Biography
Hailed by the Australian Daily Telegraph as a “viola prodigy,” Australian-Korean violist Lisa Sung is recognized for her captivating artistry, technical brilliance, and deep musical integrity. A laureate of the 12th Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition and the 10th Gisborne International Music Competition, she has appeared as soloist in the Bartók Viola Concerto at the Sydney Opera House and performed on some of the world’s most renowned stages, including Carnegie Hall, Berlin Philharmonie, and Royal Albert Hall. She has performed for Australian Prime Minister…
1 March 2025
Review: SPCO Musician Appreciation Concert
The final number before intermission was Henryk Wieniawski’s Scherzo-tarantelle [...] This featured viola player Lisa Sung and was a vibrant and complicated number. The stylistic runs highlighted Sung’s outstanding capabilities and the rest of the strings get their moments of support. Given the night’s focus on appreciating the musicians, this was an inspired choice and the audience burst into a standing ovation at its conclusion.
28 / August / 2026
Sydney Symphony: The Cat Empire
Sydney Opera House / Sydney
Guest Principal Viola
This special concert sees the band re-imagine their catalogue on a grand orchestral scale, blending beloved The Cat Empire classics with bold new arrangements written especially for this collaboration. Drawing on the band’s signature mix of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Creole, Brazilian and flamenco influences, the music is expanded and elevated by the full force of the Orchestra, creating a powerful and immersive live experience.
29 / August / 2026
Sydney Symphony: The Cat Empire
Sydney Opera House / Sydney
Guest Principal Viola
This special concert sees the band re-imagine their catalogue on a grand orchestral scale, blending beloved The Cat Empire classics with bold new arrangements written especially for this collaboration. Drawing on the band’s signature mix of Afro-Cuban, Seychellois Creole, Brazilian and flamenco influences, the music is expanded and elevated by the full force of the Orchestra, creating a powerful and immersive live experience.
18 / September / 2026
Season Opening: Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with Gábor Takács-Nagy
Ordway Concert Hall / Saint Paul
A story of dissonance and harmony. Led by Artistic Partner Gábor Takács-Nagy, we open our 68th season with a nod to our nation's 250th anniversary, exploring the ways that folk and jazz have helped shape American orchestral music as momentum-filled and free-spirited. Think bold brass, open strings, and disparate parts on a journey toward unity, all while calling back to one of the pillars of classical music — an icon that you'll find woven throughout the season: Ludwig van Beethoven.