Episode 3 of The Talent will see performances from cellist Christopher Ran and pianist Nikki Jian. Christopher and Nikki will present programmes featuring the works of Max Reger, Jane Hammond, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, and Poulenc before receiving advice from our mentors. Continue reading to learn more about Christopher and Nikki.
Christopher Ran
Cello
Christopher is a Year 9 Music Scholar at Camberwell Grammar School. He has been studying cello with Svetlana Bogosavljevic for nearly nine years.
At the age of 13, Christopher achieved his AMEB Associate Diplomas (AMusA) in both cello and piano. He is currently preparing for his Licentiate Diploma (LMusA) in cello performance.
Over the years, Christopher has won numerous awards at local Eisteddfods and international competitions. In 2024, he performed Dvořák’s Cello Concerto in B minor with the Melbourne String Ensemble.
Christopher is an enthusiastic chamber musician, actively participating in ensembles both at school and at the Melbourne Conservatorium’s Young Artists Academy.
Beyond music, Christopher also has a keen interest in science and languages.
Christopher will perform:
- Max Reger: Suite for solo cello no. 2 in D Minor, I - Praeludium
- Ludwig van Beethoven: Cello sonata op. 102 no. 1 in C major, mvts. 3 & 4
With associate artist Scott Zheng
Nikki Jian
Piano
Nikki Jian, 16, is currently studying under Dr Kenji Fujimura. She achieved her AmusA at age 9 and LmusA with distinction at 11. Nikki has received numerous accolades, including winning the Ringwood Eisteddfod Open Final and placing second in the Scotch College Piano Competition Final in 2021. In 2022, she achieved 1st prize in the Kings Peak International Competition and was invited to perform a recital at the Albury Chamber Music Festival. Nikki was also selected as a finalist for the 4th International Hans von Bülow Competition in Germany and invited to perform a recital at the Kelvin Club associated with the Cope-Williams Arts Foundation. Since age 7, Nikki has also won multiple prizes in Melbourne eisteddfods, including the Mrs Mary Corboy Memorial Encouragement Award at Ringwood Eisteddfod. She is currently studying VCE Music where she can continue pursuing her passion for music performance.
Nikki will perform:
- Jane Hammond: Anywhere
- Rachmaninoff: Prelude in E flat major Op.23 No.6
- Poulenc: Caprice Italiens from Napoli Suite FP40