A 1670 viola crafted by Johannes Tielka and previously owned by virtuoso Joseph Joachim serves as the primary instrument for American musician David Yang. While maintaining a diverse professional life that spans music instruction, performance, and architecture, he has established himself as a central figure in the chamber music scene throughout the Philadelphia region and beyond.
Musical Education and Performance
Yang pursued intensive musical training under instructors including Heidi Castleman, Karen Ritscher, Martha Strongin Katz, and Stephen Wyrczynski. His performance career centers on chamber music, featuring collaborations with groups such as the Tokyo, Brentano, Borromeo, Cassatt, Miro, and Vermeer string quartets. Additionally, he joined forces with the Eroica Trio, Trio Cavatina, and Trio Solisti. As a founding member of the string trio Ensemble Epomeo, his work earned praise for its expressive quality.
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At the University of Pennsylvania, Yang founded the chamber music program and served as its director for two decades. He also established the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival, where he currently operates as artistic director. His dedication to contemporary music resulted in the commissioning and premiering of compositions by over twenty artists, including Robert Capanna, Eric Ewazen, Kile Smith, Anna Weesner, and Daniel Dorff. He further directs the Auricolae troupe, combining narration with original musical compositions.
Architectural Background and Recognition
Beyond his musical endeavors, Yang holds academic credentials in architecture, having earned a bachelor's degree in 1989 and a master's degree in 1992 from the University of Pennsylvania. His professional experience includes tenures at firms led by Hugh Hardy and Aldo Rossi. In 2009, he was honored with an artist fellowship from the Independence Foundation in Philadelphia, a recognition reserved for a limited number of practitioners in the field.
Fast facts
- Born: 1968
- Birthplace: New York City
- Instrument: 1670 Johannes Tielka viola
- Education: University of Pennsylvania
- Notable Role: Director of Chamber Music at the University of Pennsylvania
- Ensemble: Ensemble Epomeo
Questions readers ask
What is David Yang's primary occupation?
He is an American violist and the director of chamber music at the University of Pennsylvania.
Which labels feature his recordings?
He has recorded works for the Avie, Somm, and New Focus labels.
Achievements
- Russian government prize for science and technology — 2001
- Educated at MIPT Department of General and Applied Physics
