Paul Huang, Renowned Violinist: Influences, Global Performances & Artistic Vision
Paul Huang
Paul Huang’s journey as a violinist has been marked by a blend of self-determination, artistic authenticity, and an unwavering passion for music. From his early days in Taiwan to his current life in New York City, where he has been based since the age of 12, Huang has carved out a unique career that spans performances across the globe, recording projects, and artistic leadership roles. Through it all, his focus has remained steadfast on creating meaningful musical experiences for audiences, staying true to the art form he fell in love with as a child.
Huang’s introduction to music was no accident. Unlike many young musicians who are encouraged by their parents, he was the one who insisted on learning the violin at the age of seven. “It was really a choice for myself,” Huang explains. “I haven’t really looked back since then.” This early commitment set the tone for a career marked by self-driven growth and exploration. His dedication paid off when he won the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant and joined the Young Concert Artists roster in 2011. These two moments, according to Huang, were crucial in launching his career, offering him significant opportunities without the pressure of an overnight success story.
Huang’s playing has been shaped by the great violinists of the past. He cites historical figures like Yehudi Menuhin, David Oistrakh, and Jascha Heifetz as some of his primary influences. “I love listening to recordings of people from the 1930s and 1940s,” he says, highlighting the distinct sound and character that these artists brought to their performances. For Huang, sound is everything. It’s the vehicle for emotional connection, and he believes it should stand out, even in an industry that sometimes prioritizes technical precision over individual expression. “To have a sound that is recognized and has its original intentions—that is something I aspire to,” Huang shares. His reverence for these musicians speaks to his respect for tradition, even as he forges his own path.
In addition to being an acclaimed soloist, Huang has also embraced new roles as a curator and artistic director. He currently leads two major chamber music festivals in his native Taiwan, where he brings together international musicians and fosters cross-cultural exchanges. This work allows Huang to go beyond performance and delve into shaping the artistic direction of these festivals, a responsibility he finds both exciting and fulfilling.
One of the most significant highlights of Huang’s career came early on when he was asked to step in for the renowned violinist Midori with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Leonard Slatkin. It was a whirlwind experience, with only 24 hours' notice before the performance. “I had never done something like that before, and it was exhilarating,” Huang remembers. The concert helped establish his name within the classical music community, and it remains a memorable milestone in his journey.
Huang’s current season is filled with exciting performances, including a return to the San Diego Symphony at their newly renovated Jacobs Music Center. He also has a second recording with Naïve Records set to release in January, titled Mirrors, which is centered around music written during and inspired by the Second World War. This album, featuring works by Prokofiev, Poulenc, and Arvo Pärt, reflects Huang’s deep connection to music that carries historical weight and emotional depth. “It’s a reflection of the past and the time we live in today,” he explains. The themes of war and survival resonate with the turbulent times of both then and now, making the project deeply relevant.
In February, Huang will make his long-anticipated London debut at the Barbican Centre with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto under the direction of conductor Mario Venzago. This debut marks a significant career milestone for Huang, who has yet to perform as a soloist in London despite his many international performances. He is also preparing for the third season of his music festivals in Taiwan, where he will collaborate with top-tier artists and musicians from around the world.
When it comes to promoting his work, Huang takes a hands-on approach, recognizing the importance of self-sufficiency in the modern classical music world. “I believe in self-sufficiency,” he says, adding that while publicists help with project-based promotions, he prefers to maintain direct connections with his audience through social media and other platforms. “It gives a certain connection to your audience that’s not done by your publicist,” he explains, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in how he communicates with fans.
Despite his many achievements, Huang remains humble about the concept of success. For him, success is not a goal in itself but a byproduct of doing meaningful work. “I don’t often think about success,” he admits. “I’m more concerned with whether I’m doing a good job or not. Success follows if you focus on the right things.”
Looking to the future, Huang has already started thinking about how he can continue to contribute to the classical music world. Teaching and commissioning new works are both high on his priority list. He is a professor at Taipei National University of the Arts, where he shares his knowledge with the next generation of musicians. He is also dedicated to bringing new music into the repertoire, recently commissioning works by composers like Conrad Tao and Jessie Montgomery. This balance of performing, curating, teaching, and commissioning is something Huang hopes to continue for decades to come. “I want to keep doing exactly what I’m doing now, but hopefully even better,” he says.
Paul Huang is a violinist who combines technical mastery with a deep emotional connection to the music he plays. As he continues to expand his horizons, both as a performer and an artistic leader, he remains dedicated to the art form he loves and to sharing its power with audiences around the world. Through his thoughtful programming, meaningful collaborations, and commitment to new music, Huang is not only shaping his own legacy but also ensuring that classical music remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
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