Shanghai Quartet Violinist Has Resigned Over Racist Comments

The Shanghai Quartet has announced the resignation of 2nd violinist Yi-Wen Jiang - effective immediately

The Shanghai Quartet has this week announced the resignation of 2nd violinist Yi-Wen Jiang - effective immediately.

"We begin the search for his replacement and look forward to sharing the next chapter of community and music with you soon," the ensemble has this week said.

It's understood Ji-Wen's resignation came following he made a number of racist comments concerning the Coronavirus and Chinese people.

He has also been dismissed from his faculty position at The Juilliard School in Tianjin, China over the matter.

“The Tianjin Juilliard School is deeply committed to our values, which include respect for each member of the community in which we live, learn and perform ... we are very disappointed by recent comments by violin faculty member Yi-Wen Jiang, which have no place in our—or any— community," the school has this week said.

"Effective immediately, Mr. Jiang is no longer employed by The Tianjin Juilliard School ... we look forward to developing a robust community of artists in China based on mutual respect and the power of the arts."