Mio Imai, a young Chester County teen, has a deep love for storytelling, writes Nikki DeMentri for CBS News Philadelphia.
Imai is rising to stardom, not just in the Philadelphia classical music scene, but around the world.
Last month, Imai won first place in the adolescent category at the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition in Belgium. The first-place prize won her a concert contract and a cash prize. Those in the classical music space believe this is just the beginning of her impressive accomplishments.
“I feel like with the violin, you can make so many different colors and moods,” Imai said. “I feel like music is an amazing power that I have.”
Imai found her love of music at age 4. By the time she was 8 years old, she performed in front of her now teacher, Kimberly Fisher, at the Philadelphia International Music Festival. Fisher and Imai went on to rehearse together several hours a week.
“She doesn’t play the violin like a 13-year-old. She doesn’t relate to music like a 13-year-old. She’s still young at heart. But there’s a maturity about her not just her playing, but what she wishes to convey,” said Fisher, the Principal 2nd Violin with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Now as an eighth grader traveling the world, Imai truly strives to be a great violinist who can share her music with the world.
Read more about Mio Imai’s musical career at CBS News Philadelphia.
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