Hometown:
Singapore, Singapore
Education:
Chicago College of Performing Arts Bachelor of Music 2020
Chicago College of Performing Arts Master of Music 2023
DePaul University 2025
Bio:
Justine Teo is a Singaporean violinist based in Chicago. She is currently completing her Post-Master’s Certificate with Janet Sung at DePaul University, and also studied with Almita Vamos and MingHuan Xu. She plays with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and Peoria Symphony. Apart from performing, Justine is a teaching artist with Apollo’s Fire at their Side-by-Side Strings Program, and an ensemble library assistant at DePaul and Civic Orchestra.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My parents, who brought me to all my music lessons.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
Rachmaninov, Ravel, and Mahler. Their music is especially heartfelt to me.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
My instrument used to belong to my first violin teacher, Yee-Nong Chen, who plays with the National Symphony Orchestra in Taiwan.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Pilates and exploring new cafes and restaurants.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I love playing in an orchestra and wanted to have a new experience in a place I’ve never been to before. I have heard so many great things about NRO, and wanted to attend so I can work with so many other talented and inspiring musicians. I look forward to learning and performing new orchestral repertoire for an entire summer in a beautiful location!