ESO 101: Ewald Cheung

Meet Ewald Cheung, violin player for the ESO. Ewald is the recipient of the 2010 Golden Violin Award from McGill University, where he received his Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma. He also recently earned a Masters’ degree from The Juilliard School. An avid chamber musician, Ewald enjoys listening to the Oldies, cycling, and hosting dinner parties.

When was your earliest recital and what did you play?
I was eight. I don’t remember what I played exactly, but I remember performing Dvořák and Bach.

How long you’ve been with the ESO?
This is my 2nd season.

How many instruments do you know how to play?
Just 1: Violin.

What is your musical guilty pleasure?
I enjoy binge-listening to Oldies.

What was the last song/piece of music you listened to?
Schubert’s Cello Quintet with the Emerson String Quartet and Mstislav Rostropovich.

What would your DJ name be?
e-String Theory.

Who would be your partner on the Amazing Race?
Kris, one of my closest friends from high school.

What is your pre-concert ritual?
On the afternoon of a concert, I usually practice through tricky spots in the program, have a light meal and hot shower before arriving at the hall.

What's something people might not know about you?

What is your favourite sports team or player?
Definitely the Oilers.

How many different cities have you lived in?
3 cities: Edmonton, Montreal and New York.

What is your favourite city (or a country) you’ve travelled and why?
Probably Barcelona. I went with my dad and we have so many amazing memories from that trip. And such a beautiful city to explore!

Do you have a nickname?
I’ve had many including: E, Waldo, and most recently, Ewaldissimo.

What is your favourite orchestra other than the ESO?
Berlin Philharmonic.

What do you do in your free time?
Aside from rest, I enjoy spending time with friends, go biking and hosting dinner parties.

What food would be on your rider as a rock star?
A wide variety of sushi.

Rapid Fire section

Coffee or tea?
Coffee

Pancakes or Waffles?
Waffles

Facebook or Instagram?
Facebook

Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi

Cats or dogs?
Dogs

Dine-in or take-out?
Dine-in

Apple or Android?
Apple

PC or Mac?
Mac

Morning or Night?
Night

Call or text?
Both

Beethoven or Mozart?
Beethoven

Schubert or Dvořák?
Schubert

Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff?
Tchaikovsky

Book or movie?
Movie

Mountains or ocean?
Mountains

Wine or beer?
Beer

Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars

Musical or opera?
Opera