Celebrating women violinists: Wang Zhijong

A standout of her generation, Wang Zhijong was discovered at the age of just 14 by Yehudi Menuhin, winning first prize at the 1998 Menuhin Competition — the last held by the master himself, who immediately invited her to perform with him.

Her distinguished career has taken her worldwide: touring with the Warsaw Philharmonic, debuting at the prestigious Lucerne Festival, and performing with Japan’s NHK Symphony and Osaka Century Orchestra. She has also collaborated with renowned orchestras across Europe and Asia, including the French National Radio Orchestra, Helsinki Philharmonic and St. Petersburg Philharmonic.

A remarkably versatile artist, Wang commands a vast repertoire that extends far beyond the classics — she passionately champions contemporary works by Gubaidulina, Schnittke and Ligeti, and has premiered concertos by Sokolovic and Badinski. As a play-conducting pioneer, she leads orchestras from the violin in works by Mozart, Vivaldi and Piazzolla following her acclaimed solo/directing debut in Paris.

Her award-winning career includes becoming the youngest first prize winner in China National Violin Competition history, plus top prizes at Lipizer and other international competitions.