The New York Philharmonic

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Biography
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Violinist Quan Ge joined the New York Philharmonic in June 2009. She is a top prize winner at the China National Violin Competition and Jeunesses International Music Competition in Romania, and has served as guest concertmaster with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

An avid chamber musician, Ge is a regular performer at the New York Philharmonic Ensembles series at Merkin Hall, and has appeared at SubCulture, National Sawdust, the Bravo! Vail Music Festival, Taos School of Music, Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival, New York String Orchestra Seminar, and Encore School for Strings.

Born in Huainan, China, Ge went to Shanghai Conservatory of Music before coming to the United States. She received her bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music and a master’s degree from The Juilliard School. Her teachers include Lei Fang, Ida Kavafian, Pamela Frank, Jaime Laredo, Yumi Scott, and David Chan.

“When I was five, my dad brought home an LP — it was rare to see in our small city since classical music was not that popular — and I remember thinking it was beautiful.”

Q&A with Quan Ge

THE FACTS: Born in Huai Nan, China. Bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, studying with Yumi Scott, Ida Kavafian, and Jaime Laredo; master’s degree from The Juilliard School, studying with David Chan. Prior to the Philharmonic: Substitute violinist with The Philadelphia Orchestra while a student at Curtis. Won top prizes at the China National Competition and the Jeunesses Music Competition (Romania). At the Philharmonic: Joined June 2009.

EARLIEST MUSICAL MEMORIES: When I was five, my dad brought home an LP — it was rare to see in our small city since classical music was not that popular — and I remember thinking it was beautiful. I also heard classical music on the radio; the most popular piece was a Chinese violin concerto called The Butterfly Lovers. My family loved it, and it was the first work I remember loving as well. I went to my first violin class at age five and a half, and I was really interested in the instrument. At eight, my teacher sent me to Shanghai, where I spent ten years at the Shanghai Conservatory before attending Curtis.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A MUSICIAN? I really have the feeling of being “holy.” After I’ve practiced well or had a great concert, I feel blessed — so happy, so satisfied.

MOST INSPIRING COMPOSERS: Mozart, Beethoven, and Prokofiev

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A CONCERT? Sleep! It’s very effective!

WHAT ARE YOU ESPECIALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE 2017–18 SEASON? I look forward to the weeks with our new Music Director Designate, Jaap van Zweden. During our first rehearsal with him this season, there was so much energy and intensity, and at the same time he was very careful with the balance. He was fully committed — it’s powerful that we musicians all want to contribute and play well together.

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? I’m listening to Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante because I’m performing it soon. Mozart always cheers me up — he’s so playful. I hear laughter in the music. He is the ultimate optimist. I don’t recommend listening to it before bed, though — I had trouble falling asleep after listening to it!

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO ON THE ASIA / WINTER 2018 TOUR? There will be good music and good food — the best combination.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? Internet surfing, movies, sports, playing with dogs, and reading D A

As of October 2017

Upcoming 2023-2024 Performances
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Location: (Directions)
Price Range:
Duration:
Sun
21
Apr
2024
NY Phil Ensembles at Merkin
3:00 PM Concert

NY Phil Ensembles at Merkin

Program and artists
Program To Include
  • Prokofiev, Quintet
  • Beethoven, Serenade in D major, Op. 25
  • Fe. Mendelssohn, Octet for Strings
Artists
  • Sheryl Staples, Violin
  • Quan Ge, Violin
  • Yulia Ziskel, Violin
  • I-Jung Huang, Violin
  • Audrey Wright, Violin
  • Jin Suk Yu, Violin
  • Rebecca Young, Viola
  • Leah Ferguson, Viola
  • ...,
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