Violinist Chien Ming-yen Challenges Paganini at 73

(CNA reporter Chao Ching-yu, Taipei, July 9) Violinist Chien Ming-yen, Taiwan's first recipient of gifted child status from the Ministry of Education to study in the United States, has returned to teach and perform. Now retired at 73, he has proactively sought out students and international masters to delve into the essence of Niccolò Paganini's music, humbly asking for guidance.

In an interview with CNA, Chien Ming-yen stated, "In the face of music, one must always be humble." He mentioned that he retired as a professor from the Department of Music at the Taipei National University of the Arts over seven years ago. With fewer external commitments and students, he can now dedicate more time to music, embodying the principle of "lifelong learning."

In 2023, Chien Ming-yen was deeply moved by the performance of Ning Feng, the first-prize winner of the 2006 Paganini Violin Competition, at the National Concert Hall. He resolutely set aside his status as a master and, like a beginner, crossed the ocean to attend a masterclass in Kuala Lumpur. "In the backstage lounge, I stood and played for 90 minutes, and Ning Feng also stood for 90 minutes. His technique was exquisite, but more importantly, his character and humility were remarkable. That kind of music is unforgettable."

Furthermore, Chien Ming-yen broke traditional hierarchies of age and seniority, actively playing for his students, including Lin Tien-chi, principal conductor of the Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, and Chiang Wei-chung, former principal of the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, asking his juniors for candid advice. "I have truly gained a lot. Every violinist has their own unique fingering techniques. French violin master Gérard Poulet won the first prize at the Paganini Violin Competition at the age of 18, and I also sought his advice."

Chien Ming-yen recalled that he met Ning Feng through a mutual music friend and expressed his desire to learn from him. Ning Feng was surprised. "But I have always believed that in art, one can only be humble. Perhaps it's my personality, but when I see someone with a better interpretation, I want to learn and understand how they achieve it."

Chien Ming-yen stated that Ning Feng was the starting point for his desire to hold this concert. The highlight of this performance will be Paganini's 24 Caprices for Solo Violin, Op. 1, 2, 5, and 6. "This performance integrates the achievements of various masters, and I have further synthesized them, challenging both my technique and my physical stamina."

The concert will open with Beethoven's Sonata No. 10 for Piano and Violin and conclude with Schubert's "Fantasy in C Major." Chien Ming-yen said that both are late works by the composers, technically difficult but exceptionally beautiful. The concert will also feature composer Ma Shui-long's Sonata for Violin and Piano. "I want to thank Dean Ma Shui-long for recognizing my talent and inviting me back to Taiwan from the United States to teach and contribute my knowledge."

Born in Nantou in 1953, Chien Ming-yen displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age. At 14, he was sent to the United States to study under the gifted child program of the Ministry of Education. He studied under renowned masters such as Ivan Galamian, Albert Markov, Ma Sze-tsung, and Lin Keh-chang, graduating from the Juilliard School in New York. He is one of Taiwan's first generation of violinists active on the international stage, with a performing career spanning over 60 years.

Chien Ming-yen's "Echoes of Fate - Violin and Piano Duet" concert will be held on August 9 at the Art Exhibition Hall of the Wusha Art Center in Tainan and on August 16 at the Multifunctional Hall of the Taipei Biotechnology Park. The pianist will be Miyoshi Yamamoto. (Edited by Chen Ching-fang) 1150709

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