A new Mozart has risen in Richmond, and his name is Spencer Tsai.
The young violinist and pianist - a third grader at James Whiteside elementary - is sharing his musical talent with the community, hosting two concerts, featuring his own compositions.
Performing pieces influenced by composers like Bach, Beethoven and Schubert, Spencer's teachers and fellow students - all averaging around ten years old - are participating in the recitals, too.
Just like Spencer, "they play like professionals," said KC Foong, who has taught the musical wonderboy to compose for the past two years.
Claire Cheng first discovered her son's talent when he was barely four; impassioned by classical music, he would play melodies he had heard elsewhere using the same keys.
He then began piano and violin lessons at the age of five.
Since then, he has been trained to trans-form ideas into compositions, resulting in more than 100 pieces.
"I love composing, because it's very relaxing. I don't need to work hard and I have a lot of imagination," Spencer said, now 8, adding he likes the challenge of creating a new melody nobody has ever heard before.
Foong praises his student's extraordinary talent. "Never in my 29 years of teaching experience have I come across a boy like Spencer. Whatever I teach him, he remembers straight away."
A glorious future is in the cards for Spencer, according to Foong. "I can see him in New York or Europe, places where musicians have the opportunity to grow and showcase their talent."
Nevertheless, Foong trusts Richmond is a good place to start.
"We're using his music not only to introduce Spencer to the rest of the world, but also to raise money for the Richmond Hospital Foundation," he said.
It was Foong - who spent three years volunteering at the hospital - who deemed the facility the deserving recipient of proceeds.
Spencer strongly supports the idea of fundraising, said Cheng, adding he wants to perform for the benefit of others, not himself.
"I enjoy it a lot. And I'm not scared of the audience," said Spencer.
As her son has won 10 violin competitions in the past year and a half, and continues to write difficult compositions, Cheng beamed with pride.
Except for his maternal grandmother, who was an outstanding soprano at a young age, Cheng said nobody else in the family shares Spencer's incredible talent for music.
"Sometimes I cannot believe I have this special boy. He has something unique to bring."
The recitals are to be held Nov. 30 and Dec. 8 at Recital Hall at Richmond Music School, 11371 No. 3 Rd., starting at 7 p.m.
