Heemin Choi Receives Rare Violin from Canada Council Instrument Bank

Heemin Choi plays his 1768 Januarius Gagliano violin. Photo: Canada Council Instrument Bank

Heemin Choi is one of the 2018 recipients of a rare violin from the Canada Council Instrument Bank.

Two dozen musicians were selected by a peer assessment committee to receive some of the world’s most legendary cellos and violins. 

Over the next three years, Heemin will have the opportunity to play a 1768 Miller Januarius Gagliano violin. Gagliano was an Italian luthier whose father was thought to be a contemporary of the legendary Antonio Stradivari.

Heemin began playing violin at the age of 6. He received a Talent Trust scholarship to assist with his music studies, and completed a bachelor’s degree in music from Dalhousie University's Fountain School of Performing Arts. 

He’s currently a master’s student at Rice University's Shepherd School of Music in Texas.

Heemin won the Canadian Young Artist Competition in 2012, and was the recipient of the Hnatyshyn Developing Artist Grant in 2011. He is the Talent Trust Goodwill Ambassador for 2018.

Heemin has performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and recently appeared at the Pond Playhouse in Halifax to perform with cellist and Talent Trust scholarship recipient Ifan Williams for Theatre Arts Guild’s opening of Death and the Maiden.