The Making of a Young Violin Virtuoso: Inside Christina Zhou’s Award-Winning Performance
- WOMCO
- May 29
- 3 min read
Christina Zhou was a Absolute First Prize & Fantastic Technique Special Prize Winner in the Junior (Age 8-10) Category, at the 2025 Season 2 UK International Music Competition
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
My name is Christina Zhou. I am so happy and thankful I was awarded the Absolute First Prize and Fantastic Technique Special Prize in the UK International Music Competition.
I started playing violin at age 6 years and 10 months. I remember clearly that one day three years ago, my parents took me stopping by a music school watching students’ performance. My mother said to me, "It would be great if you could play a piece of music like those students did." “Good idea may be, we can try” I said. Actually, my parents' occupations have not been related to music, but they love music. They hope that I can enjoy the happiness brought by music in my life.
I wanted to play music and spread my thoughts through it. So, I chose the violin and started playing it as a hobby.
My violin teacher, Ms. Xiaoou Ma, who is in Vivace International School of Music, is so passionate and responsible. So far, growing over 3 years, I feel proud of myself for getting into music. My music journey just begins, there is a long way for me to go. I believe a lot of challenges coming to me and I am going to cheer me up and keep going.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
The piece I played for the competition was Praeludium and Allegro (In the Style of Pugnani) by Fritz Kreisler. This was a pretty quick piece that the tempo marked allegro. It was full of 16thnotes and some parts even harder to hear clearly when I play. I focused on overcoming the difficulties and really try to practice this piece at slow pace, then gradually getting to achieve the goal of performing quickly and brightly.
In addition to a lot of fast-paced melodies in this piece, the beginning part of the piece needs to be played a bit powerful and energetic with full of emotion and passion. That is why I was feeling so many challenges such as scales, intonation and interpretation to be focused on, however, I love it.
What do you believe defines a great violinist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I believe, if anyone hopes to be a great violinist, the skills and techniques are basically essential, the personal emotions and feelings to the music are also tremendously important.
Live performance on the stage, I’ve been kept trying to turn my passion and skills altogether to interpret the music. To make my music inspiring is my ongoing dream and goal.
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank (such as mentors, supporters or other team members)?
Participating the UK International Music Competition was an amazing and unforgettable experience to me. I would love to give my special thanks to my teacher, Ms. Xiaoou Ma. She has been tutoring me for 3 more years since the beginning of my music journey. She is full of loving and patience in helping and improving me whatever on violin skills, techniques and music expression, and so on.
Meanwhile, I am sincerely grateful to my parents for their continuing supports and commitments. I love you, my dearest parents.
Biography
I began playing the violin at the age of 6 years and 10 months, and studies under expert guidance Ms. Xiaoou Ma at Vivace International School of Music, Houston, USA.
Besides the award of the Absolute First Prize and Fantastic Technique Special Prize in UK International Music Competition Online 2025, I was also awarded in other competitions including:
The 1st Prize in America Youth Talent International Music Competition 2025.
The Platinum Prize in The Debussy International Music Competition 2025.
The Absolute First Prize and Special Prize for Excellent Interpretation in Golden Prestige International Music Competition 2025.
The 1st prize in Bach International Music Competition 2025.
The 1st Place Winner in New York Young Virtuoso Competition 2024. I was invited to perform in the 1st Place Winners’ Recital at Carnegie Hall, New York in 2024.
On Oct. 13, 2024, I held successfully my Debut Solo Violin Recital in Houston.
Additionally, I have been a vibrant part of the ensemble and chamber program in the Vivace International School of Music. I am so enjoyed performing on stage with my friends.
