Interview
1- Is your family musical?
None of my family are musicians, although I did have a French great-grandfather who played the bagpipe in Brittany and Chinese grand-parents who sang Chinese opera!
2- Did you know right from an early age that the violin was your instrument?
I always enjoyed playing violin, but as I was from a non-musical family, the notion of a musical career was somewhat of a mystery. However, I remember I was 9 years old when I decided that I definitely wanted to become a concert violinist after listening to a stunning recital of Maxim Vengerov with Ian Brown at the Barbican in 2004.
3- One of your early teachers was Yumi Sasaki. How was it like to be mentored by this person?
Yumi nurtured my love for music. We had a very respectful relationship to one another and she allowed me to develop in the direction she could see I wanted to progress. I studied with her for 8 years and would often have lessons together with her husband who is a pianist. We would work intensely all together before concerts and competitions and I owe a lot to both of them for all their support and guidance.
4- Since September 2012 you have been studying at the Royal College of Music, first under Itzhak Rashkovsky and currently with Professor Radu Blidar. How was it to be mentored by these people and how are your studies coming along?
When I changed teacher to Professor Rashkovsky, I experienced a very different style of teaching. For the first time in my life, I had a more Russian-school method of training with a certain structure and learnt some interesting and personal technical concepts of his, for which I am very grateful. I also explored more of the violin virtuoso repertoire, particularly that of Wieniawski (one of his favourite composers), which was refreshing.
I am very happy with my current Professor, Radu Blidar. Shortly after studying with him, he offered me to play in Paris and I have developed a good musical chemistry with him ever since. I always feel there is something to learn from him, and love how he illustrates a musical idea through his playing, which is beautiful. He has an exuberant personality with great musical taste and extensive experience, both as a performer and as a teacher.
5- You made your debut as a soloist with orchestra aged thirteen in Snape Maltings, Aldeburgh, where you performed Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole. What were your feelings at the time?
I was very excited to perform in a big concert hall with a symphony orchestra for the first time! I remember feeling nervous on the day of the concert as they also made a live cd out of the performance. Luckily it went well and the audience seemed to enjoy it!
6- You have won numerous awards in different competitions. Does any particularly stand out?
The competition that actually stands out for me was a competition I did not win. It was when I participated in the junior section of the Menuhin Competition 2010 in Oslo. It was my first international competition and the morning I was meant to leave for the airport, my parents and I found out that there had been a volcanic explosion in Iceland that disrupted flights all over northern Europe! There was no time to waste, so we set off by car and drove for 36 hours through eight different countries, occasionally stopping to sleep one or two hours along the way. Norwegian media even interviewed us while travelling, as the circumstances were so exceptional. Finally once we arrived, I met young talented musicians from all over the world and made long lasting friendships after an intense two weeks. Somehow, it felt almost like a festival rather than a competition featuring a violin maker’s exhibition, violin masterclasses, and concerts by the Jury. It was an experience I will cherish for a lifetime.
7- In June 2010, you were invited to give a solo recital at the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford and were presented with the Music Director’s Award by Marios Papadopoulos, Director of the Oxford Philomusica. How did this accolade feel like and what pieces did you play?
I was delighted to be awarded the Director’s Award as part of the Young Artist’s Platform and felt very fortunate to be invited to play a recital at the Sheldonian as it is such a beautiful historical building! I played Grieg Sonata No.2 in G major, Ole Bull’s Rondo Giocoso and Sarasate’s Zigeunerweisen. I am extremely grateful to Maestro Marios Papadopoulos who was kind enough to create this award with me in mind.
8- Who would your dream accompanist be?
I have been fortunate to collaborate with great pianists with whom I really enjoy making music. I often play with talented pianists from RCM, so for the moment, my dream accompanist would be any of them who is available whenever I need to perform or record! Unfortunately, they are often super busy!
9- How often do you practice?
I practice daily.
10- How do you balance your study, performance and leisure times? What are the biggest sacrifices?
Most of my time is focused on practicing and rehearsing for concerts and competitions and working with my Professor in our one-on-one lessons. However, spending time with my friends and family is important to me, so I try to do something at least once a week. I found that when I was studying at school during the week, plus music school on Saturdays at the Royal Academy where I used to study, it was difficult to carve any time for a good social life, but now that my main focus is on music, I have more liberty to choose how I spend my time outside of my musical commitments. I also enjoy cooking, reading, visiting museums and watching films.
11- In September 2014, you formed a string quartet, L’Or Quatuor, with musicians from the Royal College of Music. Can you introduce these fellow musicians to us please?
I am playing in a quartet with my friends Eleanora Consta (violin), Joanna Patrick (viola) and Clara Berger (cello). We are a rather international group as Eleanora is Greek, Joanna is English, Clara is German and I am British-French-Chinese.
12- Can you share with us an abiding memory in connection with one of your performances or competitions?
As I mentioned previously, the Menuhin Competition was definitely a highlight of my musical development so far. Another memorably event, something very different from what I am used to, was when I performed at Trafalgar Square in 2007 and 2008 in celebration of Chinese New Year. It was the largest live audience I had ever performed to and the event featured a variety of acts ranging from folk and opera singers, dancers, acrobats, as well as musicians. The performances were featured on two big screens on each side of the large open stage and I was broadcasted on LBC News radio beforehand to present the event.
13- Would you consider teaching music in the future?
Definitely! Music is a sharing experience, and I would be happy to pass on what I have learnt from great musicians I was luckily enough to have received guidance from.
14- What advice would you give fellow music students who are at the start of their journey?
As long as you are passionate about music, keep working hard and try to remain focused on your goals and aspirations. Be kind and respectful towards your peers, mentors and supporters. Also, it is a tough profession, so keep a good sense of humour!
15- Who is your favourite musician and why?
I do not have a favourite musician. I have musical heroes for personal reasons, both living and those who have passed away, composers, conductors, violinists, other instrumentalists and chamber ensembles. Some of these people include J.S Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Ysaÿe, Henryk Szeryng, Maxim Vengerov, Janine Jansen, Gustavo Dudamel, Glenn Gould, Emerson and Borodin quartets, to name a few. I enjoy listening to a variety of musical personalities and feel it is important to listen to many artists and keep an open mind to different musical interpretations.
16- Do you have any future projects in the pipeline you would like to share with us?
I have a few concerts, competitions and festivals lined up, but I am particularly excited to play a recital for the French Ambassador in Beijing, which is planned for January 2016. The event is about promoting Franco-Chinese cultural relations, which is particularly significant to me as I am half French, half Chinese. I will prepare a programme combining Western and Chinese cultural traditions for the occasion.
