There’s always something special about a superhero’s origin story. We as the audience get to share the excitement, the growth, and the unknown of the heroic journey. Observing our hero’s metamorphosis kindles unspeakable satisfaction: the fading of old skins, the burst of confidence and a beginning full of possibilities. I felt all of those emotions when I first met Jivan Ramesh, an 11-year-old cellist and composer, when he played with The Chinese Music Ensemble of New York at Kaufman Music Center’s Merkin Hall (watch his trio performance). 

After spending time chatting with Jivan, I was even more moved by his “musical superpower” — he composed his first piece at four and played it publicly at five, and he performed at Carnegie Hall at such a young age when most kids still have trouble tying shoelaces. But more importantly, I was amazed by the limitless possibilities shown in Jivan. You can tell something wonderful is happening in him by the joy that sparks in Jivan’s eyes when he plays the cello; by how proudly he talks about his composing for the indie film, Running Scared, and the Marco Polo Festival; or simply by how Jivan effortlessly hums a new musical idea that was inspired by the trees around us .

A quote from Pablo Picasso says: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” By the spirit of this quote, Jivan must be one of the most hard-working souls I’ve ever met in my life, especially for his age. As Jivan said himself, everything can give him new ideas. Sometimes we are all trapped in our mundane daily life and it takes artists like him to remind us how abundant and inspiring this world can be.

Watch the video and witness the burgeoning of Jivan’s great musical journey. This young musician is just getting started and he finds inspiration everywhere; hopefully you’ll enjoy our conversation and find your inspiration!