Passionate about music, dance and community, the award winners at the recent Korean-Australian “Young Artist Festival 2018” are incredibly talented and highly touted.
▣ Lina Lee, 14, Grand Prix Winner, Violin (From My Homeland II by Bedrich Smetana)
Q. How does it feel to win an award?
A. If I had to choose one word to describe how I felt, it would be “flabbergasted.” I was simply in shock and was overwhelmed by the wave of support and cheers from the audience. I received many comments from audience members that I have not once met before, saying that my music moved them to tears. This alone is better than winning any physical prize in the world.
Q. When did you start playing violin?
A. At the age of four, I took up the violin and piano.
Q. When are you happiest?
A. There are a lot of happy memories I remember but it is also balanced out with sad moments. Sad moments eventually lead to happy moments and happy moments will inevitably be followed by a sad moment.
Q. How do you get through tough times?
A. When I am down in the dumps, I pick out what made me feel this way and attempts to flip it around and work at it until it is resolved. This allows me to learn how to be patient and become a stronger person.
Q. What are your career goals?
A. Once I get out of school, I’d like to seriously pursue music internationally. My current goal is to become a violin virtuoso who can also play the piano just as well! Quite a tough occupation that’s going to make me shed blood and tears, but I’m willing to give it a go wish me luck!). I am also working on becoming a person who is stable and can support others.
▣ Min Ahn, 16, Gold Award Winner, Guitar (Phunkdified by Justin King)
Q. How does it feel to win an award?
A. I was not really expecting to win the Gold Award as all other finalists gave stunning performances. I am very honoured and thank you for the great opportunity and experience I had on the stage. This festival remain in my memory forever. Once again, I’d like to thank you to all those who came to the festival and supported me.
.Q. When did you start playing guitar?
A. In Year 6, I was introduced to guitar by my father. I started with basic chords and strumming patterns. And, ever since I got to know the “fingerpicking,” I have been teaching myself fingerstyle strumming techniques for six years.
Q. When are you happiest?
A. I feel happy when I have good times with my family and also when I play music. In particular, it is really rewarding when people listen to and like my guitar playing.
Q. How do you get through tough times?
A. Sometimes, things don’t go the way I want. Whenever I encounter a difficulty, I try to stay positive, thinking about all and every good thing given to me.
Q. What are your career goals?
A. At this stage, I’m planning to study music at university next year. And, I’m going to keep uploading videos, so many people can watch me playing music. In the future, I’d like succeed in my music career, traveling around the world to gain experience and working with other musicians.
▣ Isabella Wang, 13, Highly Recommended Award Winner, Rhythmic Gymnastics
Q. How does it feel to win an award?
A. I feel so honoured and grateful to get an award. There were many talented people competing, and it was a surprise for me to get this award. I’m so thankful for all the support everyone game me and the amazing opportunity I had to show that I love and enjoy.
Q. When did you start gymnastics?
A. I first started rhythmic gymnastics when I was 9 years old after I watched various videos online. 2018 has been my fifth year and since then I have never stopped this wonderful sport as it taught me many life skills.
Q. When are you happiest?
A. My biggest highlight of my gymnastics career was when I was crowned state champion and the runner up national champion of 2017. The work leading up to these achievements were tiring, but the feeling as I stepped onto that podium was priceless.
Q. How do you get through tough times?
A. Since I made a mistake at the State Championships 2018, I have learned mistakes are a big part of a learning process. Mistakes allow you to learn from them and try and improve the next time. This competition has allowed me to grow and work even harder. Mistakes show that I actually had a go. I’d rather make a mistake then not attend the competition at all. This does not just relate to gymnastics but in life as well.
Q. What are your career goals?
A. My plan is to compete in more and bigger competition overseas. I also hope my junior group will quality in order to represent Australia at the upcoming World Championships held in Russia. This will be hard to achieve but I believe everything is achievable, if I have the dedication and motivation to work hard in trainings.