Interview with Samuel Bin Shih Chih, tutti violinist of the CCOHK
Where are you from?
I'm from Hong Kong.
As well as holding a Diploma in violin performance, you have also studied conducting and music therapy - could you tell us more about these experiences?
Taking conducting classes with Mr. Alan Cumberland was a wonderful experience for me. It gave me better insight into how to manage an orchestra. I also came to the realization that conducting is a tough job. It is not so easy to be a good conductor. About the music therapy, I found the class to be exceptionally interesting and meaningful. I still remember my teacher for this class who kept telling us that Hong Kong has a big market potential for this profession and that music therapists get good salaries!!!
You also teach violin - do you find this work complements performing on the violin?
Teaching students is a good way to refresh and remind myself of important points when playing the violin. If I am just performing all the time, I could easily forget the things I have learnt. Teaching helps to recall previously learnt information and keeps me on track. I am lucky to have the chance to combine both aspects in my career.
What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK?
Playing with the CCOHK is very different from my past experiences. The CCOHK is a chamber orchestra and I can learn more about how to be a good ensemble player from being a member of this orchestra. It is also a great honour to work with our chief conductor, Jean Thorel. He is a great musician and a nice person. I learn a lot from him.
Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you?
My favourite artist would have to be Michala Petri. Her recorder playing is magic. She totally changed my initial impression of the recorder.
What CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you?
My favourite concert would have to be the one we gave as part of Musicarama 2009. We performed all contemporary music and the repertoire was extremely difficult. We all worked very hard on the preparation and I thought we did pretty well overall.
Name one of the most important milestones in your music career.
One of my biggest milestones would have to be a masterclass I participated in with Professor Cho Liang-lin. For this event I prepared a challenging 5 mins piece by practising 3 hours everyday for 2 months and the class was all over in 45 mins! I learnt a lot about preparation from this experience.
What message do you have for our friends?
I am glad to play in the CCOHK. It is lots of fun!
