Name:
Avan Yu
Talent:
Piano — classical music
Inspiration:
"To see the deep emotional impact music has on people, regardless of cultural differences, is very inspiring to me. Hearing beautifully played music can inspire us to pay more attention to other beautiful things in life. I had the privilege of playing various concerts over the past year for Artsway, an organization dedicated to bringing music to hospitals and institutions in the Lower Mainland. After one concert I was very moved when an elderly woman in a wheelchair told me she was able to forget her pain because the music transported her to a different world. Experiences like this have made it extremely rewarding to give something back to the community."
Cultural Background:
Chinese is Yu’s cultural background. "It is a difficult question to answer because classical music originated in Europe," says Yu when asked if his cultural background has influenced his career.
Future Plans:
Yu hopes to keep preforming, with an orchestra as well as in recital. "I would love to continue doing this in various places around the world."
Awards:
Yu has received many awards, including: Missouri Southern International Piano competition 2008 — Grand Prize Winner; International Radio Competition for Young Musicians in Prague (chamber music) 2006 — Prize Winner; Second Canadian Chopin Piano Competition 2004 — Grand Prize Winner; Fourth Tchaikovsky International Music Competition for Young Musicians 2002 — Fourth Place Prize.
Advice:
"Make sure that you keep expanding your horizons. For example, if you are playing the piano, don’t just concentrate on learning music for piano, but also try to experience opera, chamber music and other forms of genres in music."
Next appearance/event:
Eastern Canada Tour — Vancouver Symphony Orchestra — in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa.
