All Japan Violin Competition Finalist Seeks New Challenges

Playing on stage in front of judges and an audience is sometimes nerve racking.

Full name and grade: Ena Maureen Bevan, Grade 5.

Artistic passion:
Violin

How old were you when you started? 
I started playing when I was 3 years old.

How did you start and become interested in playing music?
My parents used to take me to lots of classic concerts when I was a baby, and I liked the sound of the violin. After one particular concert I asked my parents if I could play it.

How long have you been playing the Violin?
For 7 years. 

How often do you practice, and where?
I practice every day at home. 

What type of events are you involved with?
I regularly participate in competitions, auditions and gala concerts. I have won first prize 8 times in different competitions.

What challenges have you faced?
Playing on stage in front of judges and an audience is sometimes nerve racking. It can also take a long time to master a new piece of music. A new challenge is practicing for the All Japan Violin Competition’s finals I will be participating in next month. 

What are your most significant achievements to date?
Playing a concerto as a soloist with the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra and winning first prize in a really difficult competition.

Please share some words of advice for budding artists:

Keep working hard on your dreams that you want to accomplish and don’t give up! If you practice, then you will get better and better, and more and more happy!