Chi-Chu Juan looks forward to performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Photo: Laura Pisanello
A talented young musician from Crawford College Sandton will be making her way to New York City to perform at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
Chi-Chu Juan, a Grade 8 learner at the school, has been playing the piano since she was seven years old, thanks to a dedicated teacher at her primary school who inspired a love for the piano.
Just one year after she began playing, Chi-Chu entered the National Eisteddfod Academy where she won her first competition. “I still remember that feeling of when I was first on stage. I nearly freaked out but when the audience was applauding, I felt such a connection with them because I want to inspire other musicians.”
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Chi-Chu has proven herself to be a talented and versatile musician who has been trained in classical, contemporary and modern piano and can also sing and play the flute. Her first love, though, is classical and she loves playing music from the Baroque and romantic eras.
Although she is much busier now that she is in high school, she still manages to fit in time to practise every day for at least two hours. “I enjoy every single performance, I always think of it as my last one and I want to be confident and happy,” she said.
One of her favourite experiences performing has been the Talent America competition where she came in first place in the 12- to 14-year-old instrumental category.
“I’m really grateful to have these opportunities. I felt like my music could speak to people and I want the audience to feel the same way that I feel about music.”
Chi-Chu will be performing at Carnegie Hall in November. “I was just really shocked and excited when I found out because it’s been a dream of mine. My favourite pianos and musicians have performed there and when I perform there I can meet people from around the world.”
Chi-Chu Juan practises one of the many songs in her repertoire. Photo: Laura Pisanello
She is passionate about inspiring a love of music in others and volunteers at the Tshepang Care Centre in Tembisa. She regularly volunteers to read with the children there and even though the children do not have the resources to get their own instruments, they make instruments from recycled items.
Details: Crawford College Sandton 011 784 3447.
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