TRAVIS WONG INTERVEIW

Published Oct 4, 2024, 1:38 AM

In this episode, we chat with 9-year-old violin prodigy Travis Wong, whose musical journey was sparked by an unlikely source—Jurassic Park! Travis shares how the movie inspired him to pick up the violin and talks about his amazing win at the Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition in Italy and he  recalls how he felt after the big win!  We also dive into his school life, his upcoming performance at the President’s Challenge Night, and his favorite hobbies when he's not practicing. Plus, Travis gives some fantastic advice for young musicians who want to follow in his footsteps. Tune in to hear from this talented young star!

Hi, Travis, how are you? I'm good. Now, I have to say winning an international competition at just nine years old is amazing. And I've also heard that you were inspired to pick up the violin after watching Jurassic Park. That's a very cool reason to start playing. Now, what was it about the movie that made you want to play the violin?

So I saw a video on youtube and then there was a,

there was an orchestra playing the theme song of Jurassic Park. And then there was this big dinosaur mascot that appeared on stage. Then I told my mom that I wanted to learn the violin to play that song. Ironically, I have never really got around to playing it, but it sounds something like this. Oh,

so we're going to play it for us today.

That's great. I love it. That Jurassic Park was such a big inspiration for you. Now, speaking of incredible moments, ah, you recently had one of your own. Congratulations on winning the overall prize at the Andrea Postin International Violin Competition in Italy. Do you remember how you felt after the win?

I never expected to win. But of course, I was

so happy and the place was so beautiful. It was thermo is the place where I had the competition. It is a place in Italy. It is. There's a lot of hills during the place. It was so beautiful that now whenever I play the pieces that I played during the competition, it still reminds me of f and I still miss it. It gave me a beautiful memory of both the place and the people

which I met there who were so kind and warm to me.

Oh, I'm sure winning that competition must have been such an amazing experience. Now, you're only nine and you've already achieved so much, right? At five, you score distinction at your grade eight abrsm exams. That's incredible. What do your friends at school think about your violin

skill.

Um Some of them play another instrument,

but most of them, I mean, they all congratulate me but I'm not sure if they really understand what I'm actually like talking about the real meaning, but at least they congratulate me. So

do they ask you to perform for them?

Um I did do that once. It's like more than once

maybe. And just out of curiosity, what's your favorite subject at

school?

Math? Because I find it very fun and challenging to do because, ah because there are always challenging questions. So and I noticed that whenever I am sick, for example, I'm having a stomachache.

I noticed that doing math questions actually help me to, feels better. Oh. So

which is more challenging for you? Math or playing the violin?

They

are both easy. But

coming to cases where I need to play new pieces or difficult pieces on the violin. Violin is more difficult.

Ok. But I'm sure this coming Sunday it's going to be a piece of cake for you. You're performing at the President's Challenge Night. What's the best part of performing at an event like this?

Actually,

I've been volunteering in elderly citizen centers ever since I was four. I will dress up in my Chinese New Year costumes and play Chinese New Year songs on the violin. The aunties and uncles would be so happy. So having a chance to perform in the President's Challenge,

right, would be a meaningful experience as I can use my music for a good cause or

that's so nice to hear what's the best part or are you excited about meeting anyone there at the President's Challenge Night?

Um

I don't really know the audience well, but I will get to see the President. So I am excited for

that.

Yes, I'm excited for you, but I think it's going to be a very, very special night. But when you're not preparing for performances or practicing the violin, what do you like to do for fun?

Um I like to play the Rubik's Cube and my fastest time to solve a cube. A three by three cube is 47 seconds. I'm still trying to better it. But recently I picked up chess, I find chess a very challenging and fun game. But now whenever I ask my mom to play with me, she will always tell me that it gives her a headache when she's playing. My father is even worse. He doesn't want to learn chess so that he doesn't need to play with me.

But playing chess is really cool. Now, it's great to know that you have fun outside of music too. But if you could play a duet, for example, with anyone in the world, whether it's a famous violinist or even a pop star, who would you choose?

Maybe Chloe Chua?

Oh, I'm sure she'll be happy to hear that. That will be an amazing duet. Now, before um before I let you go, I'm sure many Children and a lot of kids

look up to you. What advice would you give to other kids who want to play an instrument and follow in your footsteps? Perhaps don't

give up. It may seem hard at first when picking up an instrument, but the more you practice, the easier you will

get.

Wow, that sounds like good advice for me too. Travis. It was a real joy talking to you and thanks for sharing your story and advice. Can't wait to see what you do next. Good luck with your performance at President's Challenge and we'll be cheering

you on.

Thank you, everyone.