The Sasakawa Music Foundation is pleased to announce the start of the following instrument loan to violinist
Mr. Nikki Chooi.

Instrument: Stradivarius 1722 Violin "Jupiter"
Loan Category: C



Nikki Chooi

Praised for his powerful and poetic performances, internationally acclaimed violinist Nikki Chooi has established himself as one of the most charismatic, versatile, and engaging performers of his generation. He has earned worldwide recognition as Laureate of the Queen Elisabeth and Tchaikovsky Competitions, and as First Prize winner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Klein International String Competition, and Montreal Symphony's ManuLife Competition.

Concertmaster of the Grammy Award-winning Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra and Santa Fe Opera Orchestra, Nikki is recognized for his leadership on the world's most prominent stages. In demand internationally, he was previously Concertmaster of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and has appeared as guest concertmaster with the Boston Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, and Sydney Symphony.

Nikki has brought his artistry to major stages around the world, most recently in critically acclaimed solo appearances at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium and at Lincoln Center's Rose Theatre in New York. As a soloist, he has performed widely across North America, Europe, and Asia, with engagements ranging from National Orchestra of Belgium and Chamber Orchestra of Wallonie to Auckland Philharmonia, Puerto Rico Symphony, National Taiwan Symphony Festival Orchestra, and Hong Kong Philharmonic. Beyond the concert halls, Nikki is a frequent guest at international festivals including Marlboro, Ravinia, Rockport, and La Jolla SummerFest in the United States; Dresden, Moritzburg, and Kammermusik Utrecht in Europe; Musica Viva in Australia, and Chamber Music New Zealand.

Deeply passionate about collaboration, Nikki performs with his brother, violinist Timothy Chooi -- a partnership that reflects both family and artistic connection. He has also shared the stage with distinguished musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, JoAnn Falletta, and the ensemble Time for Three. Committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, Nikki has given classes at world-renowned institutions including the Curtis Institute of Music, New England Conservatory's Morningside Program, and San Francisco Conservatory.

Born and raised in Victoria, Canada, Nikki completed formal studies at Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School. His artistry has been captured on the Naxos, Beau Fleuve, and Atoll labels, and he proudly endorses Thomastik-Infeld strings.