A concertmaster’s responsibilities are both vital and multifaceted, demanding technical brilliance, artistic vision, and a capacity to lead. It’s a position that anchors an orchestra, setting the tone for collaboration while serving as a bridge between the conductor and musicians. In the Colorado Symphony, this role has been held for over two decades by a violinist whose journey and artistry have shaped the orchestra’s identity and enriched the cultural fabric of Denver.
Yumi Hwang-Williams is globally recognized for her extraordinary musicianship, incredible technical skill, and captivating tonal beauty which she skillfully conveys through enchanting interpretations of the classics and the works of present-day composers. With a host of accolades to her name, Hwang-Williams adds yet another this year as she celebrates her 25th season as Concertmaster for the Colorado Symphony, having joined the orchestra in a full-time capacity in 2000. Readers who want to learn more about Yumi’s journey can explore her 20th-anniversary feature here.
“When I was at the beginning of my orchestral career, the veterans of the industry said things like, ‘it goes very fast and you’ll be living in five-year increments,’ and I’ve come to find how true that is,” said Hwang-Williams. “This full life of concerts almost every weekend with a barrage of repertoire, old and new, teaching, personal projects, chamber music concerts, and the business of life make time pass very quickly.”
“This full life of concerts almost every weekend with a barrage of repertoire, old and new, teaching, personal projects, chamber music concerts, and the business of life make time pass very quickly.”
Yumi Hwang-Williams, Concertmaster
It’s been five years since the Colorado Symphony celebrated Yumi’s 20th anniversary with performances of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto as the opening weekend of the 2019/20 Season. That season also featured a number of concertmaster solos including two giants in the repertoire: Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis and Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Life). The March 5-7 performances of Ein Heldenleben turned out to be the last concerts in Boettcher Concert Hall for over a year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing an abrupt and unceremonious end to the anniversary season.
The Symphony forged ahead during the pandemic with a focus and fortitude that would become a hallmark of the period. The entire organization galvanized to stay connected and provided as much music for the public as possible within the ever-changing health and safety restrictions.
“It was strange to play outdoors, six feet apart, masked, in front of a hundred or so people, not knowing if and when indoor performances could resume,” she recalled. “But we came out of that dark time with strength and have been thriving, infused with much new energy in leadership, talent, great programs, and audiences.”
In the summer of 2022, Yumi was asked to record with the London Symphony a new solo work by Emmy Award-winning composer John Wineglass. The work was titled #elijah in memory of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old black man who died tragically at the hands of police and paramedics in Aurora. Described as a gentle soul, he was studying massage therapy and was an avid amateur violinist. Playing #elijah was a profound experience for Yumi and it provided an opportunity to play on a Guadagnini violin on loan from the Denver Violins that would ultimately come into her possession — an encounter that marked the turning point of an extraordinary journey.
“The piece is compact and powerful and captures both the beauty and brutality, but also provides solace,” she said. “It was an incredibly moving experience for me to be a part of this project especially given my local connection and the outpouring of support and protests that his death had ignited. The London Symphony records at St Luke’s which is a completely renovated historical church that was transformed into a recording and concert venue for them.”
The Denver Violins, which had set up a wonderful shop in the Daniels & Fisher Tower at the end of 2021, had fortunately secured the Guadagnini for sale. “I had fallen in love with the sound and capabilities of this violin and had to find a way to keep it in Denver,” she said. Recognizing its significance, a collective effort emerged allowing its voice to be heard rather than risk disappearing into a private collection. With the collaboration of friends and colleagues, The Guad Society was formed in 2023 to make this vision a reality.
“I am so grateful to the Guad Society for making this possible and to the Colorado Symphony, without whom, we all would not be here today to experience the music together.”
Yumi Hwang-Williams, Concertmaster
“I have the privilege and honor of playing this violin for several years forward. It’s a dream come true for me after decades of searching and provides me with more inspiration and exploration. I am so grateful to the Guad Society for making this possible and to the Colorado Symphony, without whom, we all would not be here today to experience the music together.”
