A native of Massachusetts, Lorna Tsai began her studies at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School in Boston at the age of five. Tsai has received recognition for her work, among them from the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts, the New England String Ensemble, the Concord Symphony, and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. Upon receiving her bachelor degree in violin performance from Northwestern University, she continued her studies at Yale University School of Music, where she earned her masters in violin performance. Previous teachers include Magdalena Richter, Marylou Speaker Churchill, Roland and Almita Vamos, and Ani Kavafian.
Tsai is currently the Principal Second Violinist of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, serving in the position since Fall of 2011. Prior to joining the Calgary Phil, she performed with ensembles such as the New World Symphony and Louisville Orchestra. Tsai has also performed as soloist with various orchestras including the New England String Ensemble, the Concord Symphony, Symphony Pro Musica, and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
During the summers, Tsai participates in music festivals, which in the past have included the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Artosphere Music Festival, Spoleto Festival USA, Tanglewood Music Center, Pacific Music Festival, and Aspen Music Festival. She is a co-founder and co-director of Manchester Summer Chamber Music, a chamber music series dedicated to presenting classical concerts to Cape Ann, north of Boston.