DPO Spring Concert to feature concertmaster Jessica Hung

How to go

What: DPO's Demirjian Chamber Exploration Series Spring Concert featuring the DPO Principal String Quartet

When: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, and 10 a.m. Thursday, April 1

Where: The Schuster Center, Second and Main streets

Cost: $5 to $24

For more information: (937) 228-3630 or visit www.daytonphilharmonic.com

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s vibrant, young concertmaster, violinist Jessica Hung, also anchors the DPO Principal String Quartet, which includes violinist Kirstin Greenlaw, violist Sheridan Currie and Andra Padrichelli on cello.

The four musicians have the opportunity to showcase their collective mastery at DPO’s Demirjian Chamber Exploration Series Spring Concert.

The quartet will open the program with Beethoven’s string quartet “No. 16, Opus 135.” Following intermission, DPO principal keyboardist, Joshua Nemith, will join the quartet for a reading of Robert Schuman’s “Piano Quintet.”

Now in her second season as concertmaster, Hung feels right at home in the orchestra.

“My colleagues are such an example to me not only because of their professionalism and years of experience, but also because of their kindness and friendly, open nature,” Hung said.

She tries to keep an open mind regarding music for her solo and quartet ventures.

“I choose my recital programs in collaboration with my colleague Josh Nemith, DPO principal keyboard,” she said. “We aim for a diverse representation of repertoire featuring different eras and styles of classical music.”

Hung said there’s no added pressure being the first woman concertmaster of the DPO.

“There’s pressure for any concertmaster regardless of gender, and the DPO has several other section leaders who are women, including all of the string principals,” she said.

“Gender is not something I focus on.

“I’m much more concerned with doing my job well and consistently. I spend my time thinking about how to convey the conductor’s vision, instill trust and confidence in the violin section and the rest of the orchestra, and perform beautiful, inspiring, memorable solos.”