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Annie Chang-Center, violin, viola, piano
Annie Chang - Center, violist and pianist, began her musical journey in Taiwan performing piano for foreign dignitaries when she was six years old. After relocating to the U.S. at the age of thirteen, Annie has thrived in a diverse international performing career as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player.
Among her many accolades, Annie made her piano solo debut with the San Francisco Symphony at eighteen under the baton of Maestro Herbert Blomstedt, a milestone that marked the beginning of her career as a piano soloist wi th major symphony orchestras, including the prestigious Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Hong Kong Philharmonic.
With equal prowess as a violist, Annie has garnered recognition, winning a prize in the esteemed Irving Klein International String Competitio n. Her musical endeavors have led her to renowned festivals, including Marlboro, Ravinia, Olympic, Utah, Prague, Red Rocks, and Music In The Mountains, where she collaborated with luminaries from the Juilliard, Guarneri, Emerson, Cleveland, and Philadelphi a string quartets.
For over a decade, Annie held the position of the assistant principal violist of the Phoenix Symphony and the principal violist of its Sinfonietta for which she performed regularly as a viola soloist.
As a chamber musician, Annie was the pianist in the Concorda piano trio with violinist Dana Pasley and cellist Michael Center. She also performs with cellist Erika Pierson frequently in recitals in the Seattle area.
Annie currently performs with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, the Sea ttle Chamber Orchestra, and the North Corner Chamber Orchestra. Additionally, she enjoys giving lecture - recitals where she weaves music with themed, enriching narratives.
A passionate advocate for music education, Annie was a vital part of the Academy Of Music Northwest, dedicating herself both as a teacher and administrator as the marketing and artistic director. Her current roles involve mentoring young musicians at various youth Symphonies and the Greater Seattle Public Schools' music programs. She has also given masterclasses to college and high school students and shared her insights as an adjudicator for youth competitions and the Sounds Espressivo International Competition.
Beyond musical notes, Annie's creativity extends to visual mediums. She's c rafted immersive multimedia experiences for noteworthy orchestras and curated promotional content for cultural events.
Offstage, Annie demonstrates an unwavering commitment to altruistic endeavors. She contributes articles to the International Rescue Comm ittee (IRC) newsletters and takes an active role in organizing and participating in benefit concerts that provide aid to refugees, individuals experiencing homelessness, and victims of natural disasters.