Who is Francesca Hiew?
I am a violinist living in Melbourne and working in the Australian String Quartet. I have a tonne of siblings I’m very close to, I love a good shoe, and absolutely live to eat.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
It’s hard to imagine a career outside of music, so I’d teach violin and chamber music. I love teaching when I can and I hold great teachers in the highest regard. I think people often underestimate the profound effect a really dedicated teacher can have on one’s life.
Who inspires you and why?
The whole team in the Australian String Quartet continually inspires me. My three colleagues in the quartet itself who are family to me, our management team and the board who are each incredible and inspiring in different ways. As I get older, I’m more and more inspired by women in leadership and am continuously in awe of our Chief Executive, Angelina Zucco and Board Chair, Sheena Boughen. Also, my parents, always. They have achieved things I could never imagine.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I believe good music makes a difference in the world and I’m thankful that I have the ASQ as my vessel for this. Things that are worth doing can take a lot of time, and I’m really proud to be part of a group that is outwardly very transparent about the huge amount of hours of practise, thinking and discussion that goes into a late Beethoven Quartet before it hits the stage, then the several years it needs after that to grow with us. To be overt about this message at a time when the general population expect things to happen instantly, I think is a powerful thing and a legacy I hope we leave behind.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I feel very fortunate to travel a lot through my work and often find myself in amazing places both in Australia and overseas, but if it’s a holiday with family, I love going to Hong Kong and Singapore and hitting our favourite food and shopping spots. These two cities hold a special place in my heart.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Honestly, I’d probably bring them to my house and cook for them! Otherwise, it would be a stroll through the Botanic Gardens or the Fitzroy Gardens or a visit to the South Melbourne or Queen Victoria Markets for some oysters.
What are you currently reading?
I’ve just started Pachinko by Min Jin Lee which I believe has been made into a TV series recently. I was searching for a book on tour a few months ago and it was recommended to me by my colleague Michael, who also warned me that I should probably be in the right headspace for it as it’s a tearjerker… hence why I’ve only just opened it!
What are you currently listening to?
Currently and forever more, Bach. I remember being a kid and telling my mum I “didn’t get it” to which she replied, “you will when you’re older”. Now, I’m an unashamed music nerd and listen almost exclusively to classical music. And I know this wasn’t the question, but I don’t really believe in background music and I completely despise loud music in restaurants. Rant over…
Happiness is?
A great meal with family or friends, seeing something grow that you’ve planted from seed, listening to Schubert Lieder with a glass of wine and being on stage with the ASQ.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully a lot more of the above along with plenty of string quartets!
Francesca is a violinist with the Australian String Quartet (ASQ) – who are presenting their Aurora tour throughout October and November 2024. The Quartet’s first release 2025 concerts and festivals are also now on sale. For more information, visit: www.asq.com.au for details.
Image: Francesca Hiew (supplied)