B.C.-born piano prodigy donates prize money to various charities
A 12-year-old piano prodigy is proving her generosity is as great as her talent.
Audrey Sung has earned thousands of dollars from various prizes and instead of keeping it all to herself, she's decided to donate the money to inspire the next generation of musicians.
Sung, who was born in Vancouver and now lives in Hong Kong, is back in her hometown to donate her earnings.
"Piano is a major aspect of my life and it changed me a lot," Sung told CTV News. "I hope that the fund helps children learn more about music and gives more opportunities to them so they can master their musical skills."
She started playing piano at six years old, and just three years later, she was invited to play at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
"I was nervous," she said. "I was really grateful I got a chance to play there."
Sung's played all around the world and over the last few years, she's earned $30,000 worth of prizes.
She's splitting the money equally three ways with Pacific Rim International Music & Education Society, the Royal Conservatory and I'm HIPpy, which helps kids living with hip disorders.
"I was amazed. This is almost unheard of to think of a 12-year-old, especially someone (with) Audrey's talent, so generous in donating this prize money that she's earned," said Stephen Chatman, a board member of PRIME Society.
Chatman said something like this is so rare, they haven't quite decided how to spend the money but it will likely go to supporting young musicians with their lessons or travel costs associated with competitions.
"I always thought that giving to people is better than receiving," Sung said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.