Christabel
VIOLINIST
Roots & Early Career
New Zealand–born violinist Christabel Lin made her first major solo appearance at just 10 years old with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. She has since appeared as a soloist with the New Zealand Symphony, Christchurch Symphony, Taichung Symphony, Vienna Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, and the Austin Civic Orchestra — establishing an international foundation from an early age.
Orchestral & Academic Background
Christabel was a full-time violinist with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra in Vienna and is currently a member of the Austin Opera orchestra.
She holds a Master’s degree from the Vienna Conservatory and an Artist Diploma from the University of Texas at Austin, both under full scholarship, and earned her Bachelor’s degree from the New Zealand School of Music. Her chamber work has taken her across New Zealand, Asia, and the UK.
Touring & Contemporary Work
Beyond the classical stage, Christabel is an in-demand touring and recording musician. In 2022, she joined the touring band of Japanese Breakfast as violinist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist.
She has collaborated live and in studio with artists including Rapsody, Wild Child, and has provided live strings for major acts such as Michael Bublé, Laufey, KYGO, and The Who.
Composer, Educator & Community Presence
Recognized within the Austin music community, Christabel was nominated for Best String Player at the Austin Music Awards in 2023 and 2024, and for Best Classical Musician in the Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin Readers Poll in 2025.
As a composer, she received two B. Iden Payne Theatre Award nominations for her original score in Little Bird. She is a Suzuki-certified teacher, served as Adjunct Professor of Violin at Austin Community College, and hosts the monthly Austin Classical Jam.
