The 1/16-sized violin Sarah Chang received for her fourth birthday marked the beginning of a trajectory that placed her on stage with the New York Philharmonic and the Philadelphia Orchestra by age eight. Born in Philadelphia in 1980, the Korean-American violinist solidified her reputation as a formidable presence in the classical music world through extensive international performance and recording commitments.
Early Education and Mentorship
Born to musicians Myoung-Jun and Min-Soo Chang, she began piano at age three. By age five, she successfully auditioned for the Juilliard School, performing Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor. Her formal training continued with Dorothy DeLay at both Juilliard and the Aspen Music Festival, alongside instruction from Hyo Kang. She also received early guidance from Isaac Stern, whose influence extended to her acquisition of a 1717 Guarneri del Gesu, which became her primary instrument.
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After her debut album, Debut, reached Billboard classical charts following its 1992 release, Chang maintained a rigorous schedule, at times performing 150 concerts annually. Her professional path included a 2002 performance in Pyongyang, North Korea, and a 2004 selection to carry the Olympic torch in New York. Throughout her career, she appeared with ensembles including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel and Sir Simon Rattle.
Technique and Repertoire
Chang utilized a specialized approach to her equipment, selecting specific bows based on the demands of the composer. She preferred a Pajeot bow for the works of Bach and Mozart, while reserving a Sartory for Sibelius and Tchaikovsky concerti. Her chamber music work involved collaborations with artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Martha Argerich, and Vladimir Ashkenazy, covering pieces like Dvořák’s Sextet and Piano Quintet.
Fast facts
- Born: 1980, Philadelphia, United States
- Languages: English, Korean
- Primary Instrument: 1717 Guarneri del Gesu
- Juilliard Admission: 1986
- Avery Fisher Prize: 1999
- Royal Philharmonic Society Young Artist Award: 1993
- Education: Germantown Friends School, Aspen Music Festival and School, Juilliard School
Questions readers ask
At what age did Sarah Chang begin formal training at Juilliard?
She was accepted to the Juilliard School in 1986 at the age of five.
What is the provenance of her primary violin?
Her main instrument is a 1717 Guarneri del Gesu purchased from her mentor, Isaac Stern.
Achievements
- Began violin at age four; auditioned for Juilliard at five
- Debuts with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra at eight
- Signed a major recording contract at nine
- Avery Fisher Prize (1999)
