Though described as “a small young woman”, violinist Dr. Jia-Rong Gan was praised for having a “sound and command of her instrument that belied her physical stature” (Classical Voice of North Carolina). A native of Malaysia, Jia-Rong began her violin studies at the age of five and has since captivated audiences across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Currently the Concertmaster of Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Jia-Rong is also a member of the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Kentucky. Previously, she has been a member of Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra; and has served as Assistant Concertmaster and Principal Second at Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and concertmaster for Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Festival Sinfonia, and Western Illinois University Symphony and Chamber Orchestra. Jia-Rong’s passion for music does not conclude with her orchestral performance. A devoted chamber musician, Jia-Rong has held resident string quartet positions at various universities and since 2018, she has been the Artist-In-Residence at University of Evansville with Eykamp String Quartet. Using chamber music as a platform for cultural diversity, Jia-Rong founded Stephenson|Gan violin and piano duo in 2016 with the goal to promote diversity and equality on the concert stage. This award-winning duo has since performed at stages all around the USA including Carnegie Weill Recital Hall. As a soloist, Jia-Rong has won numerous competitions, including concerto competition at Brevard Music Festival and Western Illinois University; First Prize winner of the Young Musical Talent of Malaysia Competition, Music Teachers National Association Senior String Category at the State Level, and the American String Teachers Association National Solo Competition; and has performed as a soloist with University of Evansville Symphony Orchestra, Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and WIU Symphony Orchestra. Jia-Rong earned a Doctor of Music at Florida State University, where she served as Corinne Stillwell’s teaching assistant. She received a Master of Music at Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music from Western Illinois University in which she graduated summa cum laude. Her principal teachers included Corinne Stillwell, Dr. Julieta Mihai, and Malgorzata Potocka.