News & Reviews

1 June 2026

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

Newton Upper Falls, MA — Carriage House Violins (CHV), the sales division of Johnson String Instrument, is honored to announce that internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi will serve as Artist in Residence for the 2026–2027 season. Chooi will be the second Artist in Residence for this groundbreaking new program, following acclaimed cellist Zlatomir Fung, who served as 2025-2026 Artist in Residence.

2 March 2026

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  

17 October 2025

Shimmering Beethoven: Nikki Chooi Dazzles in Violin Concerto

But back to this weekend’s concert, after intermission, we were treated to one of the pinnacles of classical music, Beethoven’s violin concerto. Nikki Chooi (say “chewy”) can play anything, and he was wonderful in this concerto. When I closed my eyes, I could hear other great violinists: the impeccable intonation of Gil Shaham, the flair of Joshua Bell, the warmth of Itzhak Perlman.

11 October 2025

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.

8 October 2025

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.

25 September 2025

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.

1 September 2025

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.

1 January 2025

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.

9 July 2024

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.

18 May 2024

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

5 May 2024

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.

7 October 2023

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.