HE may just be 19, but Low Zi Yang has already carved out a storied musical career as one of Malaysia's leading young musicians.
Equally adept on the piano and violin, the KL-born talent is no stranger to performing in various venues around Asia, North America and Europe.
One of his many milestones would certainly be his solo orchestral debut at 13, where he performed Ravel's Tzigane with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) in the capital city, as well as at Singapore's Esplanade Concert Hall.
Low, who was introduced to the piano and violin at age 3 and 4 respectively, said the fiddle didn't really strike his fancy, initially.
"However, it started growing on me as the years passed," he said.
Talking about the violin Low added: "I think every instrument is special in its own way and cannot be replaced by any other, but the special part about all of them is the music that can be created with them by every unique musician."
The piano remains a special tool for his creative expression since it was his first instrument.
"In my musical development, it has definitely helped me in the harmonic aspect of music since you get to play full harmonies with both hands on the piano, which is important because harmony is one of the key elements that establishes colours in music."
Low feels fortunate to have played in the MPYO from a young age.
"When I went abroad to study music for the first time, we had orchestra rehearsals in music schools, and I realised a lot of musicians don't actually have experience playing in orchestras.
"They don't know how to blend their sound, follow or lead as a section, and I think it's really important because it requires a different set of techniques that can impact your own playing, too," said Low, who had studied with MPO violinist Ming Goh and Malgorzata Potocka.
Recalling his experience with the MPYO, he said: "I really enjoyed the camps where we all spent a whole week or two together, rehearsing and having fun making music every day.
"Also, the people that I met and made friends with during those years."
Low, who is pursuing his undergraduate studies at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, United States, will be making his solo debut with the MPO during the Sibelius Violin Concerto show at the DFP on Nov 25.
"I have been watching MPO concerts for many years and I will be making my solo debut with them, which is one of my dreams coming true.
"It will be really fun to be accompanied by familiar faces," said Low, who performs on a beautiful Francesco Ruggieri violin made in 1718 on loan from the Rin Collection in Singapore.
Talking about the piece, he said: "Sibelius was born in Finland, which is really beautiful like the concerto.
"There are moments where it's so tender and intimate, and with very grand parts that correspond with the scenic mountains and nature in Finland.
"There are also very intense moments. Basically, it covers a wide range of colours."
The upcoming concert will also feature the MPO conducted by Gerard Salonga performing Dvorak's Symphony No.8.
For details, visit www.mpo.com.my
Young violinist Low Zi Yang will make his solo debut with the MPO during the Sibelius Violin Concerto show at Dewan Filharmonik Petronas on Nov 25. – Pic courtesy of MPO