Two years into her career with the Macao Orchestra, Meitong Liu (MM ’24, Instrumental and Orchestral Studies, viola) has found a new rhythm in her life as a professional musician, where the lessons learnt at Tianjin Juilliard meet the realities of the concert stage. From the rigorous orchestral training to the collaborative spirit of chamber music, and emphasis on ensemble skills, Liu reflects on the experiences and skills that continue to shape her work today.
Tell us more about your current role!
I have been a Tutti Violist with the Macao Orchestra for two years and I’ve come to appreciate how Macao's unique blend of cultures creates a vibrant and nurturing environment for orchestral musicians. The orchestra offers regular, high-quality performance opportunities, while the city’s comfortable pace of life is enjoyable. This balance between work and life allows me to focus on continued artistic growth.
Over the past two years with the orchestra, one of my most memorable experiences was performing the ballet The Butterfly Lovers with the Hong Kong Ballet Company in late 2024. It was my first time playing in an orchestra pit for a professional ballet production, which was an entirely new and inspiring experience. Although the month-long work residency in Hong Kong was demanding, it offered me a valuable opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective – to observe its distinctive lifestyle, energy, and cultural rhythm, which felt different from Macau.
I also hold a particularly warm memory from my debut performance with the Macao Orchestra. I was deeply touched and greatly encouraged that Dean Katherine Chu and Professor Lee Allen from Tianjin Juilliard came to my very first professional concert as guests. To begin my career with the support of my former mentors in the audience felt incredibly meaningful and reassuring. Over the last two years, I have often crossed paths with Tianjin Juilliard faculty and alumni in Macau, and each encounter brings a sense of warmth and connection, as if I’m reuniting with family.
What was the most important thing you learned during your two years at Tianjin Juilliard?
The rigorous orchestral training and listening skills I developed during my graduate studies were very valuable. Our faculty and resident conductor guided us to prioritize ensemble balance, precise coordination, and musical integration. These professional standards have profoundly shaped my performing habits and collaborative skills. The intensive orchestral training with the Tianjin Juilliard Orchestra, weekly excerpt lessons, and regular mock auditions greatly enriched my industry experience and enabled me to adapt quickly and steadily to full-time orchestral work.
Do you have any advice for students considering applying to Tianjin Juilliard’s graduate programs?
I would encourage prospective students to give equal importance to solo technique and ensemble skills. In addition to polishing solo repertoire, it is essential to practice orchestral excerpts and chamber music pieces consistently. It is also important to maintain an open and inclusive attitude toward diverse musical styles and artistic communication.
