Laclede Quartet Youth concert

Nine-year-old excels at violin, chess

Nine-year-old John Li of Ballwin was the youngest soloist at last month's Laclede Quartet's Youth concert. But, he also enjoys another extra-curricular activity, competitive chess.

John Li

The Laclede Quartet is a well-known St. Louis musical group that sponsors an annual competition to uncover new musical talent among young St. Louis area kids.

John was the youngest soloist to win this year's competition, which ended in a concert Sunday, March 16. (For more about the Quartet and its youth competition, visit www.lacledequartet.org.)

He started playing the violin about four years ago when he took his first Suzuki lesson. His teacher now is Ernest Lattanzi, who gives him a one- to two-hour home lesson once a week.

John said he then practices on his violin every other day.

His first public playing was three years ago when he participated in a talent show at Oak Brook Elementary School. He's now a 4th grader at that school in west St. Louis County.

For the Laclede concert, John played one of his favorite pieces, the 1st movement of Eduard Lalo's "Symphonie Espagnole". He said he likes that piece because it shows off some of his strengths as a violinist.

He said, "I like to play in G and I can reach many higher notes. I can give them more resonance and get a good libretto."

John at Laclede concert

John got some extra family support at the Laclede concert. His older sister, Moyang, was home on spring break. The 19-year-old is a student at Columbia University, majoring in applied math.

She said, "The Lalo piece is one of my favorites too. I get excited when he plays that." She said she took violin lessons through her high school years, taking lessons from John's current teacher.

Ask how John did at the concert, she said, "He did well except he got a little excited at one point."

John admits that "getting excited" can be one of the weak parts of his playing. He said, "When I start going good, my playing is good. But, when I get excited, it isn't so good."

But, on the whole, John thought his concert performance was pretty good.

About any other weaknesses in his playing, John said, "I have to work more on the high notes in E. They can be a little squeaky. And I need to work more on developing my rhythm."

John has been involved in the Webster University Music School for several years.

He played in the String Ensemble's annual concert in both 2006 and 2007. Then, earlier this year, he played in Webster's Young People's Concert Orchestra.

John said he likes to play with the full orchestra. That's because, unlike a string ensemble, the orchestra has brass and percussion sections.

"I like the brass and especially the tympani eventhough then I can't always hear my own playing," he said.

He has been the youngest violinist in each of these concerts.

John said his next public concert would be with the orchestra at Oak Brook school. In that concert, he'll not only play with the full orchestra but will have a solo, with piano accompaniment.

John said he didn't think he'll become a professional musician.

He's planning to go to college but thought he'd like to be either a doctor or a scientist. About his career plans, he admits they aren't necessarily firm.

He said, "I change my mind about every few seconds."

Asked about his other interests besides the violin, John smiled and said, "I really like chess."

In the family's living room, John's chess trophies have a place of honor.