70-year-old Chinese plays violin in Sydney noodle shop and becomes popular
2024-08-22
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China News Service, August 21. After running a well-known noodle shop in Sydney for 30 years, 75-year-old Chinese Xiaotang Qin (transliteration) began to devote himself to violin playing and became popular.
Qin Xiaotang, a 75-year-old Chinese in Sydney, gained attention for playing the violin in a noodle shop. Image from ABC report screenshot
According to the Australian Tasmanian Chinese Network, Qin Xiaotang's signature dishes are ramen and braised eggplant, but his noodle shop is famous for another reason, that is, his violin performance.
After Qin Xiaotang decided to "retire", he chose to accept a new challenge - taking professional violin lessons. Now, he plays the violin in the restaurant every day and drinks tea and chats with dozens of customers.
As for why he chose to play the violin, Qin Xiaotang said: "My grandfather, father and uncle all played the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, and I often heard them play," he said. "So I started playing the erhu too - I even made one myself using a bucket and some other household materials."
What made Qin Xiaotang switch from erhu to violin was a Chinese movie "The Battle of Shangganling" in 1956. While watching the movie, Qin Xiaotang was fascinated by the background music of the violin.
However, after arriving in Sydney in 1991, Qin, who could barely speak English at the time, soon realised he needed to focus on supporting himself first, so he temporarily gave up the violin.
Later, Qin Xiaotang started to run a noodle shop and chose to play the violin in his restaurant. "My customers like to hear me play the violin. Sometimes when they hold dinner parties, I will play the violin there."
When Qin Xiaotang announced his "retirement", he found time to pursue his dream and began taking monthly lessons with a Sydney violinist.
He also gave some advice to young people with dreams, "Don't lose confidence, believe in yourself. As long as you work hard, you will be able to realize your dreams." (End)
