VC Artist Violinist Timothy Chooi on his Joseph Joachim Violin Competition Experience

Tune in today, September 28, for the final round of this year's competition!

The twelfth edition of the Joseph Joachim Violin Competition is currently taking place in Hannover, Germany. Open to violinists born between September 29, 1991, and September 16, 2008, the competition is run by the Stiftung Niedersachsen and takes place every three years. You can watch the competition LIVE on The Violin Channel. 

This year's competition finalists are violinists Jacques Forestier, Angela Chan, and Kyumin Park.

Leading up to today's exciting event, we talked to former Joachim Competition winner, violinist, and VC Artist Timothy Chooi to learn more about his time at the competition.

Tell us about your experience at the 2018 Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition, in Hannover?

My experience at the 2018 Joseph Joachim International Violin Competition was truly life-changing. Before 2018, I hadn’t played or studied much in Germany, and the competition marked a pivotal transition for me—from being a student to becoming a professional. Preparing mentally, physically, and emotionally for each round while navigating a foreign environment was incredibly challenging but also rewarding. The level of artistry was extremely high, and the extensive repertoire required a tremendous amount of focus and emotional resilience.

What are your fondest memories from the competition?

One of my fondest memories was staying with my wonderful host family. They gave me an entire attic apartment, where I practiced for hours and hours every day. It was such a comfortable and supportive environment. Their warm hospitality and the little pleasures, like my daily trips to the supermarket for ice cream, made a big difference amidst the intensity of the competition. Another cherished memory is how well-organized everything was, coupled with the friendly atmosphere, which made the demanding experience more manageable.

How did you prepare for a competition of this size with such demanding repertoire requirements?

In terms of preparation, I planned far in advance for each round, but my intense practice didn’t start until about two months before the competition. I did a lot of mental preparation and intentionally stayed in one place during the summer to ensure my mind was in the best possible state, full of clarity and focus.

How did winning the 1st prize in Hannover help drive your career upwards?

Winning the first prize in Hannover transformed my career almost overnight. Before the competition, I had only been to Germany occasionally for music festivals. Afterward, I signed with a German agency and found myself returning to Germany almost every month for the following year. It greatly deepened my connection to the German music culture and influenced my artistic choices. My relationship in Germany stems from this very moment of winning the competition.

How important do you feel competitions are for young violinists, as they are starting out their professional careers?

I believe competitions can be valuable for young violinists, depending on their goals. They are a fantastic tool to push one’s limits and develop organizational, emotional, and physical resilience. However, I don’t think they should be seen as the only path to a successful career. There are many ways to make an impact in the music world today.

What advice do you have for the finalists in this year’s competition?

My advice to this year’s finalists is to enjoy every moment. Smile and take it all in, as this experience may never happen again. Making it to the finals means you’ve already achieved something extraordinary. You’re now part of the competition’s incredible history, alongside many past winners who have gone on to remarkable careers. Good luck!