Kerson Leong

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The year 2014 was a prolific one for Kerson Leong, a 17-year-old violinist from Ottawa. He won the Canadian Music Competition’s Stepping Stones, as well as being named Révélation de l’année (Discovery of the Year) by Radio-Canada.

A branch of the Canadian Music Competition (CMC), Stepping Stones is designed to launch the professional careers of young musicians. During the latest edition, first prize was awarded to violinist Kerson Leong and second prize to violinist Yolanda Bruno. Third prize went to pianist Jean-Luc Therrien of Repentigny.

“Stepping Stones really opened my eyes; I could truly understand the music and what a violinist must do in the professional world,” says Leong.

Leong began learning violin at the age of four. His participation in musical competitions also began early. Since the age of about nine, he has participated in the CMC, which he won four consecutive times. At 13, he won first prize at the Menuhin Competition in Oslo, Norway, in the junior category. Following that, he won an array of prizes and honnours in all four corners of the globe.

Leong, though still young, is a promising violinist. He has already played in several countries with renowned ensembles such as the philharmonic orchestras of Oslo, Toronto, and Montreal. He has won fame in Canada, the USA, Europe, and even China.

Over the next year, Leong will play more concerts in Europe and America. “When I’m playing the violin is when I’m happiest,” he says. “Playing in front of an audience is my passion!”

www.kersonleong.com

Translation: Rebecca Anne Clark