Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Chern.
Hi Jonathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my violin journey at the age of 3. Initially, it was just an extracurricular activity for me, but I discovered my true passion for music when I was 17. The turning point was when I first performed Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony with the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, which showed me the ability for music to touch the soul. At this moment, I decided that music was going to be my full-time career. I applied to various music conservatories and ultimately chose to go to Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Following my time there, I successfully auditioned into the New World Symphony, where I spent a few years in one of the most enriching musical environments. My colleagues were some of the most talented and inspiring musicians who now perform in orchestras all over the world. It was surreal to learn from legends such as the conductor and musical titan Michael Tilson Thomas. One of my fondest memories from my time at the New World Symphony was performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 9 under Michael Tilson Thomas. Unfortunately, the pandemic cut short my time in the symphony in the spring of 2020. Fortunately, when one door closes, another opens – I found myself as the lead violinist of the Dallas Candlelight Concert Series, where I have performed hundreds of concerts of the most popular artists and their songs with a classical twist in the past 2.5 years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life is not without struggles, and I am no different than anyone else. My musical journey has been met with ups and downs. I struggle with my perfectionism on stage and expressing what I want to on stage. I think it comes with the territory of being an artist. Aside from that struggle, the pandemic was one of the biggest hurdles I have faced in my professional career. Before the pandemic, there was a time I might have even taken the audiences for granted because I always thought people would be able to attend concerts. Post-pandemic, I realized how fortunate I am to still be able to pursue my dream of performing music since this is not an opportunity that all my peers have. I am grateful and truly cherish every moment I get to perform on stage. To the hundreds and thousands of people who have come to the Dallas Candlelight concerts, I wish I had the time to sit down and talk to every single one of them. Although this is not possible, I have had the chance to chat with a substantial number of the audience members to thank them for supporting me. Even though I’ll never express everything I want on stage, I now cherish all the moments on stage and will continue to strive to always be a better violinist, albeit in a more healthy way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am presently the lead violinist of the Dallas Candlelight concerts. We specialize in performing popular songs with a classical twist, like Bridgerton. Over the course of the past 2.5-3 years, we have performed 400+ concerts, giving tributes to popular artists such as the Beatles, Queen, Metallica, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and many more. It still gives me a thrill to perform some of the most iconic solos from songs such as “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Fade to Black” with a tiny little bit of my own twist on them.
My fondest and, ironically enough, scariest memory of my time as a violinist was being able to grab a few lessons with Pinchas Zukerman. In my opinion, he has the quintessential violin sound that I will forever be chasing. To be able to stand in his presence as he guided me through the Bruch and Tchaikovksy violin concerto will forever be something I look back warmly on. Another memory I will never forget is performing on stage as a member of the New World Symphony on our Carnegie Hall tour. It was surreal and absolutely intimidating to step onto a stage where the world’s greatest musicians and artists have passed through. Looking back on those memories, it’s amusing to me that some of the most intimidating moments in my life have become some of my favorite moments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has been an incredible factor in my life. I have been blessed to have been mentored by some of the world’s greatest musicians, and it has led me to some of the world’s biggest stages. Of course, I could view covid as “bad luck” because my musical world ended overnight. However, it led to me being a violinist in the ever-popular Candlelight concert series. And as one of the greatest cliches go, when life gives you lemons, make music. I know that no matter what life has to offer me ahead, it will continue to offer me unique and rewarding musical experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kreativeharmony.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kreativeharmony/
Image Credits
Sara Fruehe
