Named to honor the memory of Miss Ima Hogg, a co-founder of the Houston Symphony, the Ima Hogg Competition is open to young musicians between the ages of 13 and 30 who play standard orchestral instruments or piano. Through the support of the Houston Symphony League since 1976, the Competition provides performance opportunities for aspiring musicians ages 13-30.
The 2013 semifinal round will take place on Thursday, May 30 at Stude Concert Hall at the Shepherd School of Music of Rice University. Ten semifinalists will perform two concertos with piano accompaniment. At the conclusion of the semifinals, four finalists will be selected to perform one concerto with the Houston Symphony at the Finals Concert on Saturday, June 1. The first place winner will then perform with the Houston Symphony at the Houston Chronicle Concert on July 13, 2013 as part of the 2013 Day of Music; the second place winner will perform with the Houston Symphony at Miller Theatre on June 29, 2013.
Our Education and Community Engagement Coordinator, Allison Conlan, had the chance to post some questions to our semifinalists. Their insightful answers can be found on this very blog!
Learn a little more about contestant number 1: Moye Chen, Piano
Allison Conlan: Do you come from a musical family?
Moye Chen: No
AC: At what age did you begin playing your instrument?
MC: At the age of 7
AC: Where did you grow up, and how did that community affect who you have become — in general and/or as a musician?
MC: I grew up in Beijing and Shanghai, my father likes music, he introduced piano to me.
AC: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
MC: I like reading and table tennis.
AC: What has been your most exciting event in your musical career?
MC: Going to America to pursue my goal.
AC: Do you have any pre-performance habits/rituals?
AC: I eat something which can provide me energy and will allow me to sleep well.
AC: Who are some of your most profound influences?
MC: My parents, and my piano teacher when I was in Shanghai: Prof.Hung-Kuan Chen.
AC: Who is the most famous person you have met?
MC: So many famous people, it is hard to say who is most famous🙂
AC: Favorite TV shows, sports teams, food and city?
MC: Food: Chinese and Korean Food; Sports Team: LA Lakers and Houston Rockets (Basketball); City: Beijing, Barcelona, Chicago, and LA.
AC: Explain your personality/life in a six word sentence…
MC: Very friendly.
Don’t miss the semifinals performances on May 30, and the finals concert on June 1!
