2024 Radda Rise International String Competition
Franklin Fang
Honorable Mention
•Category 2
Franklin Fang, a 13-year-old violist from Austin, Texas, was born in Taipei City, Taiwan, and began his musical journey in the first grade. Since then, he has developed into a highly accomplished young musician. Currently a student at West Ridge Middle School, Franklin holds principal violist positions in the Austin Youth Orchestra (AYO) Philharmonic, the Texas Music Educators Association Region 32 Middle School Orchestra, and his school’s orchestra. Notably in 2023, he became the youngest violist accepted into the AYO Symphony.
As a soloist, Franklin has earned first place in the London Young Musician Competition, along with the Engaging Performance Special Prize, and second place in the US International Open Music Competition. He also won first place in the District Solo-Ensemble Contest. His solo performances have been further enriched through participation in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as Pierre-Henri Xuereb from the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, Hsiao-hung Sandra Hsu from National Taiwan University of Arts, and Matthew Cohen of the Formosa Quartet, with whom he currently studies. His previous teachers include Leah Nelson and Emily Thiele.
Franklin’s passion for chamber music has blossomed through his participation in several prestigious summer programs, including the Rushmore Music Festival, the International Summer Music Institute at the University of North Texas, the Austin Community College Piano Chamber Camp, and the Texas Strings Festival. He is actively involved in two string quartets and a piano trio, receiving valuable coaching from cellist Jasmin Shih and violist Luis Bellorín.
In addition to the viola, Franklin also studies piano, which has broadened his musical perspective and further developed his technical skills. Outside of music, Franklin excels academically as an accelerated math student and participates in the Gifted and Talented program at his school. He also finds joy in volunteering his musical talents at senior homes, sharing his love for music with the community. Beyond his musical and academic endeavors, Franklin enjoys hiking, watching movies with his family, and playing video games.
Looking ahead, Franklin aspires to audition for a pre-college program and eventually join a professional quartet. He also hopes to promote classical music to younger generations and inspire others through both solo and ensemble performances. His long-term goal is to create a movement that makes classical music more accessible and engaging for future audiences.