Megan Cheng, in grade 10 at York House School, will be performing Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme Op. 33, an exquisite showcase of cello virtuosity, as one of the winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Challenge. We asked her about music and life and the cello.
Can you tell us a bit about your path in music so far?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I grew up in a Christan family and was always surrounded by music at home and in my church community. My mom plays the piano and I have an older sister who plays the violin. When I was 4, I began taking piano lessons and two years later I started the cello. I currently study cello with Joseph Elworthy at the Vancouver Academy of Music.
Have you played with an orchestra before?
When I was 9, I performed my first solo with the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra. Mr. Malmberg was the conductor for my first solo performance and it is so neat to be able to perform with the Richmond Orchestra under his musical direction.
How does music relate to other parts of your life, or vice versa?
Music has taught me patience and perseverance as I tackle many technical demanding musical passages over the course of my musical study. The many opportunities that I have had over the years of performing in front of an audience, whether they are cello recitals, school musicals, dance shows or speech recitals has helped me to be confident and comfortable on stage. Performing is now something that I really look forward to doing.
What do you love most about your instrument?
The cello’s warm and rich sound makes it the string instrument that is closest to imitating the human voice. Its voice really speaks to me when I play.
What do you love about the piece of music you will be performing?
This piece of composition contains so many different emotions even though it is only based on a simple theme with seven variations to follow. The phrasing of the music makes it easy to express and explore every corner of the piece.
Is there something special you think the audience might listen for in your piece?
The bittersweet feeling that this piece has is a huge component that makes it remarkably meaningful. I truly hope that this music will touch your heart.
A performance of the Variations featuring Mischa Maisky (cello) and the Frankfurt Radio Symphony under Paavo Järvi.
