Meet the Musicians: Xiaoxiao Qiang, first violin
How did you start playing the violin?
It was my father’s dream to become a violinist. Unfortunately, he grew up during China’s Cultural Revolution. My grandmother, determined that he pursue a more stable profession, insisted he become a physician. She even went so far as to burn his handwritten sheet music and the violin he had made by hand. When he had a child of his own, he passed that dream on to me, pouring his hopes into my musical journey.
What other genres of music do you like to listen to?
I really enjoy slow jazz—it’s probably the most-played genre in my Apple Music library. I often find myself slipping into “analysis mode” when I listen to [classical music]. Jazz, on the other hand, feels like pure leisure.
If you weren’t a musician, what career would you pursue?
I would be a food or travel blogger! My favorite things are traveling and tasting each place’s specialty dishes.
What’s the first thing you do when you come off stage?
I smile—whether from joy, relief, or adrenaline—and then I clean my violin. It’s a small ritual that helps me wind down and show gratitude to my instrument.
What has been your most memorable performance with the SLSO?
The BBC Proms was unforgettable. It was my first international tour with the orchestra, and everything about it felt new and exciting. We performed at the Royal Albert Hall, surrounded by audiences that stood throughout the concert, creating this incredible sense of intimacy and intensity. The crowd’s enthusiasm was electric. It was a moment where everything—the music, the musicians, and the audience— came together in a truly magical way.
Learn more about Xiaoxiao here.
Compiled by Iain Shaw.
