Violinist Hana Cho Becomes First Korean Official Member in Vienna Philharmonic's History

Hana Cho, a Korean-American violinist (Korean name: Cho Sujin), has become an official member of the Vienna Philharmonic, one of the world's top orchestras.

According to the classical music community, the Vienna Philharmonic appointed Hana Cho as a full member of the second violin section after its final meeting on September 22. Hana Cho is the first Korean official member in the 183-year history of the Vienna Philharmonic, which was founded in 1842.

Violinist Hana Cho [Photo by Hana Cho Homepage, (c)Andrej Grilc]

To join the Vienna Philharmonic, which consists of 148 members, one must first pass the audition for the Vienna State Opera Orchestra and then serve as a probationary member of the Vienna Philharmonic for several years. Afterward, the candidate must be approved as a full member through a vote by the orchestra members and receive final confirmation at the general meeting.

Born in Seoul, Hana Cho moved to the United States, began playing the violin at the age of three, and made her debut as a soloist at twelve. After studying at institutions such as the Juilliard School in New York, she entered the Vienna Philharmonic Academy in 2019 and joined the Vienna State Opera Orchestra in 2022. After going through a vote by Vienna Philharmonic members in November last year, she received final approval ten months later.

The Vienna Philharmonic is considered one of the two leading orchestras in the world, alongside the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

Hana Cho is scheduled to participate in the "2025 Vienna Philharmonic Tour in Korea," which will be held at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall from November 18 to 20. The Vienna Philharmonic plans to perform Schumann's Symphony No. 3 "Rhenish," Brahms' Symphony No. 4, and Bruckner's Symphony No. 5.

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