Read on for further details of Christian Li’s debut UK tour this summer!
In just a few short weeks, Christian Li, joint winner of the Junior 1st Prize at the Menuhin Competition Geneva 2018, will be making his UK debut this summer at a series of festival recitals and a concert at Wellington College in collaboration with college students. Accompanied by Gordon Back, the Menuhin Competition’s Artistic Director, Christian will be performing at Wellington College (25/6/19), the Gower Festival 2019 (4/7/19), the Harrogate International Festival (6/7/19) and the Cheltenham Music Festival (8/7/19).
Born in 2007 in Melbourne, Australia, Christian began playing the violin at age 5. He currently studies under Dr. Robin Wilson, Head of Violin and Head of Young ANAM at the Australian National Academy of Music. Christian came to international attention in 2018 when he, along with 11-year-old Chloe Chua, was awarded joint Junior 1st Prize in the Menuhin Competition Geneva 2018, becoming the youngest ever prizewinner in the Menuhin Competition’s history.
Ahead of his upcoming tour, we asked Christian about music, what he gets up to when he’s not practicing and what advice he would give to performers.
On music
Menuhin Competition Trust: What kinds of music do you like to listen to when you’re not practicing?
Christian Li: I’m interested in music of all kinds, for example jazz, pop, Chinese songs. I sometimes go to concerts to enjoy live performance such as symphony performances, ballet and opera.
MCT: Do you have a favourite violinist?
CL: There are many I like, but if I have to pick, it would be Maxim Vengerov and Janine Jansen.
MCT: What characteristics do you think makes a great violin player?
CL: Natural, sincere, sensitive and passionate.
On performing
MCT: Do you find it scary performing on stage or in competitions?
CL: I get a little bit nervous just before I get on the stage, but I’m fine after I start playing.
MCT: Do you have any tips on how to give a good performance?
CL: If you don’t pressure yourself too much to perform perfectly, you might play better. And I always eat a banana before I go on stage.
On how he spends his spare time
MCT: You must travel all over the world – what’s the best thing about travelling? And the worst?
CL: The best thing about traveling is seeing new cities, learning their culture and making new friends. The worst thing is jet lag and airplane food!
MCT: What else do you like? Are you into films, games?
CL: I like reading books, sports and playing with Legos. I also like watching movies. I don’t play much computer games.
And finally…
MCT: Do you ever get bored of practising?
CL: No.
Tickets are now available for all of Christian’s performances and are selling quickly. To find out more and to book tickets, please see below:
