Astonishing in her musical versatility, violinist Qing Li brings great warmth, poise, and insight to her music making. She is the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Second Violin and is frequently featured as a soloist with the BSO, as well as other orchestras in the U.S. and Asia. Ms. Li is currently a professor of violin at her alma mater, the Peabody Institute of Music at the Johns Hopkins University. She gives masterclasses and is active in International Festivals throughout the U.S., Asia, and South America. Teaching is her way of paying it forward for the kindness shown to her by her mentors.
She is also a Piatigorsky Foundation Artist, a recitalist, a chamber musician, guest concertmaster and principal in appearances in the U.S. and internationally. Throughout the great cities of America, South America, Europe and Asia, her broadcast appearances include television stations in U.S., Germany, and China and a biography on Voice of America. Notable reviews for Qing Li include The Baltimore Sun, “the highest level musically’” . . . “unsurpassed technical brilliance,” The German Hohenlohe News, “excelled with ethereal play,” and the Richmond Times, “her style was impeccable.” She is also a member of the three-time Emmy Award winner, the All-Star Orchestra on PBS.
Born in Beijing China, Ms. Li began violin studies at age four with her father. At age 12, Qing Li was accepted to the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. At 16, she was discovered at a master class by Berl Senofsky based on a prize-winning Sibelius Violin Concerto performance at the first Beijing International Violin Competition. She performs on her 1736 Neapolitan instrument made by Nicolo Gagliano.