Tam Git Mei (Social Sciences)
Tam Git Mei, Cherry began her music journey when she was two years old, and she has continued to be an avid music enthusiast ever since. Her dedication to music has contributed to many of her accomplishments, and various music awards have been given to her in recognition of her efforts.
“If you give it a shot, you could win something”, said the third-year Social Sciences student with a double major in Music focusing on piano performance.
Cherry partook in the Concours International De Musique Et D’Art De Versailles in Guangzhou.
Her outstanding piano performances consistently gave her the chance to participate in significant performances, such as the S’way Concert – Young Artists Series, in which she made her solo concert debut in the S’way Recital Hall and played alongside exceptional musicians. Cherry managed all of the preparation herself, including the guest list and repertoire, even though the concert was scheduled for early January this year — right after the demanding schedule of the previous school semester — and eventually completed her hour-long solo performance.
In recent years, Cherry has participated in numerous competitions both regionally and internationally, for example, participating in the final round of the Concours International De Musique Et D’Art De Versailles, where she eventually got the gold prize; as well as being a contestant at the King’s Peak International Music Competition in which she gained the first place. Also, she took up the piano part for four violin concertos, performing with four accomplished violinists, at the Hong Kong Swatow Christian Church in Central.
Cherry performed with four accomplished violinists at the HK Swatow Christian Church.
“These on-stage experiences equipped me with confidence, which made me feel more comfortable being on stage, and paved my way for pursuing bigger stages and a larger audience,” said Cherry who had previously struggled with stage fright.
Acquiring all the accomplishments is not a simple task. Cherry said that she has always faced self-doubt, which has hindered her belief in herself during competitions. She sacrificed her socialising opportunities to dedicate her spare time to practice, alongside her busy performing schedule. Sometimes she was frustrated that, in spite of these efforts, she might occasionally not achieve the desired performance result.
“The process all along is indeed exhausting. However, I think it’s very fortunate that I can have the opportunity to perform piano,” said Cherry.
Cherry believes music brings joy and peace to people.
Cherry wants to give back through music, considering that she has benefited greatly from it. As a true believer in the healing power of music, she thinks it has the power to “kill the pain” of others. She noted, “Sharing music I love to bring people a sense of joy and peace is my ambition.”
Cherry used to put a lot of emphasis on master classes and competitions, but now she wants to go further. As a challenge to herself, she hopes to work with music therapists or organise some charity concerts in the future.
As an accomplished young artist, she feels that “we should never be scared to take risks”. She hopes the other aspiring artists will not be scared to take on obstacles while trying to seize more prosperous possibilities.
“It is better to fight hard without regrets than to regret not fighting hard,” she added.
Written by:
Charlotte Kwan
Year 3, Faculty of Social Sciences
April 2024