En-Chi Cheng, a Taiwanese violist, has been an Associate Member of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2019. His career highlights include a solo appearance with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra performing the Walton Concerto, and the world premiere of James Ra’s Concerto for Three Violas and Strings. A frequent presence on major stages globally, he has performed at Carnegie Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, and the Barbican Centre. Cheng collaborates regularly with the New York Classical Players and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Notably, he participated in chamber music tours led by Nobuko Imai, including her 80th birthday celebration at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall, attended by the Emperor of Japan.
A distinguished prize winner, Cheng earned the Balmoral and Josef Weinberger Prizes at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, and twice received the Chi-Mei Arts Award. He contributed to the 63rd Grammy-winning “Best Opera Recording” for Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, awarded to the Metropolitan Opera. His festival engagements include the Marlboro Music Festival and Music from Angel Fire. Cheng also lends his expertise to nurturing young talent, serving on the audition panel for the National Youth Symphony 2 (NYO2), a Carnegie Hall program. An alumnus of The Juilliard School and Curtis Institute of Music, his principal teachers were Joseph de Pasquale, Hsin-Yun Huang, and Samuel Rhodes. Since 2023, he has been a valued faculty member at the Chamber Music Conference in Colgate University.
