2026 Play with Ray Competition | Bach Double Violin Concerto 1st Mvmt | @miss.velody from Malaysia

Music profile: @miss.velody -   / miss.velody   I began learning the violin at age 12, encouraged by my parents to join the school orchestra. Before that, the piano had always been my main instrument. But as much as I enjoyed playing the piano, it often felt like a solitary experience. Learning the violin became my gateway into orchestral music, where I could be part of something bigger than myself: a team united through music. At 18, I stopped playing the violin and moved alone to the UK to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Business. During university, I joined the Chamber Orchestra society, but balancing academics, adapting to a foreign country, and building a new life abroad left little room for music. After graduating at 21, I began my career in London working for an investment bank, where I spent the next several years working, pursuing a Master’s and navigating the fast-paced world of finance in a global financial hub. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that I truly reconnected with the violin. Due to international travel for family, studies, and work, I experienced self-quarantine three separate times in three different countries. Each isolation lasted 14 days, and for someone like me who is outgoing and adventurous, the confinement felt incredibly challenging. Yet in those quiet hotel rooms, my violin became both my companion and a source of comfort. Slowly, it reignited my passion for classical music. I had always assumed that once I started working in finance, I would be too busy climbing the corporate ladder. But classical music reminded me that there is always time for the things that you love. The challenge to 'Play with Ray' - someone who I admire as a musician and artist - is a compelling opportunity. Therefore I had to give this competition a go. Thank you for watching and listening! #playwithray2026 #playwithraytokyo #playwithray #raychen #newjapanphilharmonic #tokyo #bach #violinconcerto #violin #music #competition Here’s a bonus video of my self-quarantine journey and raw thoughts which I recorded in 2020:    • COVID-19 Why Self Isolation Is Good For You   Subcount: 760