He is known for his unconventional and improvisational jazz violin technique as well as his chamber opera The Floating Box: A Story in Chinatown which premiered in 2001 and was released in 2005 on New World Records.

[1][2] Hwang's parents had emigrated to the United States from Hunan after World War II.

He studied classical violin before attending New York University where he received a degree in film and television.

His later work, including his opera The Floating Box and his extended composition Burning Bridge for a mixed ensemble of jazz, classical and Chinese instruments, has explored his own identity as an Asian American.

[3][1][4][5] With Jerome Cooper With Dominic Duval With William Parker With Henry Threadgill With Reggie Workman