Yinglin Zhou
Violin
Hometown: Changsha, Hunan, China
Alma mater: Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, M.M.
Photos by Matt Dine
Profile
Appearances: Carl Neilsen Festival, Denmark; YMCG Music Festival, Guangzhou, China, 2019–20
When did you realize you wanted to pursue music as a career? When I was in college
What inspired you to apply for TŌN? The performing opportunities and variety of repertoire.
Who is your biggest inspiration? The violinist Augustin Hadelich
Which composer or genre of music do you feel you connect with the most? Brahms
What has been your favorite experience as a musician? Organizing my own nonprofit solo and chamber recitals
What is some advice you would give to your younger self? Be confident, and practice hard.
If you could play another instrument, what would it be? I’d be debating between piano and cello.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing? I wish I could be a photographer or painter.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and why? Denmark, it was like living in Andersen’s fairy tales.
Which three people, dead or alive, would you like to have dinner with and why? Robert Schumann, Clara Schumann, and Brahms, just to see the dynamics between them. 😉
Piece of advice for a young classical musician: There’s no wrong choice as long as you’ve tried your best.