Biography
Praised for her commanding presence, expressive depth, and dynamic versatility, violinist Hannah Duncan is rapidly establishing herself as a compelling voice in the world of classical music. A native of Belle Plaine, Iowa, she began her violin studies in 2004 with John Schultz and has since cultivated a rich and multifaceted career as both a soloist and ensemble artist.
A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music (BM), Hannah studied under the tutelage of Joan Kwuon and Jessica Lee while also pursuing a minor in acting at Case Western Reserve University. She earned her master’s degree in 2024 from the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where she worked closely with Kathleen Winkler. Remarkably, Hannah auditioned for and won her position with the Houston Symphony Orchestra’s second violin section prior to completing her graduate studies, demonstrating her exceptional caliber and professionalism.
Equally at home on the recital stage and in intimate chamber settings, Hannah’s performances have resonated with audiences across the country. She has been featured on NPR’s From the Top with Christopher O’Riley, where she was awarded the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. She has appeared as a soloist with the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra—where she also served as Concertmaster—and regularly presents benefit recitals in support of local charities, music outreach initiatives, and medical research foundations.
A passionate chamber musician, Hannah was the first violinist of the ILO Quartet (2020–2022), a Cleveland-based ensemble whose name means “joy” in Finnish. Formed at the Cleveland Institute of Music, the quartet included violinist Charlotte Loukola, violist August DuBeau, and cellist Myeonggyun Charles Noh. The ensemble studied primarily with Si-Yan Darren Li, Todd Phillips, and Philip Setzer and was one of only three quartets selected for CIM’s prestigious Advanced String Quartet Program. They participated in masterclasses with members of the Emerson, Miami, and Orion Quartets and garnered widespread acclaim—winning the 2021 Senior Division People’s Choice Award at the Coltman Chamber Music Competition and sweeping First Prize, the Audience Award, and a scholarship at the 8th Stockholm International Music Competition (Ensemble 3 category, ages 18–26). The quartet was also named a finalist in the 2021 Petrichor International Music Competition and an alternate finalist for the 2022 Chesapeake International Chamber Music Competition. Before the quartet disbanded, they collaborated with Iranian composer Ata Ghavidel, who dedicated his work The Mirror Orchard to the ensemble.
Orchestrally, Hannah’s professional journey began at just sixteen with the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony. She later joined the Houston Symphony and was selected for the esteemed Keston MAX Fellowship, which enabled her to perform alongside the London Symphony Orchestra following her full-scholarship studies at the Music Academy of the West. A two-time member of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA and an alumna of the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Hannah’s orchestral experience spans continents and includes performances in some of the world's most revered venues.
Her artistry has been shaped through collaborations with internationally celebrated conductors including Juraj Valčuha, Sir Simon Rattle, Marin Alsop, Christoph Eschenbach, and Michael Tilson Thomas, and she has graced stages from Carnegie Hall to major concert halls across the USA, South America, and Asia.
Hannah’s dedication to her craft has been supported by generous scholarships from Dr. and Mrs. William E. Mitch, the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, and the William Hymanson Endowed Fund. She performs on a rare 1884 Nicolas Audinot violin, Elève de Vuillaume, paired with a Louis Morizot Père bow.
Beyond the concert stage, Hannah is a creative entrepreneur—designing customized practice planners for musicians, baking artisanal confections, and crafting handmade jewelry. When she’s not performing or creating, she treasures time spent with her husband and family, finding joy and balance in their support and company. Her work and creative projects can be explored further at hmdviolin.com.
Edited July 2025