Musician Spotlight: Tiffany Wee, violin

Tiffany was born and raised in Redlands, California and joined the orchestra this past fall for the 2024-2025 season. Previously, Ms. Wee was a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. She has performed with ensembles including the Pacific Symphony, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, Waterbury Symphony Orchestra and Phoenix Orchestra of Boston. We sat down with one of San Diego Symphony's newest members to hear about her path to San Diego, her passion for Mahler and her pride in being part of the San Diego Symphony family. 

1. Tell us about your journey to the San Diego Symphony

My musical journey began when I was nearly six years old with one hand holding a violin case and the other gripping my mom’s hand. I was born and raised in Southern California and was fortunate to grow up in a town that had a Suzuki strings program. My first introduction to a symphonic orchestra was through the local youth orchestra when I was 12 years old. From then, I was hooked and knew that playing the violin in an orchestra would always be an integral part of my life. I then went on to earn my Bachelor of Music at UCLA and continued on to Yale University for graduate studies.

When I found out I had a won the position here I was overjoyed. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to be a part of this wonderful community! It is such a privilege to be a member of the San Diego Symphony and it is so special to me that my own family, who live close by, can drive down to hear me and watch me perform in the new Jacobs Music Center.

2. What is your favorite San Diego Symphony memory so far? 

Opening Night! This is my first season with the Symphony, so coincidentally the opening night at the new Jacobs Music Center was also my first San Diego Symphony concert. There was a lot of excitement that evening: flowers being passed around, disposable film cameras capturing snapshots of the evening, and every member of the Symphony congratulating me and telling me that I had joined just in time for the reopening of the new hall. Backstage was buzzing with eager anticipation and the energy was just incredible! There were also some unexpected and hilarious surprises that made the evening very memorable as well!

3. How do you like to spend your free time when not performing? Any special hobbies or interesting facts about yourself that you’d like to share? 

I am still trying to get to know San Diego and its cultural diversity and beautiful scenery. I’ve been exploring my neighborhood near Balboa Park and am now a proud pass holder at the San Diego Zoo. I also love discovering the panoply of new coffee shops and bakeries around town. Recently, I was gifted a bit of sourdough starter from a fellow member of my violin section and so I have also begun my sourdough baking journey!

4. What work are you looking most forward to performing in the newly transformed Jacobs Music Center and why?

I’d have to say I’m looking forward to Mahler’s third symphony the most. I’ve always loved playing Mahler symphonies as they hold lots of sentimental value to me. My most memorable concert as a member of youth orchestra included Mahler’s first symphony. Also, one of the first concerts I ever played in undergrad was Mahler’s second symphony–which I also played for the opening weekend here at the new Jacobs Music Center! My first summer festival at Tanglewood included Mahler’s fourth symphony. I played Mahler’s fifth symphony during my studies at Yale. I played Mahler’s sixth symphony for my professional debut during my brief time at Vancouver Symphony. Thus, of all Mahler’s earlier symphonies, Mahler's third symphony is the last one I have yet to play. So, I’m looking forward to the day when I'm finally able to say that I’ve played Mahler’s first six symphonies!

Additionally, I took a course specifically about Mahler and his symphonic works–their background as well as the associated intimate personal narratives accompanying each. And with this knowledge, I now always find it so inspiring when performing any of his symphonies. 

5. Do you have any New Year’s resolutions for 2025?

I don't like to believe in New Year's resolutions. I believe that every day is an opportunity to learn something new and that I can always continue to learn and grow, in my musicianship and in the enjoyment of being a part of a family, like the one I have here at the San Diego Symphony.

Tiffany and her parents at graduation

 
Tiffany and her two brothers
 Tiffany's dog Bomi


Tiffany making sourdough bread