We chatted to Mio, one of our amazing finalists, to find out more….
What is your main occupation at the moment?
I am a student at the Royal Academy of Music (masters 2nd year, graduating this summer). Occasional freelancer and the 1st violinist of Isla String Quartet
What made you choose to play your instrument and how old were you when you started?
I was 4 years old when I started the violin. My older sister was already playing the violin so I copied her!
What do you feel you would gain from the experience of winning this competition and playing your concerto with ERSO and Chris Stark?
Prokofiev’s 1st violin concerto is one of my favourite concertos. I remember when I was 18, I heard it live at the Barbican for the first time- I wasn’t so familiar with it back then but it left such a strong emotional impression on me that I wanted to learn it. The opening of the concerto is so magical, and when this opening theme comes back at the end of the 3rd mvt it is even more ethereal, and extremely moving. I love the contrasts between these beautiful entrancing moments and the more mischievous, menacing and threatening characters that are both so unique to Prokofiev. Having played in the ERSO before I can really feel the passion that both Chris and the orchestra have to create something special together. I would love to work with Chris to make the Prokofiev come to life and it would be an amazing experience for me as I have never played a full concerto with orchestra before
ERSO 