Bernice Khai Ern Ooi is all for practice and perseverance as she scales for greater heights in a talent- driven music industry.
By Foong Pek Yee
Aug 2, 2024.
Bernice Khai Ern Ooi has what it takes to be an international violinist.
With her impressive academic achievements and track record in the talent-driven music industry , she says she needs to practise more to strengthen her skills.
It is about getting better and better, and be prepared and ready to take up every opportunity that comes her way.
” Be open and professional and take up opportunities. And practice to give my best performance ,” says Bernice who has Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
The 38- year- old Malaysian violinist took up violin at the age of six.
She had her primary education and early secondary education in Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School, Taman Megah and Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya respectively and went abroad to study when she turned 15.
After completing high school at Wells Cathedral in Somerset, United Kingdom, she proceeded to the United States to do violin in Indiana University Jacobs School of Music from 2007 to 2010.
Bernice did studies with Mark Kaplan and Federico Agostini and she is a recipient of the Dean’s Scholarship and the Music Faculty Award.
She got her Bachelor of Science in Violin Performance and Mathematics, High Distinction in 2007, Master of Music in Violin Performance, Highest Distinction in 2009 and Performer Diploma in Violin Performance in 2010.
Bernice is now a Second Violin with the Royal Swedish Orchestra in Stockholm, Sweden.
It is a full time job with a tight schedule since 2017, with an average of 15 performances a month, she says.
She rides a bicycle to work (about 8.5km one way) and this is her exercise to keep fit!
World Renowned: Bernice with part of the Royal Swedish Orchestra.
Bernice has also performed as a Guest Assistant Principal Second Violin at the Norrkoping Symphony Orchestra, which is about 160km southwest of Stockholm.
Distance is certainly no barrier for Bernice’s musical pursuit.
She returns to her home in Malaysia about twice a year for her concerts and to be with her parents.
Home grown : In Malaysia, Bernice is the Concert Master, Malaysia Bach Festival Orchestra since 2016.
All ears: Ensemble Virama with Bernice (left ) performing for students in Yuk Chai Chinese Primary School in Taman Megah.
She also co founded Ensemble Virama (in Malaysia) and is a core member.
This July is her latest trip to Malaysia where she has a line up of concerts, including one in Taichung, Taiwan before she returns to Stockholm on Aug 4.
Ensemble Virama performed in Taichung, Taiwan on July 27, 2024
Ensemble Virama performed in Kuala Lumpur on July 23 – 24, 2024
Bernice’ s orchestra experience since 2005 saw her performing in United Kingdom, Japan and the United States and in Malaysia’s Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra..
Among others, she was a Core Member, Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra in Japan between 2011 and 2014.
Applause: The Hyogo Performing Arts Centre Orchestra performing at the Hyogo Prefecture Parliament in Japan.
Bernice is into Chamber Music and Teaching since 2006.
In Stockholm, she does Lunch Chamber concert series, the Golden Foyer, Royal Swedish Opera since 2018.
On Festivals, Beatrice took part in about 10 Festivals in United Kingdom and United States between 2006 -2016.
This is just part of her list of accomplishments in the last two decades, and is still counting.
While the road is not exactly smooth all the way, she sees beauty in everything she does.
Bernice who had more than 20 auditions – an exercise that comes across as difficult and impersonal – says there is always something to learn from it.
Vibrant and bubbly, Bernice who studies, works and stays abroad for over two decades is active in church work and has her circle of friends.
She is one of the leaders of the Women’s Ministry in Calvary Stockholm.
Photos and videos: courtesy of Bernice Khai Ern Ooi.
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