In this photo, Penelope performs at the Musikverein in Vienna as the 1st Prize Winner of the Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition.
Penelope also just returned after performing at Carnegie Hall on July 21st as the 1st Prize Winner of the Golden Classical Music Competition.
1. What is your name and how old are you?
My name is Penelope Cheung, and I am 8 years old.
2. How long have you been studying music and how old were you when you first started?
I have loved music since I was a baby, I think. I was 4 years old when I started playing piano (in the Harmony Road Program with Ms. Christine). I started playing violin when I was 5 years old.
3. Who is your teacher?
My teacher is Marcia.
4. What pieces are you currently working on?
On the piano, I am working on Bach’s Gigue from Partita #1, Schuman’s Fantasy Dance, and Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor.
On the violin, I’m working on Monti’s Czardas and Massenet’s Meditation from Thais.
5. How often do you practice?
I try to practice music everyday.
6. Why do you love music?
I like the way music sounds and makes me feel.
7. Tell us about some of your recent accomplishments.
For Piano:
· New Mozart Distinguished Honors Student (2020 and 2022)
· New Mozart Practice Challenge (2021 and 2022)
· 2020 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2021 US Open Music Competition – 2nd place (Open Solo)
· 2021 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2022 Golden Classical Music Awards – 1st prize
· 2022 US Open Music Competition – 3rd place (Showcase Piano Solo), 4th place (Open Solo), 4th place (Treasury of Romantic Composers)
· 2022 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition Vienna – 1st prize
· 2022 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition London – 1st prize
· 2022 Crescendo Little Mozarts International Competition – 1st place
For Violin
· 2021 Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition London – 1st prize
· 2021 Bay Area Music Association US International Open Music Competition – 2nd place
· 2021 Crescendo Little Mozarts International Competition – 1st place
· 2021 Golden Classical Music Awards – 1st prize
· 2021 Prima Volta Music Competition – 3rd place
· 2021 Elite International Music Competition – 2nd place
· 2021 Crescendo International Music Competition – 3rd place
8. What are some things you like doing besides music?
I like to dance ballet, sing, ski, ice skate, swim, make food with my dad, make YouTube videos, play with my family and my cute little brother, travel with my family, play with my friends, and explore and learn about new things. You can watch my videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/1612ca/videos
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t know yet. I want to be many things when I grow up.