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Spotlight Interview with Hidemi Gojo, tutti violinist of the CCOHK. Where are you from and how long have you been in Hong Kong?I am originally from Shizuoka, Japan, which is about 35 km southwest of Mount Fuji. I moved to Kanagawa, near Tokyo, for my undergraduate study. Afterwards I went to the United States – Cincinnati in Ohio and then Brooklyn in New York - for graduate school. I have lived in Hong Kong for four years now. What brought you to Hong Kong? I came here because Hong Kong is my husband's hometown. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to play with the CCOHK and to meet local music-lovers. What do you enjoy most about playing in the CCOHK? There are several things I enjoy. Firstly, I love the fact that all the ladies in the CCOHK can choose the colour of their gown for the concerts. This makes the stage look so much more attractive! One could say that the colourful stage has become the landmark of the CCOHK. Secondly, I like the CCOHK’s engagement of a different conductor for each concert. This enables members of the orchestra to experience different interpretations of music under different leaders. Lastly, I like the titles of the CCOHK concerts. They are so witty and catchy! Which CCOHK guest artist has made the biggest impression on you? Xuefei Yang, the Chinese guitarist, who performed Rodrigo's Concierto de Aranjuez with the CCOHK. I can still remember the beautiful sound she produced with her guitar, especially when playing strong chords. She is a truly stunning artist! Which CCOHK concert has been the most memorable for you? For me the most memorable concert is always the most recent one we gave! How did you come about choosing the violin? I chose the violin because I wanted to perform Mendelssohn's violin concerto! When I was in my mother’s womb she constantly listened to Isaac Stern’s recording of this concerto. Interestingly, when I was studying in New York, I had the honour of meeting and talking to the maestro himself. Also, around the same time, I won a competition and was subsequently invited to perform Mendelssohn's concerto with the Brooklyn College Orchestra. Name one of the most important milestones in your music career. When I lived in New York, some of my students had family members who played other instruments. When I gave lessons, I would often encourage these students to play chamber music with members of their family by giving them harmonized transcriptions of well-known pieces which I wrote myself. Before I left New York the mother of one of my students said to me, "You brought music back to my family." I consider this wonderful experience my milestone, as it made me realize the value of chamber music in teaching. Playing chamber music is a fabulous way for children to experience the joy of making music with others. What message do you have for our friends? Thank you for coming to our concerts. |