Eva Hsieh
Originally from Taiwan, Eva Hsieh trained at the Birmingham Conservatoire and then the Royal College of Music, London, where she won all the major soloist prizes. Since being in Jersey Eva has performed as a concerto soloist with the Jersey Symphony Orchestra and the Jersey Sinfonietta.
Eva is passionate about music education and she teaches orchestral percussion and piano in several schools on the island.
Eva enjoys collaborating with other musicians in chamber music recitals and has regularly participated in the Jersey Eisteddfod.
At what age did you start making music and how did you start?
I started play the piano when I was 4 and started percussion when I was 8. My mother played the electric organ and she wanted me to play some keyboard instruments. When I was in primary school, I was in school’s band on recorder because I was too short to be chosen to play the xylophone, so I asked my parents to have percussion lessons outside school.
Why does music matter to you?
It’s my hobby, my work, my daily life and my creative outlet.
What is your favourite place on earth?
Taiwan - I have lived away from my home for half of my life and I feel a strong connection with my family and culture.
Who is your favourite composer?
Elgar - my favourite piece is Salut d’Amour and I love the emotional energy in Elgar’s musical language.
Which historical figure would you choose to have dinner with?
Vincent Van Gogh - I would love to find out about his genius and troubles in his life.
What can we look forward to from you next?
I’m always happy to be asked to perform in unusual venues and maybe one day I can do some duets with my son Eric who is learning piano. Eva is playing Marimba with Harriet Mackenzie at St Ouen’s Manor as part of a Musical Walk in the Liberation International Music Festival.