Christoph Chung, Viola

Canadian violist Christoph Chung began his musical journey at the age of two, learning piano from his mother. By five, he was studying violin with Janet Wilchfort, and later continued his violin training with Tak-Ng Lai. At 14, he transitioned to viola under Lai’s guidance. In 2022, Christoph earned his Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance from the University of Ottawa, studying under Michael van der Sloot, followed by Graduate Diplomas from both the University of Ottawa in 2023 and The Juilliard School in 2024 with Molly Carr. 

During high school, Christoph actively engaged with his musical community, performing with youth symphonies and participating in chamber ensembles. He attended St. Michael’s Choir School in Toronto, nurturing his passion for music.

In 2022, Christoph received the Nicole Sénécal Emerging Artist Award, Providing him the opportunity to give a solo recital at the National Arts Centre. At the University of Ottawa, he was honoured with the Isobel Firestone Scholarship and won first place in the uOttawa Scholarship Competition. He also secured a top prize at the NACO Bursary Competition in 2023. His solo recitals have taken him across Ontario, including venues like The National Arts Centre, Tabaret Hall, and the Church of St. Mary Magdalene.

A passionate chamber musician, Christoph has participated in numerous festivals such as Domaine Forget, Center Stage Strings, ScotiaFest, and the Kneisel Hall Young Artist Chamber Music Program. At Juilliard, he is part of the Honours Chamber Program, receiving mentorship from acclaimed faculty, including Joseph Lin and Curtis Macomber. Christoph made his solo debut in 2016 with the Canadian Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra, performing the Carl Stamitz Viola Concerto. He later performed with the University of Ottawa Orchestra, playing Niccolò Paganini’s Sonata per la Grand Viola.

In the orchestral realm, Christoph has played with the National Arts Centre Orchestra under Maestro Alexander Shelley and the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra with Maestro Alain Trudel, honing his orchestral skills. He has served as principal violist with the University of Ottawa Orchestra and performed with Orchestra Toronto as well as The Juilliard Orchestra. Currently, Christoph is a member of the New York City Ballet Orchestra, and enjoys walks in Central Park.