KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 — A day is not complete for Natassha Zoe Rachel Joseph without practising the violin, for it is her first love.
As if playing the violin isn’t hard enough, Natassha — also known as Zoe J — can play the instrument and dance at the same time.
Dubbed ‘The Dancing Violinist’ by KL Performing Arts Centre’s artistic director and co-founder Joe Hasham, the 16-year-old teen has been playing the violin since the age of three.
Her penchant for the instrument was discovered when Zoe would nod in excitement signalling her approval whenever the violin was played.
“My parents immediately saw that I liked the violin immensely. My mum, who writes as a hobby, wrote in her journal that I loved listening to albums by Vanessa Mae at that time,” says Zoe.
Zoe’s most recent performance was at the ‘Friends Forever Charity Concert’ held at Wisma HGH in Sentul in aid of the National Cancer Society.
At the showcase featuring artistes such as local rock biggies Ella and Datuk Ramli Sarip and ‘The Voice’ season 4 finalist Kris Thomas, Zoe held the audience captive with her deft movements while playing the violin.
After three numbers — ‘Under the Sea’ (from ‘The Little Mermaid’ soundtrack), ‘Colours of the Wind (from ‘Pocahontas’ soundtrack) and ‘He’s A Pirate (from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ film soundtrack), Zoe received a rousing applause.
Zoe got the idea of incorporating dance moves during a performance some years ago. “I was about 12 at that time. I felt moved by emotions while playing and so I decided to let myself go,” shared Zoe on her first experience melding the two together.
Zoe can attest that playing the violin and dancing is a lot tougher than it looks.
“The violin is one of the hardest musical instrument to play. To produce the sound from a violin one has to memorise the exact place to put one’s finger on,” says Zoe.
It takes practice to be an excellent player. “I try to practise every day for a minimum of two hours. It’s not difficult for me (to practise) because I love the sound of the violin so much. It is so versatile that it can be many sounds. It can be pop, rock and roll, and even Celtic,” says Zoe on her favourite instrument.
Besides an early exposure to the violin, Zoe also did the ballet at three, tap-dancing at eight, jazz dancing at nine and modern dance at 13.
When music and dance and performances took up too much of her time, Zoe’s parents decided to home-school her when she reached the age of 12. She is now a student of Keystone National High School, an online provider of home education based in the United States.
Zoe did the nation proud by winning two silver and three bronze medals at the World Championship of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in July this year (2013).
It was sweet victory for Zoe. “I tried out for the championship the year before but did not qualify. I’m definitely happy that I made it this year and won something. It is the height of my career thus far,” says Zoe.
As of now, Zoe is in Grade 8 of the violin and will sit for her exam next year. “I want to do a PhD in violin and hopefully study at Juilliard,” she says. (note: Juilliard here refers to the Julliard School, a prestigious performing arts conservatory in New York City).
Zoe’s star will shine even brighter with plans to release her first album next year. “It will contain about nine to eleven tracks and it will be a mix of original and classic tunes,” elaborates Zoe.
“It goes without saying that it takes discipline and hard work to succeed. Get the techniques (of playing the instrument) right, believe in yourself, and get the support of those closest to you. And do not be afraid to experiment and start incorporating something that makes you unique.”
