A world-class performer on Saipan

Her passion for classical music is quite astounding for an 18-year-old. Since she started playing the violin at age 10, Soo Yuen Lee, CNMI’s home-grown classical violinist, has already performed in six major violin concertos.

Her recent acceptance to John Hopkins University’s Peabody Conservatory of Music only confirms her musical genius.

At the rate she is going now, she could easily be the next Vanessa Mae, the youngest violinist who at age 11 was pronounced a “true child prodigy – like Mozart and Mendelssohn” by the Royal College of Music.

Do Re Mi School of Music founder and teacher Ao Zhang attests to Lee’s inborn musical talent.

“She has always been a fast learner and she really has talent. She is the best student I’ve ever had,” Mr. Zhang said.

But her craft has been built on years of sweat and patience.

“My mom sometimes had to drag me to practice,” Soo admits, “But in time, I developed fondness for the music and a certain dedication.”

For more than eight years, her routine has always revolved around school and 3-5 hours of violin practice each day.

But despite the demands of school and long hours of rehearsals, Soo has been able to maintain straight A’s at Grace Christian Academy, where she is now a 12th grader.

Mrs. Soo, her mother, has always been instrumental in getting Lee involved in music. Mrs. Soo who also plays the piano has instilled in her children to love music.

“All parents want the best for their children,” said Mrs. Soo.

When Lee is not playing the violin or doing her homework, she is usually surfing the world wide web, checking her e-mails, and chatting with her friends online.

A typical teenager, she also listens to pop, hiphop, and rock music.

Though her local friends can no more relate to classical music than any normal teenager, they usually give it a chance when they hear her play, according to Lee.

“When she plays the violin, her friends usually like it,” said her Mom.

Lee is off to Maryland in August for a scholarship at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, one of the best music schools in the mainland.

“We are very proud of her,” says her teacher Mr. Zhang, “It’s very difficult to get in.”
The music school only admits 15 students a year, Mr. Zhang adds.

“I was very nervous. Aspiring musicians from all over the world auditioned for a slot at the school,” says Lee.

As she takes the next leap to her achieving her life-long dream as a world-class musician, Lee definitely has the support of her parents and the teacher who has molded her into the right direction.

“If she graduates from this school, she can join any orchestra and become famous,” says Mr. Zhang. (MM)