Eric Tsai is an up and coming Taiwanese-American violinist whose playing has been described as both “dashing” and “heart-wrenching” (NZ Herald), and whose thoughtful approach to old and new works alike has earned him a place on stages across the globe. The 2nd prize winner of the 2019 Michael Hill International Violin competition, Eric has garnered critical acclaim as a soloist and chamber player, as well as a champion of music from Taiwan. Simultaneously, he is a committed educator, passionate about raising up the next generation of young musicians, and maintaining a highly successful private pre-college studio.

Performing as a featured artist throughout the United States, Europe, Taiwan, and New Zealand, Eric is deeply committed to spreading hope and light to audiences around the world through his art. In 2021, at the height of the worldwide pandemic, he partnered with Taiwan Connection’s education outreach program and traveled to elementary schools situated in under-reached communities across the country. Other past community engagement projects include performances at homeless shelters, hospitals, and veteran homes across New York and Philadelphia. Highlights of the 2025-2026 season include the inaugural season of his summer festival, SPIRITUS and continued residencies with Callis Ensemble. Starting in the fall of 2025, Eric will join the internationally recognized Callisto Quartet as their new first violinist, engaging in a busy touring and teaching schedule with the group.

Eric’s mentors include Catherine Cho, Ida Kavafian, and Shmuel Ashkenasi, and he has also worked closely with renowned artists such as Pamela Frank, Peter Wiley, Joseph Lin, Ralph Kirshbaum, and Joseph Silverstein. Recent awards include the semifinals at the Premio Paganini competition in Genoa, Italy, bronze medal at the Fischoff Competition with his piano trio, the prestigious Chimei Arts Award, and participation in the Honors chamber program at Juilliard for the 2022-23 season. Eric received his B.M. from the Curtis Institute of Music and his M.M. from the Juilliard School, and recently completed his coursework at StonyBrook University as a Staller Fellow.