With a radiant smile and deliberate cadence, Yingna Zhao speaks of her musical journey with a spark in her eyes. Despite her petite frame, she draws a robust sound from her violin in a display of skill and confidence. When sharing stories of teaching, her animated gestures and enthusiastic tone reveal a captivating passion for music. As the Associate Concertmaster of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Yingna encourages young musicians to stay true to their unique musical style and emotional expression, urging them to trust their talents and embrace challenges.

"Believe in your talent and abilities. No matter what challenges you face, remember that you have a unique voice.""Believe in your talent and abilities. No matter what challenges you face, remember that you have a unique voice."

The Making of a Virtuoso

Born in Beijing, Yingna Zhao began her lifelong bond with the violin at age five, a connection that would shape her destiny. Under the tutelage of renowned violin pedagogue Professor Lin Yaoji, she honed her craft at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, building a formidable technical foundation. Early in her career, she performed as a soloist at the invitation of legendary conductor Li Delun and collaborated with conductor Zhu Hui and the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, milestones that marked her ascent as a prodigious talent.

Her pursuit of excellence led her to Berlin, where she earned bachelor's and master's degrees from the Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler. There, she secured the prestigious role of Assistant Principal Second Violin with the Deutsche Oper Berlin. Yingna's accolades include the Gold Prize at the Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in Italy, a testament to her virtuosity. She currently performs on a Carlo Giuseppe Testore violin, loaned by the German Instrument Foundation and sponsored by the Deutsche Stiftung Musikleben. Today, as Principal Second Violin of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, she blends artistry with leadership, inspiring audiences and colleagues alike.

Reflecting on her journey, Yingna shares, "My musical path has been a tapestry of challenges and growth. From my early days at the Central Conservatory to becoming Principal Second Violin, every moment and decision shaped my career." Her time at the Conservatory provided rigorous training under distinguished mentors, exposing her to diverse musical styles that ignited her passion and spurred her to forge her artistic identity. "Participating in competitions during my studies sharpened my technique and gave me invaluable stage experience, opening doors to new opportunities," she recalls.

Studying abroad was transformative. "In Germany, I encountered different musical cultures and performance styles, which broadened my perspective and taught me the value of diversity," she says. Joining the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra marked a pinnacle in her career: "Becoming Principal Second Violin was a significant milestone, allowing me to showcase my artistry on a professional stage and deepen my musical interpretation." The role enhanced her leadership skills, as she guided her section with precision and insight. Yingna emphasizes continuous learning as the cornerstone of success, a principle she instills in the next generation. "Exploration and growth are vital—this is the message I hope to pass on to young musicians," she asserts.

Lin's individualized teaching methods taught Yingna to recognize each student's unique strengths and tailor her guidance accordingly. In her own teaching, she fosters creativity and independent thinking, encouraging students to develop distinct musical voices. "I learned from Lin to adapt my approach to each student's needs, helping them discover their potential," she explains. Through masterclasses, she shares her experiences and Lin's teachings, guiding students through the challenges of their musical journeys. Yingna also cultivates a sense of community, encouraging students to exchange ideas and support one another. "Building a network where students share their growth fosters a collaborative spirit," she says, believing this strengthens their passion and resilience.

Strength in the Symphony

As a young Chinese musician in the Deutsche Oper Berlin, Yingna faced formidable challenges as the youngest ensemble member. Leading her section while navigating cultural and language barriers was daunting. "When I arrived in Germany, I had to adapt to a new performance environment and unfamiliar musical traditions," she recalls. To overcome these hurdles, she immersed herself in learning German and engaging with colleagues through social activities. "Building relationships helped me understand their culture and integrate into the orchestra," she says, boosting her confidence in rehearsals and performances.

The demands of a top-tier German orchestra were immense. "These musicians, with lifelong positions, know every opera by heart—not just their parts, but the entire score," Yingna explains. Operas lasting over three hours required extensive rehearsals and, as Assistant Principal Second Violin, she bore the added responsibility of leading her section, which meant putting in extra effort and necessitating deeper musical insight. "I created a study plan to master the repertoire and demonstrate my leadership," she says. Her dedication paid off, earning her colleagues' respect and an early probation pass. "Those challenges fortified my resolve and enriched my artistic vision," she reflects. "I'm grateful for the growth they brought."

Empowering Future Musicians

As a role model, particularly for young women, Yingna offers heartfelt guidance to aspiring musicians. "Stay confident and true to your musical style and emotional expression," she advises. "Don't let external expectations alter your path." She champions lifelong learning, recommending courses, music festivals, and constructive feedback to accelerate growth. "Music is a continuous journey of discovery, both technically and artistically," she says, urging young musicians to seek mentorship from seasoned professionals. "Their wisdom can profoundly shape your career," she notes.

Yingna emphasizes the value of peer connections. "Build a network with other young musicians to share experiences and resources," she suggests, highlighting the emotional and professional support such communities provide. She encourages embracing challenges like competitions and performances to build stage presence. "Every setback is a lesson—learn from it and keep moving forward," she says. Yingna also stresses balance for long-term success. "Maintain your physical and mental well-being," she advises. "Explore interests outside music to enrich your life and inspire your creativity."

As a female musician, Yingna is committed to inspiring young women to pursue their dreams. Through social and charitable initiatives, particularly in music education, she strives to make music accessible to children, fostering a love for its transformative power. "I want to help the next generation experience the joy of music," she says. Yingna Zhao's journey exemplifies music's ability to transcend cultural and linguistic boundaries, touching hearts worldwide. Her story of perseverance, passion, and leadership inspires musicians to embrace their unique voices and share the beauty of music with the world.