Geneva Lewis

Violinist Hannah Christiansen

Violinist Hannah Christiansen grew up all over the United States and currently lives and works in Chicago.  She earned degrees from Oberlin College, Oberlin Conservatory, and Northwestern University, where she studied with Gerardo Ribeiro, Sylvia Wang, and Milan Vitek. Christiansen is currently in the violin section of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and is a regular substitute with the Madison Symphony Orchestra.  Hannah has performed in solo and chamber music masterclasses for artists including Midori, Noah Bendix-Balgley, Martin Beaver, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Frank Almond, the Dover Quartet, the Calder Quartet, and the Attacca Quartet, and has collaborated with artists from Ensemble Dal Niente, Ensemble Linea, and F-PLUS.

A dedicated chamber musician and supporter of new music, Hannah has worked closely with composers including Eliza Brown, David Lang, Andrew Norman, Steve Reich, and Roger Zare.  She is also the co-founder of the Zafa Collective, a Chicago-based new music ensemble. With Zafa, Hannah is committed to increasing the representation for women and composers of color on contemporary concert programs.  A sports enthusiast, Hannah writes for Inside Lacrosse in her spare time. Hannah performs on a violin by Joseph Gagliano c. 1790 courtesy of Guarneri Hall NFP and Darnton & Hersh Fine Violins, Chicago.

Hannah Christiansen: Affiliate Artist Profile Video

Hannah Christiansen talks about her career and instrument, along with sponsor Marylou Witz and violin expert Julian Hersh. Video by Mike Grittani for Guarneri Hall.

Hannah Christiansen: Instrument

  • A Giuseppe Gagliano Violin, 1780

    A Giuseppe Gagliano Violin, 1780

    With twelve Gagliano makers spanning approximately 150 years and five generations, the Gagliano name has become synonymous with violin making in Naples. Giuseppe Galiano’s 1780 violin is a striking example of the maker’s work at its best.

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