Chooi’s journey reflects his family’s background and his desire to make music a tool for cultural connection and change. With a strong drive to go beyond musical excellence, Chooi discovered a personal mission to redefine the classical music landscape.
In immigrating to Canada, Chooi’s parents sought greater opportunities for their children. For Chooi, the violin was just one of many childhood extracurricular activities, but it quickly became his passion. He auditioned for the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia and, at just 16 years old, began seven years of studies there. This laid the foundation for his career.
Timothy’s breakthrough came early. At 16, he won the Montreal Symphony Grand Prize, launching his professional journey. This victory led to a series of tours across Canada, where he focused on performing the classical European repertoire. His career continued to grow, and at 20, he made his debut as a soloist at the National Arts Centre. He later pursued a master’s at Juilliard, while winning numerous European prizes that further established his international career.
However, as with many artists, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Chooi to reflect on his career and the future of classical music. He began to question the relevance of playing a repertoire dominated by works written by white, male European composers. Feeling the pull toward something more meaningful, he considered how he could use his platform for more than just entertainment.
This reflection led Chooi to found a nonprofit organization focused on using music as an avenue for social good, particularly for refugees and immigrants. He began building relationships with these communities, using music to foster connections and create a sense of belonging. One notable project was a tour in Germany, where he held music-making workshops at a Syrian refugee centre.
Chooi’s commitment to expanding and diversifying the classical music repertoire is evident in his recent projects. Thanks to a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts, he embarked on a journey to explore folk music from around the world, particularly from East Asia. He even learned to play the oud and has been incorporating this Middle Eastern instrument and other folk influences into his performances.
Chooi envisions a future where classical music can become a space for cultural exchange and inclusivity, using his platform to challenge traditions and foster global understanding through music. “Music is the tool that brings people together,” he says, expressing the belief that guides his current work.