2024 Radda Rise International String Competition

An Pham

Born in November 2014, An Pham began her violin studies at the age of five under the guidance of Lynley Culliford, following the Suzuki method. In addition to the violin, she also studies piano with Dr. Rachel Thomson. Both teachers have profound influence on her development as a young musician.

An’s early years of musical training coincided with the COVID-19 lockdowns in New Zealand, presenting unique challenges in her learning experience. Despite the interruptions, she remained dedicated to her practice and has since participated in all local Suzuki workshops, music camps, ensemble performances, and duo classes. Her commitment to her craft has led her to masterclasses with notable musicians such as Helene Pohl of the New Zealand String Quartet, Anna van der Zee and Jessica Oddie of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Haruo Goto, and Kim Bishop from Australia, as well as other New Zealand-based Suzuki instructors.

In 2024, she was a prize winner of the Note-able International Music Competition acclaimed compliments from jurors describing her sound as “incredibly joyful and musical playing” and “with great purity of sentiment”. Some of her other recent accomplishments include The Most Outstanding Competitor at the New Zealand’s Hutt Valley Performing Art competition for school aged children, together with winning all categories that she participated in like Concerto Movements for ages under 12 and 10-minute recitals for all school-ages. In 2023, she was awarded The Most Promising Musician School Years 1-5 at the Kapi-Mana Music Festival.

An genuinely loves chamber music as well, and 2024 marked her first ensemble group, winning the Junior ensemble for ages under 13 at the Wellington Youth Music Festival.
Currently, An is a first violinist with the Wellington Youth Sinfonietta, directed by Chris van der Zee. She regularly performs in concerts and has developed a genuine love for both music and live performance. Her dedication and passion for the violin continue to flourish, and she is eager to explore more opportunities to grow as a musician.

Apart from music, An loves maths, drawing and reading a lot. She enjoys playing netball with her friends, riding bike and having fun with her little brother.

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