Welcome to Con Fuoco, our interview series with emerging artists in Australia.
Sarah Chang is in Year 12, and her career success has already begun. She is a scholarship holder at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music’s Open Academy Rising Stars program, and was awarded her AMus at the age of 12 and LMus with distinction a year later.
Sarah attended the 2013 Australian Chamber Orchestra string workshop, the 2015 Australian Youth Orchestra Young Symphonists program in Toowoomba, and the 2016 ACO Academy in Brisbane. She was a Junior Finalist in the 2015 NSW KPO Concerto Competition and a semi-finalist in the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Kendall National Violin Competition. She was also selected to perform as a recitalist in the 2015 National Youth Concerto Competition.
Sarah won the 2016 International Animato Competition in Brisbane and the Multiples Section of the 2017 NSW KPO Concerto Competition.
Your all-time favourite piece of music?
There’s more than one! I love to listen on repeat to: Dvorak (especially his From the New World symphony and operas), The Moldau (Smetana), anything by Shostakovich…
Biggest fear when performing?
Hopefully it won’t ever happen, but my biggest fear when performing is leaning forward too far when I play and falling flat on my face.
Most memorable concert experience?
On of my most memorable concert experiences happened at the end of last year. My sister and I performed some Christmas songs for a nursing home, and it was so inspiring and heart-warming to see how much the people there enjoyed it. Some of them sang along or requested songs, but the best part was probably when one woman went over to the piano and started to play with us!
How do you psych yourself up for practice on a lazy day?
I think on a lazy day, I have to be mindful of my musical goals, and sectionalise or organise which pieces take priority for practice. If at that moment I don’t feel particularly ready to practice, I give myself a bit of time to perhaps work on something else and return later in the day.
Most embarrassing moment on stage?
Thankfully, there haven’t been many embarrassing moments! But probably the most embarrassing moment was when I was performing in front of my school in assembly, but just before I went on stage, I tripped over an amplifier chord – in front of nearly a thousand people.
Best piece of musical advice you’ve received?
I think one of the most valued and influential pieces of musical advice I’ve received is to trust my own musical interpretation, and to explore and experiment with this as much as possible.
Post-gig ritual?
After performances, I’ll give myself a bit of time to relax and chill out – eat something, discuss my performance – then I’ll go over the piece again and see which parts of my performance I liked or didn’t execute so well.
What are you most proud of in your musical career so far?
In the time I’ve learnt the violin and been exposed to the music world, the thing I am most proud of is how far I’ve progressed – from plucking open strings (apparently for a whole year – I can’t imagine how difficult it would have been for my family to listen to!) to performing some of the coolest and most influential pieces ever composed.
What do you love about making music?
One of the things I love most about making and performing music is how I’ve been able to create long-lasting friendships along the way, especially in orchestras and music programs. I also love how, through music, a performer and even the audience are able to explore another person’s culture and life experience.
What’s your ultimate goal?
My goal in life is to try to bring as much joy and happiness to the world as possible. I’ve been so fortunate and privileged to be surrounded by extremely supportive people, especially my parents and family, my teachers and my friends. And I want to be able to give back to our society in the same way I’ve been blessed by the people around me.
Sarah is a finalist in the NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition performing on June 30.
Her fellow finalists include:
Juniors
- Milo Abrahams – Bassoon
- Daniel Lin – Viola
Seniors
- Emily Su – Violin
- Alicia Poon – Violin
- Lily Dai – Cello
Image supplied.
