Born in Shenzhen, China and raised in Toronto, Canada, violinist Jingpu Jim Xi maintains an active schedule of solo, chamber, and orchestral music, and teaching. He has had the privilege of sharing his music throughout the world in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Jim studied under Federico Agostini at the Eastman School of Music, and later with Ian Swensen and Kay Stern at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. He has participated in masterclasses for renowned artists such as Pinchas Zukerman, Leon Fleisher, Noah Bendix-Balgley, the Juilliard, Jerusalem, Dover, and Takács Quartets, among others.

When he is away from the violin, Jim enjoys taking photos, drawing, reading, watching movies, and playing video games.

Q&A WITH JINGPU

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you like to do?

I would like to be a street photographer/photo journalist, or a painter. Though I don’t think I would make it far in those departments.

What’s your favourite piece?

Bach’s Goldberg Variations, without a doubt.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon.

Who’s your favourite artist, and why?

I love too many artists to only pick one. Mark Rothko, Francis Bacon, Alex Webb, Josef Koudelka, Glenn Gould, and Bill Evans to name a few… As for why, I guess it’s because they all inspire me in some form or another.

What’s your favourite movie of all time?

Definitely The Godfather Part II.