Caleb Chiu will be performing the first movement of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole as a winner of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Challenge. We asked him about the upcoming concert.

Can you tell us a bit about your path in music so far?

I started with piano when I was little but I chose the violin instead. I have always enjoyed the beautiful sound of the violin ever since I started playing it. I have been playing the violin for ten years. My most memorable performances include the 2018 Rising Stars concert with the Richmond Orchestra and the 2019 BC Provincial Music Festival in Chilliwack.

Have you played with an orchestra before?

Yes, I have performed a number of times with the Richmond Orchestra as well as the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra.

How does music relate to other parts of your life, or vice versa?

Music is something I do everyday. It helps me relax.

What do you love most about your instrument?

I love the beautiful sound the violin can produce.

What do you love about the piece of music you will be performing?

I love the intensity and fire of this piece.

Is there something special you think the audience might listen for in your piece?

Yes, the unique Spanish rhythm defined by a set of triplets that is followed by two notes of the same length.

Vadim Repin performs Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France under Myung-Whun Chung.