BY STEPHANIE ESLAKE
Should you stay in Australia to build your music career, or travel overseas in search of bigger things? What even are those bigger things?
This new interview series aims to educate you about the best of both worlds. And we’ll give you a hint: there’s no right answer.
Throughout 2019, we’re teaming up with the Australian Youth Orchestra to bring you stories about those who have started to forge their industry path in Australia. But some have remained in the country, while others have stationed themselves across the world.
No matter where you choose to live and work, there is plenty for you to learn. In this interview, we meet Rain Liu.
Rain is a violinist who has studied a Bachelor of Music at the Sydney Conservatorium. He hails from China, and recently toured to his home country with the Australian Youth Orchestra; performing in Europe along the way (and hitting up the Sydney Opera House for a final show at the end of the tour!). Here’s how he’s finding the experience of an international performance career.
Rain, tell us how you joined AYO.
I was encouraged by my teacher and friends to audition for AYO. AYO has been a very enriching and worthwhile experience for my friends, so I was very much looking forward to auditioning.
So how have you found the experience of working to build your career in Australia?
Australia has been very helpful for my musical career, ever since I came here. It’s a very nourishing and inclusive environment, which I think is perfect for musical growth.
Talk us through your daily life: practice, work, study.
I don’t have a strict day-to-day schedule. Generally, I would break my practice up into morning, afternoon and night — I think I work the most effective that way. For my off-time, I would go to the gym or play video games.
You hail from China, and now you’ve returned to perform with AYO on its tour. How does it feel to revisit China in this new and professional capacity?
Returning to China was especially emotional and heartfelt for me. Many of my family members watched both concerts, and I’m just so glad I got the chance to play for them in such a wonderful orchestra.
What did you hope to gain from the tour experience?
My main goal was to make the most out of it in all aspects of the tour, learn lots, and have a good time!
You’ve also performed all over Europe on the tour! How did AYO prepare you for this global experience?
I’d like to thank the AYO staff for seamlessly organising the tour and making it silk-smooth for us performers! I have learnt so much from our tutors in the sectionals on how to behave as a orchestral musician, and talking to them gave me so much insight into the job itself. I would like to think efficiency is one thing that I’ve picked up and reinforced on this tour.
On a broader level, you trained with the AYO to build your professional experiences as you enter the industry. What was the key message from your training that remains with you now – and that you’ll take with you anywhere in the world?
I learnt from AYO that you should be very flexible and able to adjust according to the group’s needs at all times in order to become an active and participating member.
What advice would you give to young people who are undertaking this sort of training, or who have recently completed it, and are looking to build their career in Australia?
I would advise any young musicians who are looking for any ensemble playing to be more observant. Focus more on your surroundings rather than yourself, and welcome changes.
And finally…where are you off to next?
I don’t have a crystal-clear view of my future as of now, so I’ll see as I go!
READ NEXT: All the world’s a stage | Adrian Whitehall, double bass
We’re teaming up with the Australian Youth Orchestra to bring you real-world stories that explore the benefits of a music career in the country or across the globe. Stay tuned for our next interview in All the world’s a stage. In what country would you like to make music?
Images supplied.
