Wanchi began playing the violin at the age of five and won his first competition at eight. He continued to earn first prizes in various competitions, including numerous scholarship awards. Throughout his academic journey, Wanchi served as concertmaster for the De Anza Chamber Orchestra, Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and University Symphony Orchestra, and has frequently performed as a soloist. He has also had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Almita Vamos, Gil Shaham, Sheryl Staples, Kathleen Winkler, Dennis Kim, and the Danish String Quartet, among others.
In addition to performing as a violinist with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Wanchi is deeply passionate about teaching. He serves on the violin faculty at Normandale Community College and Kramer’s School of Music, while also maintaining a private studio. He enjoys working with his students and often attends their school orchestra concerts to offer his support whenever possible.
Originally from Taiwan, Wanchi moved to the United States at 15 to further his musical studies. He holds a bachelor’s degree in violin performance from California State University, Long Beach, where he studied with Henry Gronnier, and a master’s degree from the University of Denver under the guidance of Linda Wang. He is currently pursuing a doctorate in violin performance at the University of Minnesota, studying with Sally O’Reilly.
Outside of music, Wanchi enjoys reading, listening to audiobooks, creating scale sheets for his students, spending time with his wife and their dachshund, and shopping at Costco.
