Image by Jack Yam/SSO.
For Singaporean violinist Chloe Chua, music has always been more than a discipline - it is a language of expression, a world of colour, and a lifelong pursuit of beauty. From childhood moments at the piano with her mother to standing on some of the world’s most revered stages, Chloe’s journey as a violinist has been shaped by passion, patience, and a profound love for her craft.
A Musical Awakening
Chloe’s path to the violin began in the most organic of ways - through sound.
“From a young age, I was drawn to classical music on the radio. The expressive, melodic sound of the violin deeply inspired me to learn the instrument.”
That spark of inspiration quickly turned into a dedicated journey. With her mother by her side, often accompanying her on the piano, Chloe found joy in the collaborative act of music-making at home.
“I truly enjoyed practising with my mum. Making music together brought so much happiness - those were special moments.”
Shaped by Mentors and Masters
Chloe credits much of her development to the mentors who guided her early on and those who continue to shape her today. Her first violin teacher, Mr Yin Ke, provided the foundational training and encouragement she needed, while her current professor, Mr Kolja Blacher, has helped her evolve her artistic voice. She also draws inspiration from legendary violinists such as Maxim Vengerov, Hilary Hahn, Augustin Hadelich, Itzhak Perlman, and Jascha Heifetz - each of whom has influenced her musical approach in meaningful ways.
Embracing Challenges in Music
No artistic journey is without its obstacles. For Chloe, some of the most rewarding challenges came through pieces that demanded more than just technical mastery.
“The Paganini Violin Concerto No. 1 is technically demanding - it took a lot of slow, careful practice to get it right. And Bach’s Chaconne is contextually deep. It requires patience and inner reflection to truly understand and express it.”
Through such pieces, she honed not just her technique, but her ability to communicate depth and nuance.
An Evolving Voice
Image by Joel Low/SSO.
What drives Chloe isn’t just the pursuit of perfection, but the desire to connect and share.
“It’s the wish to share classical music with people all around the world. If I can bring joy or make someone’s day better through music, that’s meaningful to me.”
Her recent projects reflect this philosophy. A highlight was performing the Brahms Double Concerto alongside Mr Ng Pei-Sian, Principal Cellist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, during a concert in Singapore and subsequent tour in Australia.
“Performing with Mr Ng was incredibly inspiring - his musicianship encouraged me to explore new colours and ideas in my own playing.”
A Homegrown Connection
Chloe’s relationship with Gramercy Music dates back to her earliest years of learning.
“My mum used to visit Gramercy to buy piano and violin scores for both of us. It’s always been part of our musical life.”
This connection to Singapore’s string music scene is something she carries with her, no matter where her career takes her.
On Stage and Beyond
Chloe’s career continues to reach new heights. She fondly recalls her performance at the Menuhin Gala Concert 2018 in Geneva as one of her most memorable experiences. Most recently, she completed a two-year tenure as Artist-In-Residence with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, during which she worked closely with Maestro Hans Graf.
“Recording the complete Mozart concertos with Maestro Graf and the SSO was a deeply enriching experience. His guidance helped me better understand classical style, and the support from the orchestra was incredibly warm.”
Her next performance will take place in Sichuan, China, where she’ll perform the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in E Minor with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra.
The Tools of Her Craft
Chloe currently plays on a Guadagnini violin, having previously used a Guarneri from the Rin Collection. She prefers bows by Sartory and Peccatte, and uses Larsen strings, which she finds perfectly suited to her sound.
Looking Ahead
Image by Vanny/SSO.
Chloe’s aspirations are as focused as they are expansive. She hopes to work with top orchestras across the world and collaborate with outstanding musicians in chamber settings.
She’s optimistic about the future of classical music, particularly for strings—a space she feels is entering a vibrant new chapter.
“There’s been a rise in international music festivals and competitions, and that’s encouraging a new generation of string players. I’ve also seen more people attending classical concerts post-Covid, and streaming platforms have helped classical music reach even more listeners.”
A key part of her sound lies in her choice of tools. Chloe performs with Larsen Strings, which she credits for their warmth, clarity, and responsiveness—qualities that allow her to bring nuance and depth to every performance.
For Chloe, the violin remains a vessel for expression, storytelling, and connection.
“What I enjoy most is creating beautiful music from my instrument and sharing it with audiences in some of the world’s most remarkable concert venues.”
At Humans of Gramercy, we celebrate musicians like Chloe—individuals whose unwavering commitment to their craft not only elevates their own artistry but also inspires those around them. Her journey, from early performances on local stages to aspirations of global collaboration, is a poignant reminder of how music transcends borders and unites people through shared emotion and experience. As the classical world continues to evolve, it’s stories like Chloe’s that affirm the enduring power of strings, and the vibrant, supportive musical community we’re proud to be part of.