Nikki Chooi

Renowned for his emotionally-charged and lyrical performances, internationally celebrated violinist Nikki Chooi has established himself as a remarkably versatile artist, captivating audiences as a soloist with prestigious orchestras worldwide. With his performances described as "expressive, enchanting, and transcendent," Nikki has garnered numerous accolades, including prizes at esteemed competitions such as the Queen Elizabeth and Tchaikovsky Competitions. He was also awarded first prize in the Montreal Symphony's ManuLife Competition, the Klein International Strings Competition, and the Michael Hill International Violin Competition.

During his tenure as Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in 2016-2017, the artist collaborated closely with renowned singers and conductors, including the likes of Renee Fleming and Esa-Pekka Salonen. His captivating solos have graced The Met: Live in HD broadcasts, featuring productions such as Verdi's La Traviata, Janacek's Jenufa, and the Grammy-nominated recording of Strauss' Rosenkavalier released on the Decca Label. In addition, Nikki has served as a guest concertmaster with esteemed orchestras including the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Sydney Symphony, and currently holds the position of Concertmaster with the Grammy-award winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra.

Beyond his captivating performances, Nikki is also a devoted educator. He currently serves on the violin faculty at the University of Ottawa and has imparted his knowledge through masterclasses at renowned institutions such as the San Francisco Conservatory, Morningside Music Program at the New England Conservatory, Orchestra of the Americas Academy, Sphinx Academy at the Curtis Institute of Music, Hong Kong Cultural Center, and the University of Auckland. Nikki's passion for sharing his musical expertise shines through his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of musicians.