Zhenwei Shi

Zhenwei Shi is Principal Viola of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, appointed by Robert Spano at age twenty-three. He is recognized for his rich, centered tone. 

Highlights of the 2025–26 season include his tenure as Principal Viola of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under Manfred Honeck, his performance of Berlioz’s Harold in Italy with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Kodály’s Adagio for Viola and Piano with pianist Julie Coucheron at Spivey Hall and a featured chamber concert with violinist Stefan Jackiw.

Shi has performed as guest violist with the San Francisco Symphony and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His chamber music collaborations have included Steven Isserlis, Joshua Bell, Jeremy Denk, and other distinguished artists, with appearances at venues including Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Royal Festival Hall, Buckingham Palace, and Shanghai Concert Hall. 

A prizewinner at the Lionel Tertis, Johansen, and Hong Kong International competitions, Shi was also awarded the Regent’s Award from the Royal Academy of Music. He serves on the artist-faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School and is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.