News & Reviews
Gramophone Album Review
"Nikki Chooi’s interpretation of the writing for solo violin here and in the final section is characterful and deeply felt." - Christian Hoskins, Gramophone Magazine
Canadian Violinist Nikki Chooi Extends Tenure as Buffalo Philharmonic Concertmaster Through 2031
The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra is placing long-term confidence in Canadian artistry as Victoria-born violinist Nikki Chooi signs a five-year contract extension to remain concertmaster through the 2030–31 season. A prodigy turned international performer, Chooi’s renewal solidifies his role as a leading figure in the orchestra’s continued artistic evolution—and a proud ambassador of Canadian talent on the world stage.
A Virtuosic Afternoon with Nikki Chooi and the Amici Chamber Ensemble Dazzles Toronto Audiences
At Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, the Amici Chamber Ensemble and guest violinist Nikki Chooi delivered a radiant afternoon of friendship and musicianship — blending Bach’s timeless genius, Sarasate’s romantic flair, and Coleridge-Taylor’s rediscovered gem into one inspired concert.
Macao Orchestra Welcomes New Principal Guest Concertmasters
The orchestra has now welcomed VC Artist Nikki Chooi, Amalia Hall, Ayako Tanaka, and Jing Wang, as the new co-principal guest concertmasters for its 2025/26 concert season.
Nikki Chooi Extends Concertmaster Contract With Buffalo Philharmonic
The Canadian violinist and VC Artist Nikki Chooi has extended his contract as concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) for an additional five years.
Nikki Chooi Appointed Concertmaster of The Santa Fe Opera
The Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, in New Mexico, has announced that VC Artist violinist Nikki Chooi will be its newest concertmaster.
Music of Lukas Foss
It is an additional pleasure that we now have Nikki Chooi’s splendiferously sure-footed rendering as soloist to add to anyone’s collection. Early as the source for his work is, there is a breezy quality to what Lukas composed, yet, while Copland is mentioned as having been an “influence”, there are other flavors and fragrances at play here all their own. The orchestrated version enhances them, supplying a foundation on which Nikki Chooi has captured all of its gracefulness, eloquence, and verve with distinction, and musicianship.
Celebrating AAPI Heritage & History: Nikki Chooi (Violin ’12)
The award-winning, internationally-acclaimed violinist and Curtis alumnus currently serves as concertmaster of the GRAMMY Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
Chooi brothers present varied Buffalo Philharmonic program
Following the Prokofiev, Chooi returned to the stage joined by his brother, BPO concertmaster Nikki Chooi, to present Bach’s Double Violin Concerto in D minor, BWV1043.
Performance Today Featuring Nikki Chooi
When Nikki Chooi Opens his violin case, he sees a picture of two circles. The small circle is labeled "your comfort zone," and the bigger circle says "Where the magic happens." On Today's show, we'll hear Nikki Chooi make magic with the Buffalo Philharmonic and conductor JoAnn Falletta.
Chooi Brothers: EPO's first Classics Concert a thrilling performance
The highlight of the concert, however, was the Evansville premiere of the Double Concerto for Two Violins and Orchestra, composed by Sheridan Seyfried for the two soloists, who are brothers. An engaging composition, the Double Concerto opens with a lovely musical figure that is traded between the soloists.
Nikki Chooi Announced as New Thomastik-Infeld Artist
The violin soloist, concertmaster, and educator is joining the family of artists who play and endorse Thomastik-Infeld's strings
Mozart’s road trip ends gloriously in Buffalo with BPO this weekend
Concertmaster Nikki Chooi is a treasure and because his position gives him a lot of opportunities to show off his chops, you may already know that. What you might not know is that BPO Principal Violist Caroline Gilbert is right there with him, note for note.
Award-winning violinist Nikki Chooi delivered an astonishing performance
Award-winning violinist Nikki Chooi delivered an astonishing performance with a waterfall cascade of rushing emotion combined with strings of notes that could outshine the whole orchestra. To hear this breathless performance was to experience an electric shock of awesome pleasure that one carried into the next day and most likely, at least, next month.
- The Millbrook Independent
Buffalo Philharmonic celebrates the shape-shifting Lukas Foss
Soloist Nikki Chooi (the orchestra’s concertmaster) engaged orchestral wind players in gentle dialogue over swinging rhythms in the strings.
“Dedication” showcased Chooi’s sweet yet full tone as the violin soared over the light orchestration, then led an expressive climax of robust (not teary) nostalgia.
Buffalo Philharmonic honors Lukas Foss @ 100 at Carnegie
Chooi’s warm tone and heartfelt playing were evident throughout. In fast passages, Chooi showed off his virtuosity as his bow bounced rapidly on the strings, a spiccato effect. Elements of jazz and country fiddling were woven into the composition; Chooi made the most of each of these styles...
Trinity Church Wall Street and Opus 3 Artists present Lukas Foss Centennial Celebration in Review
One can hear what Foss calls a “prairie lullaby,” folk-like tunes, ragtime, blues, and some scintillating fiddling. Mr. Chooi played it to the hilt. He was obviously having a great time and is clearly a player of dazzling abilities.
