Carriage House Violins Welcomes Violinist Nikki Chooi as 2026–2027 Artist in Residence

01 June 2026

A native of Victoria, Canada, Chooi is celebrated the world over for the charisma, versatility, and emotionally-charged interpretations that he brings to the concert stage. Currently concertmaster of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Santa Fe Opera, he has served as guest concertmaster
with the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Houston Symphony,
Sydney Symphony, and Macao Orchestra. Deeply passionate about collaboration, Nikki frequently performs with his brother, violinist Timothy Chooi — a partnership that reflects both family and artistic connection. As part of the Residency, Carriage House Violins will host a duo
recital with both Nikki and Timothy Chooi which is sure to be a highlight of the season.

During the 2026-2027 season, Chooi will present an array of recitals and masterclasses. He will also work with CHV luthiers and participate in a series of recorded and live sessions that highlight the nuances of professional setup choices—from string selection and bridge height to tonal balance and response—giving audiences and players alike a rare behind-the-scenes look
into how great players work with great luthiers to refine their sound. Chooi will also produce pedagogical content aimed at violinists taking orchestral auditions.

Daniel Lelchuk, CHV’s Director of Artistic Events, commented “Nikki Chooi’s interpretative
prowess and compelling stage presence, combined with his communicative and pedagogical gifts, make him a natural choice for our shop’s Artist in Residence position. Boston’s vibrant musical scene is sure to be enriched by his presence.”

The yearlong residency reflects Carriage House Violins’ broader commitment to fostering meaningful connections between musicians and makers and musicians and the music-loving public. The CHV recital and masterclass series regularly features leading string players,
including Pablo Ferrández, Glenn Dicterow, Eugene Drucker, Jan Vogler, and many more, and has become a staple on the Boston concert calendar. By inviting artists like Chooi into the heart of the shop’s process, CHV continues to offer its clients and the greater music world a rich,
informed, and artistically driven experience.