- Besides being featured in the book "The Universal Within," you are also an advisor to the project. What motivated you to join?

This is a long-term project that spreads positive life values in both spirit and wellbeing, beyond art alone. The link between health and music is well documented scientifically — not a new insight. Children trained in music often develop calmer temperaments and more organized thinking. Exposure to Mozart, Bach or Beethoven from an early age can yield measurable positive differences.

- It’s been a while since we heard from you. How are work and health?

People define “health” differently. If we mean resilience and stamina, I consider myself reasonably fit. I continue to work in many roles: management, teaching, performing, organizing, research and national/international events. Schedule is busy but I still go on stage. Continuous mental work consumes energy and causes stress, yet it trains adaptability, stamina and strength.

- Have you ever wanted to stray from classical music into other genres?

I listen to popular music more now. In the 1990s, while competing in the Tchaikovsky competition, I enjoyed Michael Jackson alongside classical repertoire. Jackson was an idol and a major creative inspiration.

- Having performed worldwide, what foreign practice do you admire most that Vietnam lacks?

Classical music is relatively new in Vietnam — roughly 70–80 years — while Europe has centuries of Bach, Beethoven and Mozart. That long tradition shapes culture and listening habits. I’m proud of progress in Vietnam: better orchestras, improved halls and growing audiences. A decade ago you had to travel to Europe to see top-tier opera or ballet; today audiences in Hanoi can experience works like Carmen, Swan Lake or even the London Symphony Orchestra locally. This progress is encouraging, though it must proceed step by step.

- What did you have to sacrifice to become an outstanding artist?

Sacrifices are real: intense daily practice in youth left little time for friends. Yet the environment — cold Siberia, rigorous peers — reduced distractions and sparked competitiveness inside me. I’m grateful for that period and for family and teachers who provided a solid foundation.

- What pressures came from your upbringing?

I felt strong pressure from my father, who always wanted the best for me. Even now, I often feel I haven’t done enough. Later in life other, sometimes harder pressures appeared. But these pressures helped me adapt and grow through adversity.

- Do you ever want to put everything down?

Often — yes. After a successful concert or intense rehearsals I relish a blank day: high-speed driving, watching a great football match, listening to music or spending time with interesting people. I love driving in snow; those memories from Russia are vivid.

- Do you think your career progressed too quickly?

I don't measure progress by speed; I want the summit to remain ahead. Some achievements remain unmatched for nearly 30 years, but many peers from my era have since surpassed me. The best is always ahead.

- Specific ambitions — do you aim to be an associate professor?

Yes, it’s one target. I aspire to be an Associate Professor as a respected international violin teacher, oriented toward applied practice rather than pure academic research.

- What does a day look like for someone juggling 4–5 roles?

Fast, busy and enjoyable. I wake at 6am and sleep around midnight. I enjoy good food, never skip meals, and practice the instrument instead of conventional exercise — playing is physically and mentally demanding and keeps me fit. I have annual health check-ups and overall things are stable though some issues require attention. I believe everyone is their own best physician: being attuned to your body reveals changes early.

- Are you fulfilled?

I accept what I have and what I haven’t yet achieved, always setting future goals. Fulfillment and happiness are fleeting; they can change day to day. As long as one keeps moving forward, fulfillment remains a relative, momentary state.

Source: Cong An TP.HCM