Sarah Chang is recognized as one of the world’s great violinists. Since her debut with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 8, she has performed with the greatest orchestras, conductors, and accompanists internationally in a career spanning more than two decades.
In 2006, she was honored as one of 20 Top Women in Newsweek’s “Women and Leadership, 20 Powerful Women Take Charge” issue. She was the youngest person ever to receive the Hollywood Bowl’s Hall of Fame award and was named Young Global Leader for 2008 by the World Economic Forum.
Chang spoke with Palm Springs Life about her childhood, her repertoire, and the highs and lows of touring.
Your first instrument was the piano. Why did you switch to violin?
Sarah: My mom put me on the piano when I was 3. I asked for a violin at age 4. I think the piano is a great introductory instrument for children, but I wanted something smaller and more portable.
When did you realize you’d make a career of music?
Sarah: Age 8 or 9. I was fortunate to start my career very early. I debuted with the New York Philharmonic and Philadelphia Orchestra when I was 8 and made my first recording for EMI when I was 9.
Being a child prodigy, were there things you missed out on?
Sarah: I had as much of a normal childhood as I could have hoped for. I went to a regular private school during the weekdays and to Juilliard on the weekends. I was already traveling and concertizing from an early age, so I would take my school assignments and fax them, and I sometimes traveled with a tutor. I missed prom because I was playing for Queen Elizabeth. I’m still not sure that was the right choice. [Laughs]
You’ve played everything from Tchaikovsky and Brahms to Andrew Lloyd Webber and Leonard Bernstein. How do you choose the music you perform?
Sarah: I never, ever go onstage with repertoire I’m not 100 percent in love with. I grew up with the great romantics: Brahms, Tchaikovsky, etcetera, but every season I try to introduce something new. Last year was West Side Story, this year is the Piazzolla Four Seasons.
Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, which pays homage to Vivaldi’s famous piece but in a tango style, is what you’re performing for the Palm Springs Life Festival. What drew you to the work?
Sarah: I love anything and everything tango inspired! I’ve taken tango and salsa lessons, and I love the music, so it seemed natural for my next musical project to be something as sexy and artistic and beautiful as the Piazzolla.
What are some of your favorite places to visit, whether you’re performing or just relaxing?
Sarah: Italy and Hawaii for the soul. Germany as a musician.
photo by marK giard photography
Salastina Music Society, featuring Co-Artistic Directors Maia Jasper White and Kevin Kumar, will perform with Sarah Chang.
What are the best and worst things about touring?
Sarah: The best is having the opportunity to perform with some of the most incredible musicians in the world in some of the most exquisite halls. The worst is the travel. The sheer amount of flying I do is insane, and I have a new puppy [Chewie] in my life, and I miss him terribly whenever I’m away.
Speaking of your puppy, your Twitter account is loaded with updates and photos. What kind of music does he like? Do you play for him?
Sarah: Chewie has free reign over my entire house except for my music studio. He usually sits right outside the music room door and plays with his toys and naps whenever I have to practice.
In 2011, the U.S. Embassy named you its Artistic Ambassador. What did that mean to you and what was your main goal in filling that position?
Sarah: I’m incredibly honored by the role. It centers around musical education and consists of playing for the students, bringing them into the concert halls to dress rehearsals and performances, giving master classes, doing Q&As, etcetera. I’ve gone everywhere from Serbia to South Africa with the program, and in April I will go to Ukraine to work with students.
The music industry has changed so much. You became successful in the days before YouTube. What do you think of all the aspiring musicians who gain instant fame online?
Sarah: It worked for Justin Bieber, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. But I do feel it’s slightly different with classical music.
What do you listen to? Is there anything in your personal music collection that would surprise us?
Sarah: Beyoncé can do no wrong in my eyes. I also love Lady Gaga and Adele.
Palm Springs Life Festival, March 20 through April 24, 2016. Tickets: www.palmspringslifefestival.com
Sarah Chang with the Salastina Music Society, 7 p.m. March 26, Rancho Mirage Amphitheater, 71560 San Jacinto Drive.