Meet the student: Chiang Yung-Yuan
Chiang Yung-Yuan, the clarinet soloist of Sibelius Academy Sinfonietta’s Intoa ja ilmaisuvoimaa -concert shares her thoughts about the upcoming concert.
How would you describe yourself as an artist in five words?
Genuine, intimate, flexible, energetic, conscious
In your experience, what makes the Sibelius Academy a unique environment for learning and honing one’s skills and competencies?
I just started my studies at the Sibelius Academy this autumn semester so I have not yet had the time to experience as much here compared to most students. However, during the about three months that I have been enrolled here, the vibe of the environment has been nothing but welcoming for us students.
First of all, the vast amount of opportunities that the Sibelius Academy has provided for us is unbelievable as there have been countless platforms for students to perform and share their talent on. In addition, the school has provided not only the performance aspect but also the supplementary courses to build our musicianship both physically and mentally.
Last but not least, the learning environment has been enriching for our musical growth. The professors’ guidance for the students has been invaluable as they help us find our own voice by providing support and resources. I am indeed grateful to be a student at the Sibelius Academy and looking forward to exploring more during my stay!
How does it feel to be able to perform for a live audience after such a long pause?
When the outbreak started to take place during my final year as an undergraduate, it had caused many of the concerts to be cancelled, especially those that I was engaged in. It felt demoralising to prepare for a cancelled concert that we looked forward to playing together. After about a year-long hiatus, I can soon share the magical moment on stage with my peers and audiences. It may be a blessing in disguise for me as it has helped me redefine my purpose of pursuing music as a performer. This is such a wonderful time and I can’t wait to present the music and play together with everyone once again!
What would be your greetings to the audience coming to the Intoa ja ilmaisuvoimaa concert? What should they pay special attention to?
Warmly welcome to the Intoa ja ilmaisuvoimaa concert presented by maestro Sakari Oramo, Sibelius Academy Sinfonietta and me! I am honoured and grateful to be the soloist of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto in the programme.
In this concert, we will be performing György Ligeti: Concert Românesc, Aaron Copland: Clarinet concerto, Onute Narbutaite: Metabole, and Joseph Haydn: Symphony no. 22 “Der Philosoph.” In these pieces, you will be hearing different styles of music with different orchestral combinations and notice how different instruments can sound in different styles! It is interesting how the composers used different instrumentation to create different sounds and atmospheres in music in different eras! Join us and explore different music together in the concert under the leading of maestro Oramo!
Three concert tips for our readers
- Listen to the programme before the concert (if possible) and enjoy the live concert’s acoustics.
- Be conscious of what is going on during the concert, maybe you will find something interesting!
- Prepare good mood, relax, and enjoy the music together with us!
Chiang Yung-Yuan
Born in Taiwan, Chiang Yung-Yuan began her clarinet studies at the age of 9 and graduated from the Music Talent Class in Kaohsiung Senior High School. A laureate of many competitions in Taiwan, Yung-Yuan also has international accolades to her name. She was awarded the First Prize in the International Mozart Clarinet Competition in Beijing, Grand Prize of Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concerto Competition and the winner of CHIMEI Art Award 2021. Yung-Yuan is a graduate of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore, where she studied under the tutelage of Ma Yue. She is currently studying for a master’s degree at the Sibelius Academy with Harri Mäki.