The Constant Connection:
Senior Soloist Lisa Zhou-Hackett on Her Musical Journey with V. Richelieu
Senior Lisa Zhou-Hackett is a talented violinist who has been a member of the Vermont Youth Orchestra since Fall 2023. She also participated in the New England Music Festival and All State Music Festivals in both 2022 and 2023. We have known Lisa forever and have used her much younger self in marketing promotions for Vermont Violins and V. Richelieu. Over the years, V. Richelieu violins have played an important role in her musical journey, helping her grow into the successful and accomplished violin player she is today.
We recently sat down with Lisa to learn more about her experiences with V. Richelieu instruments and to discuss her upcoming Vermont Youth Orchestra Association (VYOA) concert on October 19, 2025, at the Flynn. Lisa will open the season as the senior soloist performing Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto, Movement III, leading a program that pays tribute to the Green Mountains. This concert features Mendelssohn’s powerful Reformation Symphony, Keane Southard’s “Vermont” from his Appalachian Trail Symphony, and vibrant selections by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and Miklós Rózsa, reflecting the heart of VYO’s rich musical journey.
Lisa Zhou Shares Her Musical Journey with V. Richelieu Violins
Reflecting on my early musical experience with V. Richelieu instruments, what stands out most is the sound. From a young age, I loved the instrument’s tone, especially when I was playing for people, like in concert, or if I was playing super expressively, the instrument always created the emotion that I wanted to play or that I wanted to create.
Finding the Right Instrument: A Musician's Connection
Finding an instrument is a bit like Harry Potter finding his wand—you have to find the right one that truly connects with you. Having the right instrument is so important in growing as a musician. I’ve been playing on V. Richelieu violins for years now, and that consistency has really allowed me to grow with my sound. Sticking with V. Richelieu for such a long time has been a huge benefit. Consistency in having an instrument you know well makes it easier to focus on musical expression. Even as I’ve grown from a beginner to a more advanced player tackling difficult pieces, my V. Richelieu violin has met my evolving needs. When I transitioned from smaller sizes to a full-size violin, the improvement in sound quality allowed me to truly realize my playing potential and meet the technical demands of advanced repertoire.
The consistency of using the V. Richelieu throughout my journey has made a huge difference. I've been playing V. Richelieu instruments since I started, and each one has felt familiar and reliable. This consistency has made it easier to focus on improving my skills rather than worrying about adapting to a new instrument every time I grew out of an old one.
Photo Courtesy - VYOA
A Moment That Stood Out
One moment I’ll always cherish was preparing for a major audition for the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association. I performed the second movement of Lalo’s Symphony Española, a piece that is intensely expressive and toneful. Because I felt so connected and comfortable with my Richelieu instrument, I could fully immerse myself in telling the musical story, and it became one of my memorable performances. It was one of those rare performances where you come off stage and think, “Yeah, I’m proud of that.” That connection and comfort with my violin played a big part in that.
A Growing Partnership
As I've become a more advanced player, my musical needs have evolved. Being able to have that closeness with the instrument is important—even if it’s not the same exact one, like switching sizes growing up, but the same good maker or brand—makes it easier to be comfortable, and that comfort makes it easier to play. Since I was a kid and now as a professional, my pieces have definitely become more difficult, but when I finally got my full-size violin, I could really play how I wanted to. It met my expectations and needs especially as I grew into a more advanced musician. So yeah, it definitely continued to meet my needs and still does—it’s really excelling with me.
For young violinists looking for the right instrument, my advice is to find a instrument that you can truly connect with, like I did with V. Richelieu. This connection allows you to become more comfortable, which in turn makes it easier to play and express yourself. I also love that V. Richelieu is integrating sustainability into their instruments. It's great to see a company that not only makes beautiful instruments but also cares about the environment.
The Thrill of a Challenge
Looking ahead, one exciting challenge is performing the third movement of Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto. The piece builds incredible anticipation and excitement, and while it's technically demanding, especially for my fingers, there are definitely passages where my fingers feel like they’re going to cramp up if I play it at full speed. But honestly, when I’m in performance mode, I forget all of that. I just get caught up in the music. It’s pure joy. (Even if I do feel it later!) It's a wonderful feeling to be so focused on the music that everything else fades away.
Of all the diverse pieces on the program, I feel most connected to the Mendelssohn Symphony. I’m honored to be concertmaster for that piece, and I really connect with the melodies and overall spirit. It’s a lot of fun to lead with such beautiful music.
Grateful for VYOA
Lastly, I just want to say how much the Vermont Youth Orchestra Association (VYOA) has meant to me. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without it. Beyond the music, the community and support system are so special. It has opened so many doors for me, and I’m genuinely grateful for every part of it — the people, the performances, the growth.
Finding Your Perfect Instrument:
A Key to Musical Growth
For any young violinists searching for the right instrument, I would say: find one that truly speaks to you. The instrument you connect with will make the difference in your ability to grow, express yourself, and enjoy playing. It’s more than just a tool; it becomes a partner in your musical story.
I’m incredibly grateful for my experience with V. Richelieu violins and the role it has played in my development from a young player to an advanced player. The consistency, quality, and connection have made all the difference in my playing journey.
V. RICHELIEU VIOLA
We design and build violas for the next generation of violists.
We start at the beginning. We place small fractional violas designed and built in our Vermont workshop into small hands to play viola music as it was composed to play. We do not compromise, and neither should you.
Don’t play a converted violin. Play a real viola. Play a V. RICHELIEU™ small viola. Each V. RICHELIEU™ viola is uniquely crafted to make each piece of wood sing in full voice. The instruments are built in Vermont to combine over 80 years of experience with unique hand graduations and a beautiful hand-painted oil varnish of our own proprietary formulation.
Available as small as 11” to 16”. Real Violas for Aspiring Soloists!