Niu Niu Cocomi French May

I have been playing the violin for approximately 4 years, and playing in this concert was truly one of the most remarkable experiences I’ve encountered. 4 years ago, I just watched my brother perform in an orchestra and missed out on the opportunities as I only played the piano back then. But everything changed ever since I picked up the violin.

This concert was truly an incredible experience, and I enjoyed the stage with my classmates. These opportunities especially playing in an octet with your classmates don’t come often, and the moments spent together were immensely treasurable.

Everyone took some hours of their weekends to practice in school for the concert, which shows the amount of commitment that everyone has placed into the event, and the outcomes proved it.

This entire experience was undoubtedly inspiring for everyone, especially with the dedication shown by our music teachers, Ms Wang & Mr Costantini, who took their time to rehearse with us as a group and to organise such a phenomenal event. Although times could be tiring considering how we stayed after school to practice sometimes, they were worth it.

Joyce Lau (9B)

Hello, I am Guillaume Perrin in 2nde A French Stream of the French International School of Hong Kong in the Blue Pool Road Campus. My main passion in my life is music. Music of all styles. I have been learning the violin since I was around 7 years old as well as singing and playing the ukulele. My experience with Niu Niu and Cocomi was amazing. I am so grateful for the opportunity given to us from these two stars of the classical world. It was so thoughtful and kind of them to include the FIS students in the French May this year. I am equally grateful to Mr. Costantini and Ms. Wang for the opportunity, the help and the leadership they have given to the ensemble. We wouldn’t be able to get anywhere without their help and guidance.

We were informed about this project in mid February and immediately started rehearsing. We had numerous rehearsals on Sundays from 2:00-4:00 pm and our first rehearsal with Niu Niu was on Monday 25th March. It took place in the Music Room 307 of the Blue Pool Road Campus. Our second rehearsal with Niu Niu was on Monday 6th May. We eventually had a dress rehearsal on Tuesday 28th May and on the two days of the concert along with Cocomi.

We played two pieces, Sicilienne by Gabriel Faure and Butterfly Lovers by He Zhanhao. We all had countless hours of practice independently on our own. 

These hours were put to the test throughout this whole journey to finally produce a very successful concert and ensemble. We all worked very well together and harmonized beautifully. The outcome was splendid! We were all proud of each other and all had one of the best times of our lives. All the hard work was paid off with the claps and cheers from the audience as well as from Niu Niu, Cocomi, Mr. Costantini and Ms. Wang. 

It was a once in a lifetime experience for all of us, there was a lot of stress that built up during the few hours before the concert. We had a lot of time to bond with each other, get to know one another and practice together. There was an incredibly positive atmosphere backstage. All the staff were very supportive and happy for us as well as the FIS teachers who kept positive mindsets. During the concert all the stress disappeared and having fun was the only thing that mattered in the short time of attention. Everyone was amazed with the performance. 

These two days of French May, Thursday 30th and Friday 31st of May will be imprinted in our memories. I hope for this ensemble to continue and flourish and hopefully participate in future projects!

Guillaume Perrin