Zhenwei Shi

Biography

Zhenwei Shi is Principal Viola of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, appointed by Robert Spano at age 23. He is recognized for his rich, centered tone.

During the 2025-2026 season, Shi was Principal Viola of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, where he was granted tenure by Music Director Manfred Honeck. In the 2026-2027 season he will return to his Principal chair at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra under Nathalie Stutzmann.

Highlights of the 2025–26 season include his performance of Berlioz’s Harold in Italy with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Kodály’s Adagio for Viola and Piano with pianist Julie Coucheron at Spivey Hall, a featured chamber concert with violinist Stefan Jackiw, and a performance of Tchaikovsky's Souvenir de Florence with violinist Augustin Hadelich at the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Shi is passionate about chamber music and performs with the Georgian Chamber Players, a group composed of the principal musicians of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. His chamber music collaborations have included invitations to perform alongside distinguished artists such as Steven Isserlis, Joshua Bell, Jeremy Denk, and David and Julie Coucheron, among others. He has appeared at venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Buckingham Palace, and Shanghai Concert Hall. Since 2018, he has been a frequent guest player with the San Francisco Symphony and Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

A prizewinner at the Lionel Tertis, Johansen, and Hong Kong International competitions, Shi was also awarded the Regent’s Award from the Royal Academy of Music. He serves on the artist-faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School and is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.