Shenghua Hu is an exceptional violinist and conductor who has earned immense acclaim on the global music stage. Not only did he become the first Chinese American musician in the history of the Metropolitan Opera in New York to serve as principal of the second violin section, but his superb technique and deep musical insight have also earned him multiple Grammy Awards and gold medals at some of the world’s most prestigious violin competition —establishing him as one of today’s most influential Chinese American violinists.
Beyond his personal achievements, Hu is a dedicated advocate for cross-cultural musical exchange between China and the United States. In 2011, he performed at the 10th anniversary memorial of the 9/11 attacks and became the first Chinese violinist to hold a solo recital in Mexico City. He also performed at the Lincoln Center for a U.S.-China friendship concert in 2013, highlighted New York’s Chinese New Year celebrations in 2014, and in 2015, his performance of Carmen Fantasy at the China Arts Foundation’s New Year Gala was widely praised. In 2021, Hu made history as the first Chinese violinist to perform The Butterfly Lovers’ Violin Concerto at Lincoln Center, receiving a standing ovation and contributing to the global recognition of Chinese classical music.
Born in 1986 in Bengbu, China, Hu displayed extraordinary musical talent from an early age. He began violin lessons with his father at three, made his public debut at five, and at nine, performed Bruch’s Violin Concerto in G Minor with the Anhui Symphony Orchestra, leaving the audience in awe.
In 2000, he was accepted into the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s affiliated high school, studying under Professor Lei Fang. His remarkable abilities earned him a full scholarship to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he studied with renowned violinist Kurt Sassmannshaus and received the prestigious Starling Foundation Scholarship. From 2008 to 2015, he trained under Albert Markov, immersing himself in the tradition of the Paganini school and refining a style that blends fiery passion with delicate precision.