For our sixth episode we’re delighted to welcome violinist May Zeng and pianist Enoch Kalangie. They will perform programmes featuring the music of Gillian Whitehead, J.S.Bach, Poulenc and a world premiere by Xiaole Zhan before receiving on-air feedback from mentors Tamara Smolyar and Monica Naselow. Continue reading to learn more about May and Enoch.
Violinist May Zeng
Photo credit: Daniel Spellman
Born in Shenzhen, China, May (she/her) studied with Mark Bennett in Auckland, New Zealand as a teen before receiving a scholarship to study under Dr. Curt Thompson at the University of Melbourne, where she is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree. During her studies, May received numerous scholarships and awards including Truby Williams Conservatorium Endowment Scholarship, Corinna D’Hage Mayer String Scholarship, W Bardsley Award, Cassidy Bequest Scholarship and EC Wellisch Bequest.
An avid chamber musician and an advocate for modern compositions, May collaborates frequently with award-winning Naarm-based writer/composer Xiaole Zhan (they/them) and has curated various new music concerts with fellow musicians. As an emerging artist in Melbourne Strings, May has also premiered works by Australian Latvian composers and introduced audiences to a wide range of modern string compositions.
Outside of her studies at the Conservatorium, May has participated in the International Akaroa Music Festival and Mimir Chamber Music Festival Melbourne. She has also benefited from masterclasses with artists such as Danielle Belen, Jun Iwasaki, Stephen Rose and Elizabeth Layton.
As part of her performance on The Talent, May is excited to be premiering Xiaole Zhan’s new work for violin, electronics, piano and music box, “Because the bombed cathedral is now a cathedral of trees”.
May will perform:
- Gillian Whitehead: Tōrua
- Xiaole Zhan: Because the bombed cathedral is now a cathedral of trees
With associate artist Xiaole Zhan
Pianist Enoch Kalangie
Photo credit: Daniel Spellman
Enoch Lay Kalangie is a 11-year-old pianist from Melbourne. He began his piano studies at age of five and is currently studying with Alison Kirkpatrick.
Enoch passed AMusA in piano when he was 9 years old. In 2023, Enoch also passed LMusA in piano when he was 10 years old.
In 2022, Enoch won First Prize in the Singapore International Competition for Piano and Violin (7 to 9 years). He has also achieved a few awards in local Eisteddfodau, including Open Age Piano Solo for Boroondara Eisteddfod, 18 years and under Piano Solo Boroondara Eisteddfod, 16 years and under Piano Solo Monash Youth Music Festival, and a few younger age categories.
Enoch has been studying cello for more than 5 years and he is actively performing with his senior school orchestra. He is very interested in chamber music and is being coached in private piano trio, as well as playing with string quintet at his school. In addition to this, Enoch loves composing and improvising; his favourite composers are Bach, Beethoven and John Williams. Enoch was also selected as main cast for acting and singing in his school music production.
Outside his musical pursuits, Enoch enjoys reading books, particularly adventure and mystery books. He also likes creating comics and board games as well as making stop motion videos. Enoch hopes to become a professional musician and would love to inspire and to share the beauty of music in the wider community.
Enoch will perform:
- J S Bach: Toccata in G Major, BWV 916
- Francis Poulenc: Caprice Italien, Napoli FP 40 : 3
- Jaya Suprana: Fragmen
Tune in to The Talent every Tuesday night at 7pm to 103.5FM 3MBS Melbourne. You can also stream the live broadcast at 3mbs.org.au or catch up later on our podcast! Just search for “The Talent 3MBS“ in your favourite podcast app and subscribe.
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