A Conversation with Cellist Tian Bonian
![Cellist Tian Bonian instructs Winnipeg student David Liam W. during a master class at Morningside Music Bridge.](http://blogs.mtroyal.ca/soundbites/files/2014/07/david-really-final-for-sure.jpg)
Teaching at Morningside Music Bridge is a little like coming home for Tian Bonian.
Bonian, 28, is principal cellist of the Gürzenich Orchestra in Cologne, Germany. But as a young student, he travelled to Calgary from his home in China three times to participate in Music Bridge.
![Cellist Tian Bonian is an alumnus of Mount Royal Conservatory's Morningside Music Bridge international training school.](http://blogs.mtroyal.ca/soundbites/files/2014/07/3MB0683-226x300.jpg)
And this year marks the second time Bonian has returned as instructor to coach chamber and lead master classes for the next generation of classical musicians.
Question: How did being a Morningside Music Bridge student change your life?
Tian Bonian: I learned how people think and live in other countries, and I learned a lot of language here. A few years later I went to Germany to study in Europe, and I felt much more comfortable after coming to Music Bridge three times. It prepared me well.
Question: What is the best part about teaching young international music students?
Tian Bonian: Sometimes, they need help with technique for the right hand or the left hand. But I don’t have to teach a lot because they see each other play and they learn from each other. I know that from being here as a student before. When I’m teaching, I can learn a lot from the students, I can teach even better. The give-and-take is like ping-pong!
Question: Why is Morningside Music Bridge an important program?
Tian Bonian: It’s very important to invite students from the whole world, from different countries to come here and they can meet here like a big party. They learn so much.
Here’s what award-winning Winnipeg, Manitoba cellist David Liam, 14, has to say about learning from Tian Bonian:
“He’s alumni and he’s obviously learned so much in his career. We’re benefiting from all that he’s learned here and all that he’s learned after that, so it’s like we’re getting a bonus from all of his wisdom.”
Click here for a list of recitals and concerts on now until July 31.