Timothy Chooi Makes NHK Symphony Orchestra Debut with Dmitry Matvienko

26 July 2026

In July 2026, internationally acclaimed Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi made his debut with the NHK Symphony Orchestra under the direction of conductor Dmitry Matvienko.

Chooi joined the orchestra as soloist in Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26, one of the most beloved works of the violin repertoire. The performances marked an important milestone in Chooi’s growing artistic relationship with Japan and followed his previous recital and festival appearances throughout the country.

“It was a tremendous honour to make my debut with the NHK Symphony Orchestra,” said Chooi. “I was deeply inspired by the orchestra’s extraordinary sound, precision and generosity. I am also very grateful to Dmitry Matvienko for such an exciting and meaningful collaboration.”

For the engagement, Chooi performed on the 1714 “Dolphin” Stradivarius, generously on loan from the Sasakawa Music Foundation.

The concert program also included Mozart’s overture to Don Giovanni and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. The NHK Symphony Orchestra’s official listing confirms Chooi, Matvienko and the Bruch concerto for the July 26 concert at Sinfonia Iwakuni.

The debut continued a season of major international orchestral, recital and festival engagements for Chooi across Asia, Europe and North America.