Choong-Jin (C.J.) Chang, a native of Seoul, Korea, joined the Philadelphia Orchestra as associate principal viola in November 1994 and became principal viola in April 2006. He studied at the Curtis Institute of Music, from which he received degrees in both violin and viola. Since Mr. Chang made a successful solo debut recital at Carnegie Hall in 2007, he has appeared in numerous recitals and as a frequent soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra as well as many orchestras in United State and South Korea. Mr. Chang is a founding member of the Johannes Quartet, whose debut performances at Philadelphia’s Ethical Society and at Carnegie Hall in New York City received glowing reviews. Since 1997, the Quartet has performed to audience and critical acclaim throughout the United States. Alongside his extensive performing activities, Mr. Chang is a respected teacher on both violin and viola. He currently serves on the viola faculty of Johns Hopkins University’s Peabody Institute of Music.