How did the violin come into your life?

When I was three years old, I already wanted to play the violin. There was always music in our house, and both of my parents played instruments. As a child, I wanted to play the violin. When I was three, I apparently said that I wanted to play the violin. However, my parents told me to wait until I was six, and if I still wanted to play then, I could start. That's how I started playing the violin.

What do you love about your instrument?

I love the sound it can produce and the possibilities it offers. I also find it very interesting that it can be a solo instrument, but you can also add so much to a group or play in different voices together. That's what I love about the violin.

What does your study space at home look like?

I have a soundproof study cabin in one of my bedrooms, the one where I don't sleep. That's where I study. I also study outside the cabin, but I like the cabin because I know that I'm not bothering my neighbors, and I can use it day and night if I need to. If I have to practice at night, I can do so without bothering anyone.

What's your favorite music besides classical music?

I really love many types of music, and I really like pop music. I never listen to classical music in the car. If I listen to classical music, I really listen and analyze it professionally. So for me, it's better to listen to jazz or pop music if I just want to relax or don't want to think too much. I enjoy listening passively.

Which lesson has made the biggest impression on your musical life?

When I used to audition, I was would get very stressed and nervous. I always thought that I was being judged instead of just being evaluated. Someone once gave me an interview with a famous singer, and she said that when she's on the jury, she wants someone to play well. She wants someone to do well rather than make mistakes. That really helped me a lot. She said that you should assume that when you're in front of the jury, they want you to play well. I found that very interesting, and I always try to remember that now.

What is distinctive about the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra?

The perseverance and the ‘no whining’ attitude. Everyone goes for it together. The orchestra's strength lies in the mentality of just doing it and moving forward together.