Star Yi
Star Yi is a dedicated violinist currently in her third year pursuing a Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the prestigious Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, where she is under the tutelage of Dr. Curt Thompson. She has previously honed her skills with esteemed instructors including Isin Cakmakcioglu, Lisa Grosman, and Alexandra Hiew.
Star's commitment to musical excellence is evident through her participation in a multitude of chamber workshops and violin masterclasses. She has had the privilege to learn from and collaborate with distinguished musicians such as Professor Simon James, Richard Tognetti, Stefanie Ferrands, Dale Baltrop, and Zoe Black, among others.
As a young soloist, Star spent several years studying abroad, where she distinguished herself by winning the grand prize at Korea’s 35th National Student Music Scholarship Competition. She was also honored with a Special Prize at the 170th International Youth Entertainment Festival in 2015. Upon her return to Melbourne, Star enrolled at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School in 2017. Her exceptional talent was recognized with both the Junior and Senior Music Most Improved awards, and she was a finalist in the Chamber Competition in 2019.
In 2023, Star had the opportunity to tour with the Melbourne Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, showcasing her prowess in both orchestral and chamber works during performances in Singapore and Malaysia. That same year, she was invited to participate in the Mimir Music Festival and was selected to perform as a string quartet in Brisbane and Malaysia.
Currently, Star is the proud recipient of a loan of a 1780’s Pierre Lepilleur Violin, generously awarded through the Judith Rodriguez Scholarship in 2023.
With a growing passion for ensemble playing, Star has graced the stages with renowned groups such as the Korean Youth Orchestra, the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the Melbourne String Ensemble, and the Australian Youth Orchestra NMC.
Star has also featured in programs premiering works by Australian composers, such as William Barton and Stefan Cassomenos, at the Melbourne Recital Centre.