Interview with Maria Liza Lopez, Associate Concertmaster of the CCOHK
Where are you from and what brings you to Hong Kong?
I am from Manila in the Philippines. I travel to Hong Kong each time to perform in all the CCOHK’s concerts.
You have studied in Germany and won a grant to visit Japan - could you tell us about some of your foreign experiences?
Both experiences abroad were quite inspiring and most memorable. Going to Germany was definitely a culture shock for me. Everything was so different from my homeland. The changes in the seasons - autumn and winter - were amazing! I somehow understood the effects of the surroundings to one’s thinking and being. I learned to speak German in six months and after that I attended the State University of Music in Mannheim-Heidelberg for two years. I was under the tutelage of Professor Wanda Wilkomirska, a distinguished violinist from Poland. She taught me different ways of interpreting works I had learnt before. This opened up an entirely new dimension for me on how to interpret different works and musical styles. It was my observation that European musicians, particularly those from the Eastern parts of Europe, possess an innate and deep level of musicality.
I was also a recipient of a fellowship grant from the Association of Japanese Orchestras. I rehearsed and performed with several of them and it was also a great learning experience for me. People were warm and friendly even though they could hardly speak English. I observed how they rehearsed and played, how the players responded to the conductor, how the concertmaster led the orchestra, how the orchestra was managed and so on. Thereafter I made some comparisons with the orchestras in the Philippines and became better aware of what could be adapted to improve the orchestras in my home country.
What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK?
I enjoy meeting and performing with our featured soloists. I also enjoy learning lots of new things from our chief conductor Jean Thorel.
Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you?
Michala Petri, Alexander Rudin, Ryota Komatsu to name a few. Marvellous artists - all of them - very inspiring.
What CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you?
The most memorable concert for me was the 10th Anniversary Concert of the CCOHK featuring Michala Petri. The concert was one of the orchestra’s milestones and I feel honoured to have been a part of it.
Name one of the most important milestones in your music career.
Establishing myself as a respected violinist and orchestral leader in the Philippines.
What message do you have for our friends?
Thank you so much for your continued support to the arts. Your continued patronage ensures the continuance of our existence as a group and as individual performers. We are greatly indebted to you.
