At just 11 years old, Singaporean violinist Cathy Chen Xi has earned first prize in her age division at the esteemed Hengqin International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians.
Cathy, a student of Tao Nan School, emerged victorious in the under-12 category, which attracted 27 contestants from around the world. In the final round held on September 18, she performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 alongside the Salzburg Chamber Soloists, who served as the competition’s orchestra.
This competition, formerly known as the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition, is now celebrating its sixth edition.
Singapore’s renowned violinist Chloe Chua previously secured third place in the same category in 2017 before sharing first prize in the Junior section of the Menuhin Competition a year later.
Speaking to The New Paper the day after her accomplishment, an elated Cathy expressed, “I can’t believe it, and I am too excited.”
She added, “Reaching the finals was already unbelievable, but I continued to work hard, aiming for second place. I never imagined I would achieve first.”
Accompanied to Zhuhai by her parents, Cathy admitted to feeling nervous before stepping on stage. “But once I began playing, all the nervousness vanished as I poured my heart into the music,” said the young violinist, who counts Mozart as her favorite composer.
Her preparation undoubtedly contributed to her success. Cathy’s teacher, Ms Ye Lin, traveled with her to Zhuhai and provided daily coaching sessions—sometimes twice a day—during the two weeks leading up to the finale.
“I focused on remembering the details my teacher taught me and how to use my violin to tell stories,” Cathy explained.
Ms Ye, aged 44, who has been mentoring Cathy at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents since January 2020, described her student as exceptional from the beginning.
“Cathy learns quickly, responds sensitively, and always carries a big smile. Often during lessons, she would laugh with sheer joy, not due to lack of focus but because she genuinely loves the music,” Ms Ye shared.
According to her teacher, Cathy’s driving force is her profound passion for the violin. On stage, Cathy is “stable, reliable, fearless, and naturally charming.”
In her guidance, Ms Ye emphasized storytelling through music and expressing emotions ranging from happiness to sorrow.
“I always tell my students that soulful and sincere playing touches both the jury and the audience,” she said.
Ms Ye expressed immense pride in Cathy’s achievement and gratitude for the jury’s recognition, deeming it the finest result she has witnessed from any student at a major international music competition. This platform, she noted, had been Cathy’s dream since she was seven.
She also highlighted the increasing presence and success of Singaporean violin students in major international competitions in recent years, marking an encouraging period for music education locally.
Cathy’s mother, Ms Zhao Ang, a teacher in her 40s, said she was both surprised and delighted by her daughter’s accomplishment.
She revealed that Cathy had practiced intensely during the competition period, striving to absorb as much as possible from Ms Ye.
“We are very thankful to have Teacher Ye, and we will continue to work hard with her,” Ms Zhao added.
The family plans to remain in Zhuhai until the closing ceremony on September 21, but Cathy is already looking ahead.
“I hope to soon learn and perform Wieniawski’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and Sarasate’s Carmen Fantasy,” she said, demonstrating her ambition to continue progressing.
— The Violin Post Editorial Staff
