The youngest candidate of Concertino Praga 2013 is from Australia!

Jackie Wong was born in Melbourne, Australia in 2001. She began her musical training at the age of five, learning the piano from Daphne Proietto, and six months later she began studying the violin with an inspirational teacher, Helge Thelen. Five years later, she continued her violin studies with Elizabeth Sellars. Since 2012, Jackie has been taking lessons from Ivana Tomášková.

Jackie loves playing music, and is interested in learning about the history of classical musicians and composers. She also loves to attend live concerts and listen to recordings of classical musicians.

Jackie’s current piano teacher, Dr Di Bresciani, is the founder of Youth Music Foundation Australia, which has provided Jackie with valuable opportunities to listen and meet professional pianists, violinists, cellists and opera singers through many of their special events.

Apart from solo performances, Jackie also played as orchestra member at Melbourne Youth Music (Summer School) and has participated in a chamber music group. She has benefited from chamber music coaching by pianist Robin Baker, violinist Susan Pierotti and cellist Robert Ekselman.

In the recording for the Concertino Praga competition, Jackie played on a half size violin and thoroughly enjoyed the recording experience. Jackie is currently working towards her future goal: to become a professional concert violinist.

List of awards in 2012:

South Eastern Arts Festival

First prize: - string solo 12 years and under

Thrid prize: - string solo open championship

Comments from adjudicator: "A musical performance and a most promising young violinist."

Manningham Eisteddfod 2012

First prize - 12 years and under

Thrid prize - open championship

Winner of the Hermia Barton Approbation Award - This award is made to the competitor whom the adjudicator considers to have the most promise and be worthy of encouragement.