Violinist Angelo Xiang Yu Discusses The Tianjin Juilliard School

We caught up with one of the school's violin and chamber music faculty members to learn more about the unique program

 

As the branch of the Juilliard School located in Binhai, Tianjin, China, the Tianjin Juilliard School (TJS) is focused on collaborative musicianship. The school offers Pre-College and Graduate Studies — the latter in the form of "Instrumental and Orchestral Studies," "Instrumental and Chamber Music Studies," and "Collaborative Piano" majors.

Applications are closing to the Pre-College program on February 20, 2024. Apply here.

We had a chance to speak with violinist Angelo Xiang Yu about the special emphasis on chamber music and what makes the school unique!

 

Born in China, VC Artist Angelo Xiang Yu is the recipient of both a 2019 Avery Fisher Career Grant and a 2019 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award. Yu is a frequent guest artist at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, as a member of the society's prestigious Bowers Program.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, Angelo is a former prize winner at the Michael Hill and Wieniawski International Violin Competitions — and former first prize winner at the Menuhin Competition.

Yu became the newest member of the Shanghai Quartet in 2020 and is currently a faculty member at the Tianjin Juilliard School.

 

 

 

Students often perform side by side with faculty members at TJS. What can students gain from these opportunities and what kind of teaching atmosphere has TJS created?

Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration! This word is the core of the unique teaching atmosphere cultivated here at the Tianjin Juilliard School. As faculty members, our approach extends beyond merely “telling” students what to do; instead, we guide them through actions. This involves leading and collaborating with them during rehearsals and on stage, creating a dynamic and immersive learning experience.

 

What do you consider to be the most significant highlight of the chamber music program?

Students in the chamber music major are exposed to a rich array of experiences that contribute to their holistic development as musicians. In addition to the weekly lessons, they also receive weekly chamber music coachings led by our esteemed chamber music faculties. There are courses such as the “chamber music forum” that are specifically designed for our chamber music major students. Furthermore, the students get many opportunities to perform, including recitals and outreach concerts. These opportunities not only showcase their artistic growth but also contribute to their stage presence and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

 

How do the students in the chamber music major benefit from their involvement in the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra and collaborating with other ensembles?

Chamber music study holds immense significance for all musicians, regardless of whether they aspire to be soloists, orchestra members, or exceptional chamber performers. Our program ensures that students in the chamber music major have valuable opportunities to engage in ensemble performances, allowing them to apply and enhance their learning.

For instance, this year, the Shanghai Quartet collaborated with esteemed orchestras such as the NCPA Symphony Orchestra, Chengdu Symphony Orchestra, and Inner Mongolia Symphony Orchestra. On many occasions, we unite as a large chamber ensemble without a conductor, and share the responsibility of leading rehearsals and performances. This presents a notable challenge, but it is an immensely valuable experience.

Simultaneously, this highlights the importance of frequent collaborations between chamber musicians and symphony orchestras to gain additional experience. I firmly believe that the ongoing work we are engaged in cultivates their readiness and paves the way for their future careers, facilitating their transformation into well-rounded artists.

 

How have the chamber music graduates progressed in their careers, such as the MILA Quartet and the Trio Con Fuoco?

We are delighted to witness the remarkable progress of our chamber music graduates. Their continued growth in skills and experience unveils boundless potential.

The MILA Quartet, the very first string quartet nurtured by TJS, consistently delivers captivating performances that leave a lasting impact. They have reached remarkable heights, now with their own manager, and successfully touring various cities across China.

Furthermore, they exhibit an eagerness to explore new repertoire, challenging themselves with innovative and demanding works. For instance, they are currently undertaking the complete set of Bartók's six string quartets — a venture that was unimaginable for me at their age. I believe these experiences will serve as invaluable milestones in their future development.

Trio Con Fuoco has also shown excellence. All three members have secured admission to the DMA program at the University of Michigan with full scholarships.

Additionally, cellist Youngeun Lee achieved the gold prize in the International Tchaikovsky Competition. Their individual accomplishments are admirable, but what is truly exceptional is their commitment to maintaining the ensemble even after going to the United States. It is not common for ensembles to persist beyond graduation, and we are thrilled that these students, originating from three different places, can continue their journey in chamber music together on foreign soil.

 

 

You recently collaborated with the QingXin Ensemble, whose members first met at Tianjin Juilliard. Were there any interesting stories during rehearsals, performances, or filming?

Working with this group of young musicians was an absolute pleasure. What stood out to me the most was their remarkable musical flexibility and their openness to experimenting with different ideas throughout the rehearsals. I can recall that during the music video filming process, we faced an interesting challenge in synchronizing our body movements perfectly with a pre-recorded track. This task proved to be extremely challenging, as we aimed not only to 'look' natural and at ease but also to maintain a keen ear for the precise timing of every note. It was a delicate balance of appearing effortlessly in sync while staying acutely aware of the musical nuances. The filming sessions were tiring, yet the effort was undeniably rewarding.

 

This collaboration attracted TJS students and alumni, plus many musicians from other regions. What do you think draws people to TJS?

Collaboration is always the keyword to TJS's concept, it is truly our identity. Our overarching goal at TJS is to foster a vibrant chamber music and orchestra study culture in Asia. The fact that so many young musicians, hailing not just from China but from diverse corners of the globe, have not only heard about TJS but actively seek to be part of collaborative endeavors speaks volumes about the school's burgeoning influence. This collaborative project serves as a tangible manifestation of our commitment to this idea.

 

What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a chamber music mentor?

The most gratifying aspect of being a chamber music mentor lies in witnessing the remarkable growth of my students. It brings me immense joy to see them surpass my own accomplishments at their age and succeed in dreams that were once out of my reach.

Moreover, what truly warms my heart is the unwavering dedication exhibited by my students even after they graduate. Many of them continue to reach out to me, sharing their performance challenges while recalling the advice I once imparted to them. As a teacher, it is profoundly satisfying to witness the transmission of knowledge from one generation to the next. This feeling of fulfillment extends not only to chamber music but also to the realm of orchestral music.

 

In recent years, have there been any changes in the Chinese chamber music market? Where does the future lie for students of chamber music?

The changes in the domestic chamber music market over the years have been nothing short of extraordinary, particularly compared to when the Shanghai Quartet initially formed. The music environment in China has undergone significant transformations.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable and positive shift. Many of China's cities and audiences now possess a different perspective on chamber music repertoire. Over a decade ago, audiences in numerous cities regarded composers like Bartók as creators of contemporary, potentially inaccessible music. However, today, these same works have become standard repertoire for audiences in various cities where we perform.

While symphony orchestras were previously perceived as trendsetters, there is now a growing inclination towards chamber music performances. In our domestic tours over the past three years, we have witnessed an increasing number of young audience members, including non-music students, who exhibit a genuine interest in chamber music. This is an incredibly heartening trend that bodes well for the future.

China's chamber music market holds immense worldwide potential, presenting a golden opportunity for students pursuing the chamber music major at TJS. In this vibrant and dynamic environment, our students are bestowed with a wide range of exciting possibilities. It is truly delightful to witness the vast prospects that lie ahead for them.