Jay Zhong

Violinist Jay Zhong has appeared as a soloist on four continents of the world in some of the most coveted music venues, including the Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Arts of New York City, the Phillips Collection of Washington D.C.. Winning critical accolades with his seemless combination of dazzling virtuosity and noble musicality, Zhong's performance has been described by critics as "nimble and unassuming...restrained but incisive and without the bombast that some performers find so irresistible" (Washington Post) " combination of poetry and vigor without vulgarity" (Brussel's Le Soir), "sterling musicality... a golden exploration..." (Pacifica Tribune), "effortless... truly moving" (Concertonet.com), "with supreme taste... a performance worthy of an anology..." (Madallin Le Colombiano).

Born in China, Jay Zhong began violin study at age four with his parents. His quick progress earned him a place in the Beijing Central Music Conservatory where he was tutored by Prof. K.Q. Sui. He immigrated to America at age 13 and became the last significant disciple of the late pedagogue, Raphael Bronstein, an Auer violin school exponent. At 14, Zhong's extra-ordinary talent was recognized by violin legend Nathan Milstein and subsequently promoted by Milstein's manager, Harold Shaw. Zhong made his New York debut recital at age 16, on the main stage of the Carnegie Hall now known as the "Isaac Stern Auditorium". He holds a Bachelor of Music degree with top honors from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from the State University of New York at Purchase where he completed his violin study with the celebrated violin master Elmar Oliveira.

Jay Zhong's musical pursuit had driven him into self-study in composition since early teenage. He has a growing library of original concert compositions ranging from solo instrumental pieces to symphonic works. A firm believer of tonal music, Jay Zhong's compositions incorporate his own Chinese heritage with western musical structure. He has committed himself to the establishment of concert music with distinctive Chinese identity. His musical expression derives from a deep understanding of both the Eastern and Western traditions and does not indulge in the simple mix-match of the two.

Jay Zhong's music has been featured in the Walla Walla Symphony Recital Series, the New Music Festival of Western Illinois University, the Faculty Concert Series of Delaware University, the Ohio Light Opera Orchestra Concerts, the Montgomery Fellowship Concerts, among other places. Recent compositions include "Elegy for Iris Chang" (2006), "Madrigal for Solo Violin" (2005), "Fantasy for Violin and Sheng with Orchestra" (2004). Jay Zhong is a consecutive winner of the ASCAPlus Award.