Interview with Vera Tsu Weiling, professional violinist and Jury member of many prestigious competitions worldwide
Vera Tsu Weiling is a world-renowned violinist, educator, and mentor, recognized for her exceptional artistry and dedication to music education. She began playing the violin at a very early age under the guidance of her father. As a sophomore of Conservatory, Vera Tsu Weiling played for renowned worldwide violinist Isaac Stern during his first trip to China in 1979, on occasion of the overwhelmingly successful Oscar-winning documentary “From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China“. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and the Juilliard School in New York, she has studied under legendary violinists such as Dorothy DeLay and Isaac Stern. As a soloist, Vera Tsu Weiling has performed with leading orchestras across the globe, captivating audiences with her technical brilliance and emotive interpretations.
She is also a distinguished chamber musician and has collaborated with esteemed artists in international festivals and concert series. Beyond her performance career, she is a Professor and Master Tutor in Conservatory and University, this led her to nurtured a new generation of violinists. As an influential jury member in prestigious international violin competitions, she continues to shape the future of classical music. Vera Tsu Weiling serves as co-chairman of the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition and vice-president of the China Violin Society. Vera Tsu Weiling’s contributions extend to bridging Western and Eastern traditions in violin performance, championing both contemporary and classical works. Her lifelong commitment to music and education has solidified her status as one of the most influential violinists and teachers of her generation. She is currently one of China’s most respected and in-demand violin instructors.
I read that you wanted to learn to play the violin at a very young age. What inspired and motivated you to choose this instrument?
I was too young, but I still remember seeing my father playing the violin and so I asked to learn. My father told me to do a posture with my hands in the air as if I’m holding an air violin, and wait for him to come home. He promised if I keep the same position he’d buy me a violin. And now probably as you gather, I postured like that for hours and started my music journey.
During your early training, your sacrifices in pursuing your passion for music led you to hide in a dark basement, using sheets of music copied out in pencil, all while fearing discovery and severe punishment, since it was during China’s Cultural Revolution. What emotions arise when you reflect on that period?
I was in elementary school, and I remember learning violin was very difficult, there was no original copy of music script, only hand-copied sheet music by parents (from very limited sources). At the time, Western music was labeled as “untitled music” and “unhealthy music”. Only the “eight revolutionary operas” could be played in public (and as the name indicated, only eight could be performed). During the Cultural Revolution, my family was raided, and my father’s many years of treasured original music scripts and precious recordings were all confiscated.
From a dark basement, during the Cultural Revolution, to international stages, Vera Tsu Weiling reached a musical career that led her all over the world
In 1977, you were part of the first generation of college students pursuing studies at the Central Conservatory in Beijing after the Cultural Revolution. What were the most significant influences on your musical life at that time, and how did they shape your career?
Yes! I was one of the first generation of college students (class of 1977) after the Cultural Revolution, and was honored to have the opportunity to attend the Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM). I spent two years studying there (due to the reform and opening-up policy, I self-funded and went to the U.S. in 1980 to study). The most impressive event during my time at the CCM was the visit of the legendary masters Issac Stern and Yehudi Menuhin to China, where I played on behalf of the school for the two masters and took part in the filming of the Oscar-winning documentary . After listening to my performance, Sir Menuhin offered me a full scholarship to study at his conservatory in Switzerland, however I was unable to do so as I planned to go to the U.S. to study.
You studied, played abroad, and collaborated with many musicians. How has music enriched your life, and what have been your greatest satisfactions?
I’ve lived with music all my life, and the violin is an integral part of my life that completes me. It’s hard to imagine a life without music!
Can you share with us a story of a performance or a behind the scenes moment that holds significant meaning for you? Why is it such a memorable experience?
Any performance is an unforgettable experience to me. Because every perception and feeling you acquire from that particular moment on stage is different (which really depends on the condition, either physical and/or mental, of that day).
When she started violin lessons, it was the early ’60s. Then the Cultural Revolution started, Mao Tse-tung had the aim of destroying old customs, culture, habits, and ideas and replacing them with revolutionary new ones. During those years, schools were shut down; and “allowable” music was restricted to eight Peking operas approved
You are also a professor at China’s most prestigious conservatories. How do you balance the dual roles of performer and educator, and how does each role enrich the other? Violin performance is renowned for its deep emotive expression, requiring a balance between technical skill, passion for music, and an understanding of its cultural significance. As a mentor and educator, how do you approach these themes with your students?
I don’t think the two are contradictory, they actually complement each other. In addition to the “dual role” I also share the role as an international competition jury, which also is closely associated with the other two.
As an educator I pass on my professional knowledge to the students. As a performer I use my experience on stage to vision what is going to happen on stage and how to bring about better stage effects. As a jury, I know exactly what the students should improve on, so I give them advice and help them overcome their difficulties.
In 2016, you honored Isaac Stern by launching the Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition. How did the idea for this competition come about, and what does it mean to you?
The idea was originally generated by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra SSO, and then we negotiated with the Stern Family to have it become a reality. I personally think it is a great move! It’s also significant because when Stern visited China to film the documentary in 1979, one of the locales was in Shanghai!
How do you view the evolving role of women in classical music, particularly in high-profile positions like yours?
The role of women in today’s classical music world has been greatly enhanced, and it is heartening to see the growing number of women holding key positions in many professional institutions
New York City Symphony, New York Symphonic Ensemble, New York Senior Concert Orchestra, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra, Charleston Symphony, London Chamber Players, Orchestra de Cannes, Budapest Radio Orchestra, Slovakia Radio Orchestra, Hanover Symphony Orchestra, West Deutsche Radio Symphony Orchestra, Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and China Philharmonic Orchestra are just a few of the orchestras that Vera Tsu Weiling has performed with as a soloist
The International Women’s Day 2025 campaign theme is “Accelerate Action” As a prominent figure in music, what advice would you offer to young women pursuing a career in this field? What qualities do you believe are essential for young violinists to develop in order to thrive in the highly competitive world of music?
1) Be yourself, do what your heart tells yourself.
2) You must have faith in yourself.
3) Stay true to yourself. Never let your intentions be swayed just because you thought catering to someone else’s preferences could do you good. No, it’s not.
Photos courtesy of Vera Tsu Weiling
Post Author
