January 19, 2022

Luxi Wang (BM ’22) is a senior at MSM studying classical violin, and is the featured soloist in the MSM Philharmonia Orchestra concert conducted by George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ’76) on January 27. She was a 2020–2021 Eisenberg–Fried Competition Winner.

Luxi talks to us about preparing for her performance of the Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82, by Alexander Glazunov, her experience at MSM, and what she’s most looking forward to in 2022.

Tell us a little about yourself!

Luxi: I was born in Sichuan, China. The people of Sichuan have a great love of food and life, so I love cooking! I especially love cooking the cuisine of my hometown which brings me plenty of joy in my daily life. It not only helps me release pressure, but also helps me recall my mom’s delicious cooking.

I started studying the violin at age four and spent my middle school years in Shanghai. I came to New York aiming for a higher level of musical learning. This year I am graduating from MSM with a Bachelor’s degree in music. During these four years of study at MSM, I gained not only knowledge and insight but also much, much love from my teacher, Lucie Robert, my friends, and from MSM.

It’s 2022 — what are you most excited for this year?

Luxi: For me, 2022 is a significant and meaningful year. I am so excited to play the coming concert. Also, I’m looking forward to my last recital to complete my Bachelor’s degree and graduation.

Of course, my sincere wish is that COVID won’t bother people’s lives anymore. I’m looking forward to when as musicians we don’t need to wear masks when we perform. The mask, for me, is like an invisible wall between the performers and the audience. It’s such a sweet thing to have a communication with the audience, so that they can feel a performer’s geniality.

Congratulations on being the featured soloist on January 27! How have you been preparing for this concert? Do you mind sharing any practice tips and tricks?

Luxi: Beside practicing, I also record myself in different halls. My teacher, Ms. Robert, insisted on holding performance classes each week and even held them remotely during the pandemic period. I was lucky enough to get plenty of opportunities to play in those classes. I also performed a student recital to refamiliarize myself with the stage and playing in front of people.

Basically, I study the score meticulously and precisely in order to truly understand all the detailed musical ideas. In addition to this, mental practicing is my reassuring “assistant.” This method can not only be used when there is no proper place to practice, but also helps me refine all my ideas. I can strengthen some neglected spots.

One more little helpful tip is to not listen to any recordings as the performance approaches. I do this because I want all the musical ideas to come from me.

What is special about Alexander Glazunov’s Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82?

Luxi: The Glazunov violin concerto is a really fantastic piece, and it’s one of my favorite concertos. This great work combines Russian folk idioms, and it is filled with romantic breath. It is a continuous work, so there are no stops between three movements. It is interesting because the cadenza is placed after the second movement, which becomes the bridge to the very ebullient finale.

What has been the most valuable thing you’ve learned at Manhattan School of Music?

Luxi: Studying at MSM has been an extraordinary and unforgettable journey in my life. I am so fortunate to study with Professor Lucie Robert at MSM and have learned so much from her. As a result, I am a totally changed musician and violinist. She not only influences my musical life, but also brings me the warmest support in this foreign city. She taught me that being a real musician is not merely playing the notes, but it is going deeper into the music, the harmony, and the meaning of the composer.

What projects are you working on outside of school? What’s next for you? 

Luxi: Well, I am already so busy this year! Along with performing this concerto, I also had a student recital, graduation recital, my audition for the MM degree program, and my academic work. It’s really a challenging year for me.

For the next chapter of my life, I plan to study pedagogy and do some entrepreneurial projects. I also plan to prepare for competitions.

What advice do you have for anyone interested in the classical violin course of study at MSM? 

Luxi: Be curious! Be in touch with the teacher you want to study with. This is crucial for any instrument because you will spend the next four or six years with that person. Studying with the person you feel is the right match for you will make all the different and keep you inspired throughout your studies.

MSM Philharmonia Orchestra

JAN 27 | THURS
7:30 PM

George Manahan (BM ’73, MM ’76), Conductor
Luxi Wang (BM ’22), Violin

JAMES LEE III Fantasy on the Star-Spangled Banner

ELLIOT ROMAN (BM ’21, MM ’23) Tzirklshpitz (World Premiere)

ALEXANDER GLAZUNOV Violin Concerto in A Minor, Op. 82

Manhattan School of Music
Neidorff-Karpati Hall
130 Claremont Ave
New York, NY 10027