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, Dr. Gan began her violin studies at the age of five and has since captivated audiences across the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Dr. Gan currently serves as the Principal Second Violin of Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra and performs regularly with Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Previously, she has been a member of Mobile Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra; and has served as concertmaster for Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Festival Sinfonia, and Western Illinois University Symphony and Chamber Orchestra.
Using chamber music as a platform for cultural diversity, Dr. Gan founded Stephenson|Gan - a violin and piano duo that seeks to promote diversity and equality on the concert stage. The duo was awarded First Prize in the Great Composers - Art of Chamber Music Competition and in 2017, made their Carnegie Weill Recital Hall recital debut. Apart from her duo, Dr. Gan has held resident string quartet positions at various university. Currently at University of Evansville - Eykamp String Quartet, and previously at Florida State University as well as Western Illinois University. Her passion for chamber music has led her to various international chamber music festival such as Moritzburg Music Festival Academy, Zodiac Trio Festival, and Vermont Music Festival.
Dr. Gan 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 Florida State University Symphony Orchestra, Brevard Music Center Orchestra, and WIU Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Gan 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 have included Corinne Stillwell, Dr. Julieta Mihai, and Malgorzata Potocka.
