Talented pianist
Xiao-Chi "Chi-Chi" Juan is a Grade 8 learner at Crawford College Sandton in Johannesburg. The classical, contemporary and modern trained pianist also sings, plays the flute, loves art and playing music from the Baroque and romantic eras. She believes music has helped her grow in many aspects of life.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'Lungile Matsuma / Cape Argus (Thursday, 26th September 2019) newspaper.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'AdvTech'. Read the full online news article here.
NEA Young Performer Awards Competition winner
Crediting a dedicated Bryneven Primary School teacher for inspiring her love for classical music, Chi-Chi Juan began playing piano at 7 years of age.
She entered the NEA (National Eisteddfod Academy) Young Performer Awards Competition one year later where she was judged 'Overall best junior performer for contemporary music'.
"I still remember that feeling of when I was first on stage. I nearly freaked out but when the audience was applauding, I felt such a connection with them because I want to inspire other musicians.”
"I was excited, a little nervous, exuberant, overwhelmed, but in the end I enjoyed every second of it. I felt like a true pianist."
Watch her solo piano own choice performance for the NEA Young Performer Awards 2019 in the 'Contemporary music senior phase':
Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / National Eisteddfod of SA Clouds'.
Practice makes perfect
"Long hours of practice have moulded me to not only be patient and passionate, but to be a perfect performer when on stage."
Despite the demands of high school, Chi-Chi Juan practices daily for at least two hours, believing her talent was nothing without hard work, practice and effort.
“I enjoy every single performance, I always think of it as my last one and I want to be confident and happy.”
Source credit: Courtesy of 'Laura Pisanello / Sandton Chronicle (Friday, 4th October 2019) newspaper p. 10/20. Click here to read the full digital news article.
Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / Caxton Greater Joburg North'.
Viebz Comtemporary Music Competition winner
Well done to Chi-Chi Juan for achieving first place in the junior group of the tenth annual Viebz Contemporary Music Competition during February 2019.
The Grade 8 learner was also invited as a guest artist by the Welsh Male Choir of SA for their celebration of St. David's Day on Friday, 1st March 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Crawford Schools (Sandton)'.
Watch her 'Pirates of the Caribbean' inspired performance of Suite's 'He's a Pirate':
Video credit: Courtesy of 'YouTube / Claire Chang'.
National A-Arts Festival winner
Congratulations to Chi-Chi Juan for achieving eight A++'s for:
Classical;
Baroque;
Romantic;
Modern & impressionistic (awarded 100% mark);
Recital;
Concerto;
Sonata; and
Light music;
in the National A-Arts Festival during August 2019.
The 14-year-old was also invited to perform during the Prize Giving evening and received two trophies for:
Senior category winner (Piano);
Overall winner (Any instrument / age - Prize money); and
Special award (Voucher for the entry of International Arnold Arts Festival in 2020).
Source credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Crawford Schools (Sandton)'.
Philip H Moore Music Competition winner
Proud of Chi-Chi Juan for winning the age category C (13 to 14 years) of the Philip H Moore Music Competition at the Brooklyn Theatre in Pretoria on Saturday, 24th August 2019.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'Facebook / Crawford Schools (Sandton)'.
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'MyComLink'.
Talent Africa Competition winner
Congratulations to Chi-Chu Juan, awarded the following honours in the Talent Africa 2019 National Competition held at the Roodepoort Theatre:
Gold awards for all her 2 piano entries and 6 art pieces submitted;
Overall junior instrumentalist winner; and
First place in the 12 to 14 years age category.
The Grade 8 learner also received two distinctions for her classical and contemporary piano performances during the Gauteng-Pretoria Regionals.
“I’m really grateful to have these opportunities. I felt like my music could speak to people and I want the audience to feel the same way that I feel about music.”
Photo credit: Courtesy of 'MyComLink'.
Good luck representing SA and performing 'Isaak Berkowitschi's Variationen uber ein Thema von Paganini' during your debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Saturday, 3rd November 2019!
“I was just really shocked and excited when I found out because it’s been a dream of mine. My favourite pianos and musicians have performed there and when I perform there I can meet people from around the world.”
Article credit: Courtesy of 'Lungile Matsuma / Cape Argus (Thursday, 26th September 2019) newspaper'.
Sounds of Spring Music Competition winner
Well done to Chi-Chi Juan for placing first in the Sounds of Spring Music Competition held on Friday, 20th September 2019.
She also performed a piano and violin recital with Katrina Tse (a visitor from Hong Kong) for her school's Heritage Day celebrations to raise funds for next year's matric class the day before.
Source credit: Courtesy of 'MyComLink & Sandton Chronicle (Friday, 11th October 2019) newspaper. Read the full online article here.
Inspiring others
"I love helping others and spreading love. I feel that by helping, I'm making a change, even if it is just by doing something small."
Thank you to Chi-Chi Juan for sharing her love of music with others, volunteering to read to children at Tshepang Care Centre in Tembisa and teaching them to play with instruments made from recycled items.
"I feel very happy in helping others in need as it is in helping our whole world in general to become a better place."
Article credit: Courtesy of 'Laura Pisanello / Sandton Chronicle (Friday, 4th October 2019) newspaper p. 10/20. Click here to read the full digital news article
