THSO Names New Concertmaster, Michael Chu

The Terre Haute Symphony is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Chu as the THSO’s new Concertmaster beginning September 2025! 

Michael Chu, violin

Born and raised in Minnesota, Michael Chu is both an active performer and music educator. Coming from a diverse musical education including violin, piano, trumpet, and saxophone, Michael enjoys drawing inspiration from many different influences and cultures. He actively seeks to expand his knowledge and understanding of both historical and contemporary styles, respecting traditions while embracing new directions.

Michael is a graduate of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where he received his B.M. in Violin Performance and Music Education as a student of Sally O’Reilly. He later went on to receive his M.M. in Violin Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as a student of Chen Zhao. Other influential teachers have included Catherine Van Hoesen, Aaron Janse, and Blayne Barnes.  

Michael has placed in numerous competitions, including first prize in the Mary West Symphony Solo Competition, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Youth Chamber Music Competition, Schubert Club Student Scholarship Competition, Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition, and was a National Finalist in the MTNA Young Artist Performance Competition.  

In addition to THSO, Michael also serves as Principal Second Violin of the Evansville Philharmonic and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra and is a regular substitute with the Nashville Symphony. 

Mr. Chu will make his debut as Concertmaster at Tilson Auditorium on September 13 during Tabla & Titan at 7:30pm. The THSO shares very warm wishes with former Concertmaster, Erina Buchholz, as she takes a position with the prestigious New World Symphony.

The THSO also welcomes several new principal string appointments including:

  • Eva Tao, Associate Concertmaster

  • Yue Ning Foo, Assistant Concertmaster II

  • Yi-Fan Sun Principal Second Violin

  • Kyle Johnson, Principal Cello

Concert Tickets

Patrons can purchase concert tickets by visiting www.thso.org or calling the Hulman Center at (812) 237-3737. Ticket prices for adults are $22, $52, and $67. Student and youth tickets are $8, $14, and $18. Prices already include facility and venue fees.

Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra