How has mentoring juniors and rebuilding the NYP Symphony Orchestra shaped your growth and vision for its future?

During my second year at NYP, the COVID-19 pandemic made it challenging to keep the Symphony Orchestra active. With limited opportunities to meet and make music as an ensemble, the sense of connection and momentum we once had was at risk of fading. As restrictions gradually lifted, I felt a strong urge to help rebuild the orchestra - not just structurally, but also in spirit. I mentored my juniors, exploring new repertoire, as well as arranging and composing music tailored to our unique group.

Despite the wide range of abilities and skills level in the orchestra, I’m constantly inspired by how music brings us together. It’s this collective curiosity and commitment that fuels my vision for the orchestra’s future: a space where members can grow alongside each other, aspire to reach new artistic heights, and feel a true sense of ownership over the music we create as a community.

What role did your experience at NYP Symphony Orchestra play in transforming your passion for music into a meaningful and supported pursuit?

My time in the NYP Symphony Orchestra has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my student life. It has not only deepened my passion for music but also transformed it into something truly meaningful and supported.

Being part of this community sparked a growing curiosity in me to explore deeper into music as a universal language; strong connection that brings people together. I joined as a violinist but eventually picked up conducting and even began learning the viola - each step pushing me to grow in new directions. Being surrounded by such a diverse range of instruments nurtured me as a composer, with first-hand exposure and opened my ears to the countless possibilities that exist within orchestral writing. 

Reflecting on the achievements and challenges faced, what will be one of your takeaways?

One of my key takeaways has been learning how to compose meaningfully for a diverse ensemble. When composing “Nomad in the mountains” and “Midnight: Sky and Dance” for the NYP Symphony Orchestra, I was constantly navigating the challenge of writing music that could involve performers from all walks of life; ranging from complete beginners to seasoned musicians.

Composing the music thoughtfully was a balancing act, and ultimately a rewarding one. I’m grateful to know that through these compositions, the orchestra was able to explore a new realm of music. Receiving two Gold Prizes for these works in the Schubert International Music Competition was a humbling affirmation of that journey and the risks I took in pushing musical boundaries.

How do you envision your studies in the United Kingdom and exposure to its diverse musical culture influencing your growth as a musician?

As a self-taught composer, I’m excited to have been given the opportunity to further my studies in Composition at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in the United Kingdom. One of the things I’m most excited about is the conservatoire’s encouragement to fearlessly push the boundaries of music.

I’m looking forward to being challenged creatively, exposed to new ideas, and inspired by artists from a wide range of backgrounds. I believe that gaining these new perspectives will not only shape my growth as a composer, but also deepen and broaden my overall musicianship in ways I can’t yet fully imagine.