Student heralded as rare talent

Ever since DaXun Zhang fell victim to the sirens of western music, he hasn't had much opportunity to look back to his native China. Between playing the double bass in international competitions, releasing a CD and preparing for a career in uncharted territory, Zhang missed his annual trip across the ocean to visit his parents.\nBassists have, more often than not, a background in an orchestra or another group: a rich undertone appreciated only by the discerning ear. Occasionally, however, an enormous talent emerges, blurring the lines between more common solo instruments, like violin or piano, and the massive stringed beast. Zhang, a fourth year student in the IU School of Music, has been widely heralded as one of these rare talents.\nZhang, who hails from a family of bassists in northeast China, began working with the double bass when he was nine, never questioning his desire to carry on the legacy of his father, uncle and four cousins. \n"It was natural for me," Zhang said of his early start. \nAfter attending the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, Zhang crossed thousands of miles to pursue his dreams at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where he could study western music and hone his craft.\n"It's freer here -- more professional people perform in the States," Zhang said, "There's not as much opportunity in China." \nAlthough Zhang had the opportunity to study at a number of prestigious programs, he chose IU instead of places like Julliard because he preferred a university setting to the conservatory experience he already had.\nThe main reason Zhang now graces Bloomington with his talent, however, is based on a meeting he had with a double bass professor in China 12 years ago. That meeting would prove to be fateful for both Zhang and his mentor, professor Lawrence Hurst, who has taught bass at IU for the past 16 years. \n"He played very well for a 10-year-old," Hurst recalls of his initial encounter with Zhang. "But he wasn't developed artistically yet." \nWhen Hurst heard Zhang play for a second time, however, years later at Interlochen, he was stunned by the transformation. Now, as Zhang continually moves the music world by winning numerous competitions and expressing his art in such rare fashion, Hurst champions his progress.\n"He has the ability to shake everyone," Hurst said. "He is exceptionally gifted at communicating with an audience time after time. It is very difficult to make (the double bass) convincing as a solo instrument, and he does more than convince." \nMost recently, Zhang convinced judges at the 2003 Young Concert Artists International Auditions, taking one of four first prizes from a pool of more than 300 competitors from 42 countries. Zhang, the first double bass player ever to win the competition, had to write a letter asking to be allowed to enter his instrument before he could compete. Zhang was granted three years of management services on top of prize money, and will debut with the YCA Series in New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C.\n"It was the biggest competition I've played," said the surprisingly modest 22-year-old. "There were all kinds of different instruments and voices; it's really hard for me to compete with that. It's very competitive." \nZhang, who has appeared in magazines such as The Strad, is no stranger to first place. \nZhang's success comes as no surprise to his friends. Senior and fellow bass student Tyler Belluz met Zhang four years ago, and through the years of shared classes and a sort of international bond -- Belluz moved here from Canada -- he has come to regard Zhang as one of the foremost young bassists in the world. \n"I didn't know anyone could play like that," Belluz remembered of his first musical impression of Zhang. "Technically, it's close to perfect... but he does something beyond that -- the emotion he puts in his playing is incredible." \nFor Belluz, getting to know Zhang as a friend has been as rewarding as sharing in his artistry.\n"He's the most humble guy," said Belluz. "For someone with that ability, it's amazing that he's so friendly -- not just about music. He's down to earth, and just like everybody else." \nBelluz said his companions in the music school share his opinions of Zhang; although the students are partaking in an extremely competitive career path, jealousy and conflict don't often surface regarding Zhang and his talents.\nActually, Zhang's career path will probably not mirror most double bass students. Although most bassists work toward a lifetime of orchestral involvement, Zhang is a rarity - a bassist who could forge a path as a soloist, nearly unheard of in the musical arena, professor Hurst said. Hurst named Edgar Meyer among the few, and added that the repertory is unlike that of a violin or a piano. Bassists must transcribe much of their own music. \n"I've been (a teacher) at two schools, and the students have been at a very high level," Hurst said. "But I've seen two or three talents that are absolutely exceptional. DaXun would be the exceptional of the exceptional." \nHurst said Zhang's great musical maturity sets him apart from other bass students.\nUnassuming as can be, Zhang knows he has a long road ahead of him. He released his first CD in July, and uses it as a sort of business card while making connections. Zhang wants to play - that much is inherent in his every movement -- but he also wants to eventually teach, and is satisfied with never getting too comfortable in his success. \n"There's always something else to learn," he said. "There's always more experience to gain."\n-- Contact staff writer Jenny Davis at jeedavis@indiana.edu.