June 2020 

It’s a pleasure to be interviewed by award-winning director, filmmaker, and producer Joslyn Rose Lyons.

What inspired you to pursue music? 

Sitting in a master class with Yo-Yo Ma when I was 12 years old, and hearing a recording of Rostropovich performing the Dvorak cello concerto that a bassoon player friend shared with me for the first time. 

Who’s your greatest influence musically or just in life and how have they motivated you to pursue your dreams? 

Too many people to list who have influenced or motivated me, but ultimately, my parents, who have always encouraged me to pursue my interests and dreams - even if they have disagreed with my choices at times. 

What is your favorite flower?

I love orchid flowers. 

What are your favorite foods?

I eat almost anything and it depends on the season, but lately, I’ve been indulging in burrata cheese and olive oil, as well as different kinds of granola with plant based milk. I’m also working on my Chinese tea drinking rituals, under the influence of a tea connoisseur friend of mine. And I always love dim sum. 

What inspires you musically? (nature, people, etc.)

Being in nature when I’m in a mindset to soak in and be nourished by my surroundings, supports my craft in creating beautiful phrasing, especially when playing solo music. 

Performing for audiences (large or small) who enjoy what I’m doing, and the ongoing discovery of incredible musicians and music in the world, keep me going. When playing with other musicians, I’m most inspired when there’s a mutual synergy or chemistry, we bring out the best in each other’s playing, our sounds blend with ease, the music making just flows, and it’s fun! When that happens, it’s a super satisfying and rare gift that almost always comes with a natural camaraderie that I have with my collaborators, and one can’t exist without the other. 

Who are your favorite musicians?

There are so many amazing musicians. This depends on what I’m in the mood to listen to. Ironically, day to day, I usually don’t choose to listen to classical music. I only do so when I attend concerts of classical musicians, or if I’m seeking inspiration for pieces I’m working on. I wouldn’t want to leave anyone out since the list is always evolving, but one of my favorite violinists is Hilary Hahn. As for American singer-songwriters, I’m a big fan of Norah Jones. I also love Amos Lee and Michael Franti & Spearhead, and most recently, I’ve been Lizzo. As for jazz instrumentalists, my absolute favorites are bass player Christian McBride, drummer Brian Blade, guitarist Bill Frisell, and cellist Mark Summer. 

Who is your favorite cellist?

I have admired different cellists as my favorites for different reasons. Some are, the late Mstislav Rostropovich, the late Anner Blysma, the late Lynn Harrell, my lifelong hero Yo-Yo Ma, Alisa Weilerstein, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Mischa Maisky, Gautier Capucon, and Mark Summer. 

What are your unique interests? Hobbies? 

I particularly enjoy yoga, hiking, knitting, tea drinking, spa life, and cooking (when I’m in the mood to).  

What’s your favorite movie and why? 

Crazy Rich Asians. It was such a fun movie, and as for many Asian American women, I was excited to see all of the actresses of Asian descent on big screen. Although I am not a crazy rich Asian, I could relate to the characters in many ways, particularly to Rachel Chu, as portrayed by actress Taiwanese American actress Constance Wu. I admire Constance Wu’s work for helping refugees and immigrant families, and her activism in bringing more Asian representation in the media and film industry. I hope to meet her some day! 

What’s your music mantra? (or life mantra)

Cultivate balance; take care of your body, and keep listening and playing, no matter what day to day obstacles you may encounter.

What would be your dream with your music and performance career? 

My dream would be to play & perform in beautiful places and concert spaces with artists that I hold in the highest regard. Having a role as a cellist in film, if someone were to make such a movie, would be fun too. In my wildest dreams, I’d some day play a tune or two with Norah Jones and Christian McBride (I just listened to a fabulous conversation between the two of them, hosted by Mr. McBride on IGTV). 

Something you have always dreamed of doing? 

Having an in-house chef, baker or chocolate fountain at my concerts, and being able to eat all the sweet indulgences that I want without having to worry about things like diabetes. 

What is your greatest hope/wish for the world today? 

My greatest hopes are for access to wellness, healing and healthcare for all to become a reality.