The Curtis Institute of Music, in Philadelphia, has announced that alumna violist Teng Li will join its faculty, effective from the opening of the 2026/27 academic year. Her appointment coincides with the departure of Misha Amory and Hsin-Yun Huang, both of whom have been long-serving faculty members.

Li presently serves as Principal Viola of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, having been appointed in 2024. Prior to this, she was principal viola of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and served 14-year tenure as principal viola of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. 

She has achieved significant competition success, winning top prizes at the Johansen International Competition, the Holland-America Music Society Competition, the Primrose International Viola Competition, the Klein International String Competition, and the ARD International Music Competition. 

As a chamber musician, she has made appearances at the Marlboro Music Festival, Chamber Music Northwest, and La Jolla Music Society SummerFest. She is also a founding member of the Rosamunde Quartet, alongside violinists Noah Bendix-Balgley and Shanshan Yao, and cellist Nathan Vickery. 

As a pedagogue, Li has previously taught at the Colburn School, Roosevelt University, University of Toronto, the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, and Montreal’s Conservatoire de Musique.

A graduate of the Central Conservatory in Beijing as well as of Curtis, her principal teachers have included Michael Tree, Joseph de Pasquale, and Karen Tuttle.

"I’m incredibly honored to return to my alma mater in this new capacity," Li said. "As a student, my time at Curtis was life changing. My teachers gifted me unwavering support and enthusiasm and encouraged me to become the best musician I could be. After many years of performing and learning from some of the most inspiring musicians of our time, I’m ready to share my experiences with this next generation, and endeavor to provide the same level of support and guidance I once received."

"I am deeply grateful to Misha and Hsin-Yun for their combined years of service to Curtis, expertly guiding our student violists on their musical journeys, and I wish them all the very best," said Roberto Díaz, President and CEO of Curtis. "And I am thrilled to welcome Teng Li to our faculty. I look forward to working with her in this capacity. I know that our students will be in wonderful hands."