Chi-Chi and Cherry shine abroad
"The piano keys are black and white but they sound like a million colours in the mind," Chi-Chi and Cherry says.
Being brought up in an environment where music led to two sisters becoming the world’s finest up and coming young pianists.
Waking up to the soft keys of a piano has always been the highlight of Xiao-Chi ‘Chi-Chi’ and Yu-Chiao ‘Cherry’ Juan’s lives.
Chi-Chi, a Crawford International Sandton learner who has been playing for almost ten years, says her mother used to play piano for her and her sister, and they would listen to CDs and stories of famous musicians in the car and every night before bed.
“My piano journey started in primary school, where my piano teacher taught me with kindness and encouragement. Which motivated me to want to know more and enhanced my love for music.”
The 18-year-old adds that her blossoming musical career has taken her so far that she has performed at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall in New York as well as the Musiekverein in Vienna.
“I have won numerous local and international awards, such as the Overall Winner of the National Eisteddfod Academy 2021 and the Winner of the National SASMT Ensemble Competition, and I have performed as a soloist in the Rand Symphony Orchestra and the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra, which my sister was also selected to perform for.”
She explained that she inspires people through music and managed to organise her charity concert last year, and profits were donated to the Tshepang Care Centre, an orphanage in Thembisa.
“The recent competition we participated in was an international music competition in the USA. It had 24 countries, and Cherry was awarded second place, and I achieved first prize with honours.”
Excited 15-year-old Cherry adds that the organisers and adjudicators invited them to perform at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York this coming September.
“I am happy and looking forward to it. My sister has performed in New York City three times already, and each time is a new surprise as it is a city with endless opportunities, so we are looking forward to the opportunity to study there.”
Cherry described playing the piano with her sister as a blessing, as they can learn and experiment with each other.
“Playing ensembles together is not only such a fun experience, but it also enhances our bond,” Cherry concluded.
Related Article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330519/renowned-jazz-star-has-died/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/330192/musicals-in-miniature-in-crawford-sandton/
