Meet Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu | Sunkiss’d Mozart

We’re so excited to feature Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu in our Local Stories series — the visionary concert violinist behind Sunkiss’d Mozart, a one-of-a-kind classical music experience rooted in the heart of the Central Coast. Inspired by the region’s natural beauty and deep sense of community, Cindy brings a fresh, welcoming approach to classical music through storytelling, intimacy, and world-class performances. We admire the way she transforms each concert into something truly meaningful—where music becomes a shared, human experience that resonates long after the final note.

What inspired you to start your local business here on California’s Central Coast, and what makes this community the right place for your story?

My husband and I live in Salinas with our 1-year-old twins. Being a concert violinist I have always thought of curating concerts as a big part of my artistry — I make music everywhere I go, so Sunkiss’d Mozart is just the “of course answer.” 🙂 Since it has been going for a few years, I feel increasingly more inspired as I learn about this extraordinary community I live in. The rich history of art, the beauty of the natural surroundings that invites creativity and a focus on honing one’s art. In addition to that, people here seem to really treasure these deep human exchanges through the music I make. It’s just a gem. Everyday I live here, Sunkiss’d Mozart will be here.

For locals and visitors discovering you for the first time, what should they know about your business?

We are not your typical “Classical music experience.” You do not need to know anything or be well-versed in Classical Music to enjoy our events, ever. Every piece performed is introduced by enlightening and humorous storytelling. We really make our concerts like a delightful “gift” to unwrap. Our audience always says it’s unforgettably rewarding!

What do you feel sets your business apart, and how do you hope it adds to the local business culture of the Central Coast?

Sunkiss’d Mozart’s vision of being “professional artist led” sets us apart. This is very rare these days, especially in legacy organizations. What makes Sunkiss’d Mozart different and exciting is that we are the “it” concert to see if you truly want to pull back the curtain and peek inside the head of the best musicians and see what they are up to, what they are into or working on, and what they are thinking right now. This is not necessarily a new innovation. Beethoven used to do this with his “Academie” concerts. Everyone wanted to be at those concerts to see what he was doing! I’d love to bring back this beautiful tradition (like how Justin Timberlake brought sexy back lol).

When you think about living and working on California’s Central Coast, what do you appreciate most about this region and its people?

This is the place that is called the “greatest meeting of land and sea” and what John Steinbeck named the “Pastures of Heaven.” I believe magnificent nature is the best teacher, confidant and medicine. If nothing is wrong with life, there wouldn’t be art! Nature teaches you about perspective, the rhythm and cycle of life, it inspires serenity, reflection, grace, appreciation. It heals you and always, inspires you to pivot your pain and struggle into either inner peace or creative outflow whether in music, words or other forms of art. Nature just is the best teacher.

We love highlighting the people behind the scenes who make a difference. Who has supported, inspired, or encouraged you along the way that you’d like to recognize?

So many people have given invaluable support to make Sunkiss’d Mozart possible. I just spent the last 2 hours writing thank you cards so they would know my appreciation for them! But I really would love to acknowledge our audiences over the years who have become my friends, family and my fuel. It is extremely difficult to be a startup founder, and it is their sparkly eyes, teary eyes, the smiles I see on them during the concert. Their curiosity, introspection, the hugs and words of encouragement they so graciously share with me make me the energizer bunny. I want to keep creating the best, most moving and rewarding music for them. Some of them have been with us from the beginning and have been to every concert. I am just so thankful to have such an amazing community of such pure, genuine love. I don’t want to be too cheesy, but the person I have to thank the most would be my husband Ryan Goodfellow. There is no one in the world who is a bigger champion of my music than him. If you just witness how much he runs up and down the hill at every one of our Original Home Concerts just to make sure every guest is comfortably parked and situated and has every help they need… that’s love, man. 🙂

Contact Sunkiss’d Mozart

Website: https://skmozart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skmozart

Image Credits: Sunkiss’d Mozart

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