Beenleigh State High School Year 9 student Yun-Chien Lee has been accepted into the symphony orchestra for violin, as part of the Queensland state schools’ Creative Generations program.
Creative Generations is a renowned arts program providing professional-level training for talented student musicians, dancers, vocalists and dramatists from state schools across Queensland.
A cast of more than 2000 students performs a show together at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in July, which is later televised.
Yun-Chien Lee said she was deeply honoured and humbled to be selected.
“Transitioning from a homeschooling environment in Taiwan to the formal education system in Australia in June 2025 was a significant change,” she said.
“My selection is a recognition of the solid foundation I’ve worked hard to build.
“It also brings a sense of responsibility — being part of such a prestigious orchestra motivates me to practice even harder and hold myself to a higher professional standard.”
Back in Tawain, Yun-Chien was under the mentorship of Wen-Ye Lin, a multi award-winning violinist and former concertmaster of the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra.
“I learned that the violin is a language that transcends words, allowing me to express my emotions and my faith,” she said.
“I initially chose the violin for its expressive voice, but I’ve stayed with it because of the discipline it demands.
“What I like most is the ‘conversation’ I have with the instrument; it requires constant focus and serious practice to truly master the story within the music.”
Yun-Chien is now studying under former concertmaster of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Warwick Adeney, who she says is an inspiration to her.
Yun-Chien’s strings teacher at Beenleigh State High School, Emma Blyth, said she was both excited and proud of her student.
“I am very excited and proud of Yun-Chien for being selected as a member of the CGEN Symphony Orchestra,” she said.
“Being selected provides Yun-Chien with the opportunity to perform in a high-level symphonic orchestra alongside some of the top young instrumentalists in Queensland.
“If she enjoys the experience, it may inspire her to continue refining her abilities and perhaps one day auditioning Queensland Symphony Orchestra.”
Yun-Chien’s parents are incredibly proud as well.
“Seeing her adapt so rapidly since returning to Australia in June 2025 and excelling in both music and academics is a testament to God’s grace,” they said.
“We give all the glory to Him and are deeply grateful to her mentors.”
“Their guidance has been a precious blessing for her development.”
For the future, Yun-Chien plans to continue her “pursuit of musical excellence” while exploring her interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
“My goal is to make a positive impact in my professional career and continue to give glory to God,” she said.
FUN FACT:
Yun-Chien’s favourite piece to play is ‘The Butterfly Lovers’ – a violin concerto. “It is a piece that deeply connects me to my cultural heritage,” she said.
“It requires a perfect balance of technical precision and emotional depth, which makes the hours of practice very rewarding.”
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