Over the past five years, Yumi has also forged meaningful new connections, including a close friendship with world-class Mezzo-Soprano and Colorado native Michelle DeYoung. Their bond, which formed during the pandemic, led to the creation of Ensemble Charité. What started as a professional admiration quickly grew into a shared passion project.
“Our mission is to create beautiful concerts that highlight and partner with a charity who receives the proceeds of our concerts,” said Hwang-Williams. “It’s a labor of love borne out of our desire to give back to our communities through our music. We’re happy to have given several memorable concerts and have donated to Bal Swan Children’s Center, Genesis Housing, and Preservery Foundation (one-year partnership). Visit www.ensemblecharite.com for more information.”
The friendship between Yumi and Michelle took on even greater significance when they shared the stage for one of the most meaningful performances of Yumi’s career: Mahler’s Third Symphony during the 2023/24 season. This performance carried deep personal significance for Yumi and her family.
“My husband, Daniel, came out of retirement with the Philadelphia Orchestra to add to our wonderful horn section, our daughter sang with the Children’s Chorale, Michelle was the soloist, and our Music Director Peter Oundjian, whom we’ve known for thirty years, conducted. The stars had aligned for all of us to be together on stage experiencing this extraordinary piece of music.”
This deeply personal performance was just one of many moments that have defined Yumi’s tenure with the Colorado Symphony. Conductor Marin Alsop, who served as music director for the Colorado Symphony from 1993-2005, looks back fondly on her role in bringing Hwang-Williams to Denver.
“I’m thrilled to have been a part of starting her 25-year legacy with the Colorado Symphony,” said Alsop. “The orchestra is so fortunate to have her—she’s the whole package. A truly gifted violinist and a kind and generous person.”
Peter Oundjian, Music Director Designate, reflected on Yumi’s immense contributions: “Yumi’s profound impact on the Colorado Symphony and the Denver community over her 25 seasons as Concertmaster is nothing short of extraordinary. Her artistry, leadership, and unwavering dedication have been the cornerstone of this orchestra’s excellence. Having had the joy of collaborating with her over many years, I can attest to the inspiration she brings to every note she plays. Her ability to connect with her colleagues and audiences alike is extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark on the Symphony’s legacy and shaping its future for generations to come.”
Of creating music with her Colorado Symphony colleagues, Yumi marveled that, “There is no other endeavor where eighty-plus humans are all working toward a single goal in real time to create a living organism of live art while curating this incredible repertoire.” While performing as part of a large ensemble brings a tremendous sense of comradery, she also enjoys the challenge of stepping out of the ensemble as a featured soloist.
She’ll do just that as the orchestra commemorates her 25-year milestone with three performances of the Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello alongside Principal Cello Seoyeon Min from May 16-18. And next season, Denver audiences will get to experience a world premiere of American composer Christopher Theofanidis’ latest composition – a brand-new double concerto for Violin and Percussion. Commissioned by the Colorado Symphony, this concerto will feature Yumi and dynamic percussionist Svet Stoyanov in a thrilling collaboration with the orchestra from March 20-22, 2026.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to have a solo appearance each season with the Colorado Symphony. Every time a symphony musician is front and center, it’s a memorable occasion for both musician and the audience as they have an opportunity to hear that individual outside of the orchestral sound,” added Hwang-Williams. “I’m so thrilled to share the stage with Seoyoen in May and look forward to collaborating with Svet on this debut performance next March.”
As Yumi reflects on her 25-year journey with the Colorado Symphony, her legacy stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and the enduring impact of dedicated artistry. “Music has the power to connect us in ways words cannot,” she said. “It has been my greatest joy to share this journey with my incredibly talented colleagues, our audience, and the next generation of musicians. I look forward to many more moments of inspiration together.”
Celebrate Yumi’s Silver Jubilee
Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Yumi’s Silver Jubilee, May 16-18, as she performs the Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello alongside Principal Cellist Seoyeon Min at Boettcher Concert Hall.
