By any measure, Shisheng Song’s recent months have been remarkable. The violinist has just received two significant international awards: Absolute First Prize in the Professional Group (no age limitation) at the Clementi International Music Competition, and Third Prize at the Gold International Classical Music Competition, a contest listed in Gramophone Magazine’s Annual Competition Guide. For Song, however, the prizes represent more than recognition—they mark a new chapter in his artistic life.
Unlike earlier competitions he entered as a student, these events came after his formal education had ended. “It feels very different,” Song reflected. “When you’re in school, your life is centered around practice. Now I balance concerts, teaching, and everyday life. I don’t have as much time, so every minute has to count.” Preparing under these conditions was challenging, but the results confirmed his artistic growth as a soloist.
Song chose these competitions carefully. Both are judged by professors from internationally respected music schools in the United States and Europe, and the Gold International Classical Music Competition’s inclusion in Gramophone Magazine served as a strong endorsement. “That gave me confidence to try,” he said.
While awards are meaningful, performance remains at the heart of Song’s work. His upcoming concerts will take place in libraries, churches, and educational institutions—venues chosen deliberately to reach audiences of all ages. Children gain early exposure to classical music, while older listeners find enrichment and connection. At the same time, these institutions benefit from broader cultural offerings. Song sees this outreach as essential: bringing classical music into everyday spaces helps cultivate new audiences and keeps the art form alive.
Song’s musical journey began early. He started playing the violin at age six after being selected by his first teacher in kindergarten. His professional training took shape at the Affiliated Middle School of Tianjin Conservatory of Music, followed by studies at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, where his strong performance in high school earned him direct admission to college.
After graduation, Song joined a major professional orchestra in China as a full-time violinist and served as an acting principal violinist. He performed 60 to 70 concerts each year, ranging from chamber and quartet performances to major season concerts. International tours brought him to Taiwan, Bulgaria, Poland, and Italy, where he performed in renowned venues and worked alongside distinguished conductors and musicians.
Seeking further development, Song later moved to the United States and earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, one of the world’s most respected conservatories. “Every classical musician knows Eastman,” he said. “It was my dream school, and I was very fortunate to study there.”
Since then, Song has performed with leading American orchestras, including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Syracuse Orchestra, Helena Symphony Orchestra, and the New World Symphony in Miami. These experiences deepened his understanding of cultural and artistic differences between orchestral traditions in China and the United States.
Looking ahead, Shisheng Song remains focused on both performance and education. He hopes to continue giving concerts for wider audiences while mentoring young musicians. “I want to play for more people and teach more students,” he said. “If we want classical music and the violin to have a future, we have to pass it on to the next generation.”
Through his playing, teaching, and commitment to community outreach, Shisheng Song is doing just that.
