Welcome to Con Fuoco, CutCommon’s interview series with emerging musicians in Australia.
Jeremy Sun is 12 years old and began studying piano at the age of six. He’s been awarded major prizes from local to international competitions and is a regular winner at the Queensland Piano Competition. Last year, he took out first prize at the Euregio Piano Award International Competition (Geilenkirchen, Germany); and the Santa Cecilia International Competition (Porto, Portugal), where he received top marks and distinction.
In 2016, Jeremy won first prize in the Piano Talents International Competition (Milan, Italy). At the 2016 Shanghai Spring International Music Festival in China, he was a finalist, and won the Outstanding Performance Prize and First Prize in the Piano Duet category (10 to 13 years category) with his sister Grace. In 2016, Jeremy also won the online Grand Prize Virtuoso International Competition (Austria) and the Most Outstanding Talent award in the 9 to 11 years category.
In 2016 Jeremy was awarded the City of Gold Coast Award for the most outstanding pianist with a mark of 100/100 for two consecutive years, and performed as soloist with the Queensland Youth Orchestra 2. In 2016 and 2017 Jeremy won first prizes at the Sydney Eisteddfod and was invited to perform both years at the Sydney Eisteddfod Alf & Pearl Pollard Memorial Instrumental Awards for Performance Excellence; last year performing as soloist with the Redlands Sinfonia and being awarded his LMus with distinction. In both 2015 and 2017 Jeremy participated in the Little Lev Masterclass and was selected to perform at the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition Grand Final Concert.
He is a Year 7 student at Brisbane Grammar School and studies piano privately with Mimia Margiotta.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
I absolutely love Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5.
Biggest fear when performing?
I am quite calm when I perform and do not tend to have any major fears. However, I am often worried about sneezing while I perform in public or that I may have a runny nose.
Most memorable concert experience?
One of the most amazing experiences was when I performed at the final concert of the Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition at the Queensland Conservatorium at the age of 10. The theatre was packed with people and it was such a thrilling experience for me, as I had never performed in front of such a large audience.
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I try to give myself some energy by eating some healthy food or playing my favourite sport, soccer, before I practice.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
On one occasion, I finished on a wrong note at the end of an upward glissando. It was at the very end of the piece and it made me quite uncomfortable.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
My piano teacher, Mimia Margiotta, has always told me to make sure my practice is ‘slow’ and ‘focused’, and to always be totally immersed in my playing.
Favourite post-gig ritual?
I like to celebrate by eating take-away, such as Maccas and KFC, as I don’t often get to have them. I also like to play some games to relax.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
I am proud to have won prizes in international piano competitions in Italy, China, Austria, Portugal and Germany.
What do you love most about making music?
I love being able to use my imagination and create my own story in each piece I play. Every time there is something different to say.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to become a great concert pianist.
The Queensland Youth Symphony will perform on 17 of March with Jeremy playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3. This concert will also include a performance of Respighi’s Pines of Rome and the Poulenc Gloria. Find out more.
Image supplied. Disclaimer: this interview was published with permission from the guardians of Jeremy Sun, 12.
