About Mikayla

Mikayla Chan is a Chinese-American violinist, chamber musician, and soloist based in NYC.  After her first year of her Master’s degree, she developed a passion for exploring and works written by female BIPOC and AAPI musicians, hoping to break the conventions of standard repertoire and programming in classical music.

In Orchestral settings, Mikayla displays great artistry and leadership. In early 2024, Mikayla was selected to be the principal 2nd violinist of the Mannes Orchestra at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln center, where she performed Charles Ives’ fourth symphony. She was also principal 2nd violinist of the Mannes Orchestra’s performances and collaboration with the Martha Graham Dance Company on April 18th and 19th 2024 where she performed the ballet suites of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring”. She is currently a member of the Brooklyn Chamber Orchestra and has recently become a member of the Chelsea Symphony and the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra.

As a chamber musician, Mikayla has performed in various settings and genres, such as new music, baroque, and mixed ensembles. She also founded her piano quartet, Sunü Quartet in May 2024 with her colleagues from the Mannes School of Music. She regularly performs with the Sunü Quartet throughout the year in notable New York City Venues, such as the DiMenna Center, Opera America, and Ressona. 

Mikayla holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in violin performance from the Mannes School of Music at The New School. Notable instructors Mikayla has studied with are Rebecca Fischer, Curtis Macomber, and Kinga Augustyn.