Violinist Qiong Hulsey has been with the FWSO since 1997, with several hiatuses. She played in the Florida Orchestra in 1999-2000 and won the principal second violin position there. She also played with the Utah Symphony as principal second violin in 2009.

Qiong began playing violin at age 5. Her father was her first teacher. She received her bachelor’s degree in music performance from Xinhai Conservatory in Guangzhou, China, and was concertmaster of the Xinhai Conservatory orchestra during that time. She was also a finalist in the Chinese National Competition in 1990. In addition, she was appointed by the Ministry of Education of the city of Guangzhou to make a recording that included 38 pieces for young children by various Chinese composers.

Qiong enjoys walking, jogging and yoga. She is learning golf, Spanish and piano. Tea, friends, traveling are important to her. She is also very passionate about teaching violin and helping young musicians explore their talents and achieve their goals.

Qiong plays on a violin made for her in 2012 by master luthier Samuel Zygmuntowicz in New York City.