Being named the winner of a music competition is one thing, but being featured as a soloist in a professional orchestra is another level of "honour" for a Richmond pianist.
Austin Ng, 15, placed first in the Youth Concerto Competition hosted by the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra on Feb. 18.
Ng and his five competitors each performed a movement of a concerto with the orchestra as part of the competition.
The Richmond Christian student said hearing his name announced as the winner was an "extremely exciting" moment.
Moreover, Ng said "the experience of playing with the orchestra" was a moment he won't forget for a while.
"I feel extremely honoured for having this opportunity to perform with such an amazing orchestra," he said.
"And for them to later tell me that they're going to feature me as a soloist at one of their main concerts next year was even more amazing."
Ng began playing the piano when he was five years old after hearing his mother play the instrument.
He described the piano as a way to express himself "beyond words."
"Music to me is like another language because I find it has these capabilities beyond words. Words can’t express certain emotions in the same way that music can."
He told the Richmond News he will be attending rehearsals with the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra between now and next year's concert with them.
But before then, Ng will be hosting his own fundraising charity concert for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life event on March 26 at 2:30 p.m. at 12180 Riverside Way, Richmond.
