“Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.” -Helen Keller
a quote I live by—a mindset I believe is essential to having in one’s professional and personal life
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Korean-American violinist, Mina Hong had a particular musical upbringing. Her mother being a professional oboist and great-uncle, a distinguished violinist, Mina’s love for music blossomed early in her life. It was not until her early teen years that she wanted to pursue a professional career as a violinist. She attended the Colburn School of Performing Arts during her pre-college career and continued her studies at the University of Southern California where she holds the Bachelor of Music, followed by her Master of Music degree at the University of Michigan.
Mina is Principal Second Violin of the Amarillo Symphony. Recent engagements include performances with the Hollywood Chamber Orchestra, MUSE/IQUE, Wild Up, IRIS Symphony amongst other ensembles. You can also find her in the film and television studios of Los Angeles in addition to on the stage. She has played on numerous film and television scores including “The Boogeyman” (2023) and even made an appearance on an episode of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen (2022). She’s worked with various composers such as: Michael Daugherty, in works including his Metropolis Symphony; Jules Pegram, in his premier of his Opera, Higher Ground; Carla Lucero, in her premier of Juana, and more.
Mina served as concertmaster of the National Repertory Orchestra in the 2018 and 2019 seasons where she worked with conductors: Carl Topilow, Michael Stern, Carl St. Clair, Marcelo Lehninger, JoAnn Falletta, Karina Canellakis, and more. She made her solo debut with the ensemble performing the Barber Violin Concerto and returned the following year to perform the Korngold Violin Concerto.
She has performed with the New World Symphony and at festivals such as the Aspen Music Festival and School, Great Mountains International Music Festival, and Innsbrook Music Festival. While devoting her time to these ensembles and festivals, Mina has gathered a plethora of experience and her adoration for collaboration and music continues to grow immensely.
In addition to these performances, Mina enjoys teaching artists of all ages. She is currently on faculty at the Salit Conservatory of Music and also teaches at the Crossroads School for Arts and Sciences.
She resides in her home city of Los Angeles, where she looks forward to collaborating with musicians and composers from all around the world, and furthering her passion for performing and sharing the wondrous language of classical music.
Mina Hong plays on a Ferdinandus Gagliano Filius / Nicolai, fecit Neap. 1785 Italian violin.