I am originally from Hong Kong, China, and grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico! I now reside in Boston, Massachusetts.
Education… I started my Bachelor’s Degree in 2011 at the University of Alabama under full scholarship, which was during that time when I was fortunate in winning the BMC Scholarship Competition! In 2015, I graduated and went on to a Master’s Degree and Professional Studies Certificate at the Boston Conservatory. In the coming fall 2021, I will be beginning my Doctoral Musical Arts degree at Boston University!
Currently, I am a professional musician based in the New England area, but prior to the pandemic, I would travel around the US monthly to play with several orchestras.
Music has always been an expressive outlet for me. It speaks my truth in my true voice through the sound of my cello. Music has always been there for me through thick and thin, and always will.
I am actively teaching through community schools, after-school programs and other youth programs that promote music to the younger generation! Listen to Johnny’s music online.
Most treasured music-related accomplishment or accolade… This is a tough question, because there have been so many incredible experiences that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t contribute my life to this artistic craft. From meeting my childhood music idol (Classical and Pop), to having a musical conversation with God on stage, to performing at the Sydney Opera House. It’s really hard to pick one. Although, the most impactful experience I have had was when I performed Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony “Resurrection.” That performance felt like God was speaking to me, and I was being lifted into His hands. The experience was so humbling, yet beautiful, and I whole-heartedly gave myself to God and the music. I cried uncontrollably.
Future musical endeavors… In 2019, I formed a cello/piano duo with my piano partner, Tianhong Yang, called Aroma Duo. In the beginning of our collaboration, we had started to participate in different chamber music series. Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, all of our engagement had come to a complete halt. Now that life is becoming normal again, my duo and I are starting to plan performance tours around the US, Europe and China! We are looking forward to traveling and performing! Getting to meet people from all over the world!
Favorite memory involving musical performance or study… Another favorite memory was sharing the stage with my childhood music idol, Wang Leehom! Growing up I’ve always been listening to Chinese pop music, specifically love songs! I guess you can call me a hopeless romantic. One of the artists that always had me drawn was Wang Leehom. In 2017, I was given an opportunity to share the stage with Mr. Wang. And of course, he played all of my favorites! After the performance, I got to meet his family! It really was one of a kind experience!
Favorite piece you have ever played/sung… Another tough question! I will have to say the Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata! I have yet to perform it in its entirety because it holds such a high place in my heart. I do hope to share it with you soon in upcoming performances!
Words of encouragement or advice do you have for students studying music today… Have faith in yourself and be true to yourself. So many young kids that study classical music these days have their sights on one thing, becoming a soloist like Yo Yo Ma, Hilary Hahn, Marta Agerich. It’s a great goal, but many fail to see the endless possibilities that music holds. Many times, I’ve found myself setting my sights on one goal because of external influence, but I never seemed to be able to achieve it, causing me to fall into a deep emotional hole that I have trouble climbing out of. It got to the point where each attempt at the goal carried immense weight in determining my success. That is not true and I wish I had the strength when I was younger to push away the negativity. Life is a long journey, and it is full of experiences and full of detours. Detours are not signs of failure, instead they are learning opportunities for a stronger you!
