Violinist Ji Soo Choi has Died, Aged 28

The Juilliard School graduate has passed away after a long battle with lymphoma

Born in 1994, violinist Ji Soo Choi received her Bachelor’s degree and her Master of Music at The Juilliard School, studying with Ida Kavafian and Daniel Phillips, and was also a student of The Royal Conservatory.

Dedicated to pursuing a music career from a young age, she was the winner of numerous competitions as a soloist, and played in ensembles including the Brott Music Festival’s National Academy Orchestra of Canada (NAO) in 2021.

She played among and studied with renowned musicians across South Korea, Toronto, and New York, and was recognised as a “30 under 30 Hot Canadian Classical musicians” artist by the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC).

On August 17, 2023, as part of its Scheherazade concert, the Brott Music Festival will dedicate a performance of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto to Ji Soo.

“It is with great tragedy that I share with you that Ji Soo passed away peacefully with family and friends by her side on July 25, 2023,” wrote Ji Soo’s brother, Dexter. “This was after a long and hard fight with lymphoma for the last 1.5 years.”

“We are very sad to announce the passing of a treasured member of our NAO family…Her loss is not only a loss to her family and those who loved her but to the entire world of music,” said NAO’s orchestra manager Megan Jones. “Ji Soo was a popular and devoted colleague. She always played with profound passion and joy.”

Ji Soo passed away at the Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. She is survived by her parents, brother, and extended family. A service as a celebration of her life was held on July 29, 2023.

Our condolences to Ji Soo’s family, friends, and colleagues.