Esther Dong

Composer | Erhu Player | Producer | Bandleader | Sound Artist

Esther Dong is a composer, arranger, erhu player, improviser, producer, bandleader, sound artist, and Founder & CEO of ERQUA MUSIC. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Composition from Berklee College of Music, where she also studied jazz erhu performance under Grammy-nominated violinist Sara Caswell. She has performed with Grammy-winning musicians including Edward Perez, Mike Block, and Wu Man. Her playing has been praised by Marcus Printup, trumpeter for Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Her performance experience spans renowned venues such as the Boston House of Blues, Berklee Performance Center, Boston Symphony Hall (BSO), and Jordan Hall. She is a recipient of multiple awards, including recognition from the Singapore International Erhu Competition and a Gold Prize at the 12th Hong Kong International Youth Performing Arts Festival. She has also received several scholarships, including the 29th SeolBong Scholarship, the 2024 Youngnak Scholarship, and the 2024 Inland Church Scholarship.

She leads both the Esther Dong Big Band and the Esther Dong Quartet, showcasing her vision as a composer, player, bandleader, and cross-cultural artist.

In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, running, cycling, surfing, cooking, reading, and journaling.