Today we’d like to introduce you to Congcong Bi.
Hi Congcong, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started playing the cello when I was five years old. My sister and I began playing the cello at the same time, although at first my parents only intended to sign her up for lessons. I remember feeling that this was unfair that she could play while I could not. Therefore, I pleaded with them to let me begin as well. At that age, I had no idea what I was truly undertaking. Then, my parents wanted me to pursue a career as a professional cellist.
When I was 12, I was admitted to the Xinghai Conservatory in Guangzhou, which was very far from my hometown. At the age of 17, I continued my studies at ArtEZ Conservatorium in the Netherlands, then I came to the U.S. for my master’s degree in Tennessee and ultimately completed my doctoral degree in Mississippi.
I have friends and relatives in the Atlanta area and would visit them every couple of months. In 2022, I moved to Atlanta for employment opportunities. That year, I began teaching at Gwinnett Technical College, and in 2024, I started working as an orchestra director while also serving as faculty at the University of North Georgia.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, I’ve faced struggles such as injuries, pre-concert stress, and not having enough practice time. However, I’ve been lucky to have people I love around me. Whenever I’m overwhelmed, they step in, and support me in several ways such as sending me the right score with every section already marked, reviewing my contract, ordering food for me, etc. This allows me to pause, reset and focus on my upcoming project. I’ve also learned how to carve out practice time for myself. I fast during the day so I don’t lose hours on meals, and I use that time for my instrument. I also practice before bed, no matter how tired I am.
A few years ago, I sustained an injury that forced me to stop playing for a period. That experience made me realize how much I had taken my body and my opportunities for granted. Since then, I have learned to cherish every chance to play, understanding how swiftly it can be taken away.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My teaching responsibilities usually fill up Mondays and Fridays. I’m in my office by 7:45, and after finishing classes in the afternoon, I head home to practice and other work that needs attention.
Weekends are often filled with performances and rehearsals, whether it’s a funeral service, a symphony concert, or a recording project, Monday the cycle starts over again. I try my best to set aside at least one day to rest and recharge. Some weeks it works out, other weeks it doesn’t.
What I’m most proud of is being able to balance all my roles: performer, teacher, and conductor. I love practicing and performing. The routine practice recharges me and brings me peace. I do not relish performing for the spotlight, but because every recital or concert deepens my understanding of the music. After each concert, I feel as though I truly inhabit the piece.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I like least: Traffic
What I like best: I really appreciate the music field here, the variety of performances, opportunities for collaboration, and support for musicians.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://congcongbi.wixsite.com/cellist
- Instagram: congcongbicello
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/congcongbicellistatlanta/
