Andrew Wan Fun Facts

Q: Where do you get your musical inspiration?
A: I'm loathe to admit this, but ever since I discovered my father's vast collection of records of the great violinists of previous generations, I've been a violin junkie. This sort of (healthy!) obsession has carried on to this day, where I find myself lost on YouTube, watching many, many videos of fantastic musicians some nights. Of course, being up close and personal with soloists and conductors at work gives me a lot of motivation and inspiration on a regular basis as well.

Q: What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
A: I was a bit of a latecomer in terms of deciding that I wanted to pursue this path, which I suppose is a bit unusual. I can't say that there was a catalytic event that drove me towards this career, but I haven't regretted it once since that decision was made in my late teens. I'm incredibly privileged to have this decision reinforced week-in and week-out when I have the opportunity play music that I adore with colleagues that I respect.

Q: What are some current projects you are working on?
A: My career is happily multi-faceted, so besides my main duties with the MSO, I derive a lot of pleasure from working with my students at McGill, touring and recording with the New Orford String Quartet, playing concerti from time-to-time, and making the rounds on the festival circuit during the summers. I released my first live recording of the complete concerti of Camille Saint-Saƫns with the MSO and Kent Nagano last year, so I am still recovering!

Q: What drew you to the Colorado College Summer Music Festival?
A: Scott Yoo, whom I am now lucky to consider a friend, recommended that I come. I had the pleasure of performing with him the first time January 2015 at the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, a festival he got me into six years ago. I guess I owe him a dinner or two.

Q: What are you most excited for this upcoming festival season?
A: This being my first summer at the festival, I'm really excited to see what it's all about. I love the educational element and it goes without saying, seeing the roster of faculty, I'm really looking forward to performing with old friends and meeting new ones.

- Andrew Wan 2016
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