Rotary recognises violinist’s talent

YOUNG violinist Chloe Shieh has received the Rotary Club of Ballarat’s Winston Loveland Music Award for her exceptional artistic endeavours.

Eighteen-year-old Shieh is Ballarat Clarendon College’s vice-captain, leads the BCC Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings and School Quartet, and is concertmaster with Melbourne Youth Orchestra and Melbourne Conservatorium Young Artist Academy orchestra.

She previously co-directed and conducted BCC’s String Orchestra and is a mentor to younger ensemble performers.

Shieh attended a recent Rotary meeting to perform for Rotarians, unaware that she was to receive the honour from Loveland’s youngest daughter Jill Loveland.

“It was a real shock, but really nice to have the Ballarat community appreciate and acknowledge my music contribution,” Shieh said.

“They have been really generous, and it’s a great opportunity and privilege to receive this award. I am beyond grateful.”

Shieh has performed violin solo on stages including New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Brussels’ Centre for Fine Arts, and was part of a cello ensemble concert in Pennsylvania directed by The Juilliard School’s Amy Barston.

But at home, a highlight for Shieh has been performing in the Vision Australia Carols by Candlelight concert on Christmas Eve in Melbourne, and with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at Hamer Hall.

Now looking ahead to her Australian Music Examinations Board Licentiate in Music exam next week, she also plans to study at the Australian National Academy of Music or The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music at The University of Melbourne, and to audition for the MSO.

Her goal is to have a career in music teaching and performance.

“I really like music as a social way to connect with people, and work with others from different places, of different ages and backgrounds,” Shieh said.

“Music is a rewarding way to understand and appreciate the culture of other people. I like expressing emotions through music, and I enjoy listening to it.”

The Winston Loveland Music Award worth $1000 has been presented annually by the Rotary Club of Ballarat for five years and is in the name of 45-year member of the club, the late Winston Loveland.

Loveland was involved with many Rotary initiatives including the youth committee, and he had a passion for music, as a pianist with the Neil Street Uniting Church, and organist at Her Majesty’s Theatre.