In the wake of his retirement, Christopher Wu intends to continue his musical performances, aiming to uplift communities and promote mental health and wellness through the power of music.
Bringing Music to Mental Health Patients
In an interview with the Post Gazette , the renowned violinist shared his plans, stating, "I'll be working on ways to bring music to mental health patients."
He added, "We know anxiety and depression have gotten worse in this country and that pills aren't the answer for a lot of individuals' situations. Maybe there are some holistic ways that we as musicians can be a part of the solution."
A Legacy of Excellence
Wu joined the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's first violin section in 1988, where he proudly holds the distinguished Nancy & Jeffrey Leininger First Violin Chair.
His musical journey has taken him to prestigious stages, including performances with the Boston Symphony and the Cleveland and Philadelphia Orchestras.
Through collaborations with other respected musicians like Joshua Bell, Gil Shaham, Emanuel Ax, and the Muir String Quartet, Wu has established himself as a versatile chamber music performer.
He also imparts his knowledge as an adjunct professor of violin at Carnegie Mellon University and shares his expertise through masterclasses at various universities, including Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, and Tanglewood's Boston University, among others.
The musician's teaching has led numerous students to secure roles in orchestras across the globe, such as the Pittsburgh Symphony, New York Philharmonic, and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw.
Moreover, Wu has represented the talents of the Pittsburgh Symphony on ESPN and in promotional campaigns for Eyetique and Allegheny General Hospital.
He also performs with a Nicolo Gagliano violin crafted in 1727.
