His teacher Hugues Cloutier appointed director of the Conservatory of Val-d’Or
Pianist Xiaoquin Wang completed the final exam at the Conservatoire de musique de Val-d’Or.
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MUSIC – The language barrier will not have been a hindrance for pianist Xiaoquin Wang. A resident of Rouyn-Noranda, the latter has, in recent weeks, passed the final exam at the Conservatoire de musique de Val-d’Or, the equivalent of a baccalaureate at the institution.
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Born in Quindao, a city along the Yellow River in the eastern part of China, Ms. Wang has been playing the piano since childhood. After graduating in musicology from the prestigious Beijing Central Conservatory of Music, the musician met the man who would become the father of her children.
An Abitibian of origin, the latter was studying in China before meeting Ms. Wang. Wanting to explore a new country, she decided to follow her husband when he returned to the region, before settling for good in the National Copper Capital.
Speaking Mandarin and English, but still able to understand French, the elderly lady in her early thirties was still a little confused about what she could do in the region, with her educational background.
After having her two children, she decided to go back to school and deepen her piano knowledge in order to become a good piano teacher, in addition to being able to accompany an ensemble or a singer.
“What we have developed more with her over the past three years is the study of different styles. This makes it so that a Mozart sonata does not sound like a Chopin piece. We also wanted to work on the refinement, precision and cleanliness of his playing, in addition to showing him how to use the pedals properly. Lots of points that relate to interpretation, ”lists his teacher, Hugues Cloutier.
A single examination
Analyzed on several criteria by teachers from the Conservatories of Quebec network, the final exam had a particular side for Xiaoquin Wang.
As the test could not take place in person due to the pandemic, the latter had to make a video recording of her recital, which lasts about 50 minutes. No specific piece was imposed during the exam, but the pianist had to, at least, play a study and a concerto (with an ensemble). In addition, she was to perform in a range of eras, ranging from the Baroque period to more modern works. In the end, she opted for compositions by Mozart, Chopin, Bach, Chaconne and Busoni.
“It was the first time that the exam was done with a recording. I was happy not to have to travel to Montreal and play in front of the judges. It was still an intense experience because of the stress. I did it in a continuous take. It was not my best performance, but it was very acceptable, ”Ms. Wang testified, via an email exchange.
Now with the bachelor’s degree in hand, the principal applicant plans to continue her studies to obtain a master’s degree.
A prestigious position
On another note, the Conservatoire de musique de Val-d’Or now has a new CEO. Holding this position on an interim basis since January, Hugues Cloutier replaced the former director, Isabelle Trottier, who was on sick leave.
“My goal was to ensure the files that Isabelle had put in place. I wanted to work to get things done and put others on the table. At that time, we didn’t know when she was going to come back. I told myself that if she came back and had a little less energy, things would be solid and things would go smoothly, ”says the new director.
After a few months, Mr. Cloutier knew that his predecessor was ultimately not going to be back in charge for personal reasons, preferring to focus on the teaching profession. This decision also confirmed the new functions of Hugues Cloutier, this time full-time.
“Until you do that, you can never really know what it is. I like it and I think I can move things forward and have new ideas in order to keep the Conservatory active. I want to continue in the same line of thought as Isabelle, which was to cover the entire territory of Abitibi-Témiscamingue, ”he illustrates.
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