Jing Zeng
The Phoenix Symphony
MMB Alumna
Jing Zeng, a distinguished violinist, left an indelible mark when she joined The Phoenix Symphony's first violin section in September 2006, highlighted by a captivating solo appearance in 2019. This marked the beginning of a remarkable musical journey that commenced at the age of four. By 11, Zeng had already achieved the distinction of being the top violin student at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music, setting the stage for her prodigious career.
Zeng's musical brilliance illuminated the global stage with victories in the Sixth National Violin Competition in Beijing and the Novosibirsk International Violin Competition in Russia at the age of 15. Securing a full scholarship, she pursued her musical education at the Young Artist Program of the Cleveland Institute of Music, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees under the guidance of luminaries such as David Cerone, Linda Sharon Cerone, and William Preucil.
In the United States, Zeng's virtuosity resonated through captivating recitals and chamber music performances, earning her prestigious accolades, including triumphs in the Darius Milhaud Performance Competition and the Suburban Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Her artistry reached international heights as she toured Japan, holding positions as associate concertmaster and principal second violin of the Pacific Music Festival Orchestra under distinguished conductors like Bernard Haitink, Christoph Eschenbach, Edo de Waart, and Fabio Luisi. She enriched her musical palette by performing chamber music with musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic. Notably, she participated in the Morningside Music Bridge five times in Calgary, Canada, where she engaged in masterclasses with renowned musicians like Pinchas Zuckermann. Zeng's versatility was further showcased through engagements with orchestras such as the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, and Mansfield Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond her own performances, Zeng dedicated herself to nurturing the next generation of musicians as a devoted music educator. Her students gained acceptance into world-renowned institutions such as the Curtis Institute of Music and Juilliard School, achieving top honors in competitions like the Music Teachers National Association Competition, American String Teachers Association Competition, the Sphinx Competition and the Cooper International Violin Competition. Invitations to prestigious music institutes such as the Heifetz International Music Institute, Interlochen Music Camp, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Philadelphia International Music Festival and Morningside Music Bridge underscored the profound impact of her teaching. Serving as a teaching assistant to Linda Sharon Cerone, Zeng's influence extends beyond the stage, leaving an indelible legacy through her students' remarkable success.