Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin
How do you balance the demands of practice and performance with your personal life?
I make time for family, exercise, and rest. Maintaining balance helps me bring more energy and focus to my music.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Work hard, be patient, and enjoy the journey.
Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
One of my funniest orchestra memories was arriving at rehearsal with only my music stand and realizing I had left my violin behind. I borrowed an extra instrument and played the rehearsal with the conductor right in front of me and Jose sitting beside me. Fortunately, everything worked out, and now I can laugh about it.
What role does collaboration play in your musical life, and how has it enriched your experiences?
Listening to others and working together to create harmony is an essential part of music, and it is equally important in my everyday life.
How do you approach interpreting a new piece of music for the first time?
I analyze how the main theme’s fundamental notes and rhythmic patterns develop throughout the piece.
If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Brahms. I imagine a dinner party with him would be as romantic and rich as his music.
What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
The most rewarding aspect is creating with others that I could never make alone.
What is your favourite GSO memory? When the GSO celebrated its 25th anniversary
Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play? piano
Besides your musical career, what other passions or occupations do you pursue?Teaching
What is your favourite food/book/movie/guilty pleasure?
dumpling/Bible/adventure movie/ golfing
Do you have a current SideQuest? My current side quest is improving my golf game
Favourite travel destination or place to visit? Korea
What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
Sharing music with many talented musicians
If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
I would probably be an athlete.