The BBC Young Musician of the Year 2004 tells us why she is not the next Charlotte Church

This is the third time you’ve been nominated for Young British Classical Performer. Isn’t it time you won?
Oh, who knows? It’s nice too be nominated and it’ll be lovely if I win. I won’t be thoroughly disappointed if I don’t, but happy if I do.

Do you find it easy to just watch?
As long as it’s good music, then I’m the best audience member. I’m not always itching to get up and perform.

Will you be following crossover artists, such as Charlotte Church, into pop?
I couldn’t play pop music because I don’t think I would do it very well. My love lies in performing traditional and newly written classical compositions.

What newly written work?
My last CD was written by Sir John Taverner, who wrote a 40-minute concerto and a few other pieces for me. To be able to speak to someone who has written the piece you are going to record is a huge luxury.

Did winning the BBC Young Musician of the Year award change your life?
In some ways, it changed a lot of things. It certainly changed the perspective of how people saw me.

You’re only 20 and have achieved so much. Any ambitions left?
I’ve a lot of repertoires that I need to, and want to, learn. My biggest ambition is to work with the best musicians.

You’ve played the violin since you were four. Do you ever feel you’ve missed out on a childhood?
Not at all. I’ve done very different things. But I’m not sure what I’ve missed out on.

How many hours a day do you practice?
Between three and seven

What’s it like being a “classical babe”?
That’s not a title that’s stuck with me! I dispelled that quickly.

You’ve played for so many famous people. Who stands out?
The Queen

Source: The London Paper