Biography

Music has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up living very close to my grandparents who love to sing, and it just so happens that they also own a piano. Naturally, I developed a keen interest in the instrument. So, when my mother was taking my older brother to piano lessons, I insisted on tagging along. Soon after that, I discovered the violin when a friend from the elementary school performed it at a school event. That’s when I started taking violin lessons, and it was also when I discovered the viola.

Deciding to pursue music more seriously, I moved to the States at the age of 13 to attend Walnut Hill School for the Arts. Through the school, my love for music grew alongside a strong appreciation for various art forms. To further my studies, I attended New England Conservatory where I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. It was an incredible place filled with talented friends and inspiring mentors who always pushed me to become a better musician. During that period, I had the privilege of attending numerous music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival, where I was fortunate to receive a full scholarship. It was at Aspen that I really fell in love with orchestral music and became determined to pursue it as a profession.

Throughout the years and when the pandemic happened, I became deeply committed to the idea of using music as a means to connect people and make a positive impact in communities. I have performed in Music for Food – founded by violist Kim Kashkashian, a musician-led initiative in fighting hunger throughout the United States. I also participated in Manchester Camerata’s Music in Mind project designed for people living with dementia, where I participated in sessions and connected with people living with dementia through music and playing alongside them. By actively participating in music outreach projects, I wanted to bring people together and create a sense of understanding among different audiences. Seeing how music deeply affected individuals and communities really confirmed my belief in its crucial role in our everyday lives.