Chen Zhao

SFS member since:  2000

Hometown:   Shanghai, China

Music schools you attended:  Curtis Institute of Music, San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Began playing music: At age 4

Musical inspirations:  Itzhak Perlman, Jascha Heifetz

If I were not a professional musician, I might be a: … who knows

Favorite composers:  Beethoven, Mozart, Strauss, Mahler, Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Brahms

Favorite works featuring my instrument: Concertos by Korngold, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, etc.; string quartets by Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Haydn

When I’m not working, I enjoy: Gardening, growing my own vegetables

Recent reading: Anything by Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson

On my CD player/iPod: A 1972 recital recording of Camilla Wicks, featuring the Strauss Violin Sonata, Beethoven Sonata No. 7, and many interesting encore pieces
           
Favorite things to do in the Bay Area: Hiking and biking in Marin County

Plus: I’m enjoying being a first time dad. Our girl Mila is one.