Hanz Baek (Violin)

Hanz Baek, a senior at The Harker School, is a dedicated student in the Conservatory Certificate program, serving as concertmaster since the 2024-2025 season. He began playing the violin at the age of six under the guidance of Mr. Byung Woo Kim. Hanz has been with the California Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (CPYO) since 2018, first as concertmaster of the Associate Orchestra in 2022 and as the current concertmaster of the Senior Orchestra. He also earned the concertmaster position at the 2026 All State High School String Orchestra. He won the CPYO Concerto Competition in 2022 and again in 2025, earning solo performances on both occasions. In 2024, he won first place in both the American Fine Arts Festival International Concerto Competition and the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition, leading to performances at Carnegie Weill Hall. He also received second place in the 2026 EnKor International Music Competition. In 2023, Hanz was named the California State winner in the OPUS Music Competition and was selected to perform with the California All-State Orchestra. He performed at the Junior Bach Festival in both 2023 and 2025, and in 2023 and 2026 earned the Command Performance Award at the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival.
An active chamber musician, Hanz participates in chamber ensembles both at Harker and outside of school. He has performed major works including Mendelssohn’s Octet in E-flat Major, Op. 20 and String Quartet No. 6 in F minor, Op. 80. Beyond performances, Hanz is deeply committed to connecting the community through music. Through Music and Us Serving Everyone (MUSE), he regularly performs for senior centers and community events and also teaches at the Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (AMASE) since 2023.
Beyond music, Hanz is a nationally and internationally ranked competitive archer who placed fourth in California’s U21 division in both 2024 and 2025. He is also a two-time USA Biology Olympiad Semifinalist, including a Top 125 finish in 2026, and a HOSA Dental Science state medalist. He remains active in research, medical volunteering, and healthcare-focused student organizations.