Arts

The Cat and the Viola

Violist & violinist · since age 5

Because of cerebral palsy, when I left the rehabilitation centre at five my doctor recommended the viola to strengthen my fingers. It became the longest thread in my life.

Instruments: Viola · Violin
Started: Age 5
Qualification: ABRSM Viola Grade 8, Distinction
Recent repertoire: Seitz, Concerto No. 5, 1st mvt.

The viola

The viola healed and trained me, but it also brought the pain of being forced to practise — especially during the darkest days of my resistance.

The cat

It was then that I adopted my first cat, Fantuan. He stayed by my side throughout the days I turned my back on the world. His quiet companionship, asking nothing of me, was what truly healed me.

Today

I love both my viola and my life with Fantuan. They have given me unwavering strength and the courage to embrace who I am. Music grew from therapy into performance, youth competitions and ABRSM Grade 8 with Distinction — and became the starting point for my research on music and attention.

Gallery

Zimo as a young child playing the violin — One of my first performances

Young Zimo practising the violin in a classroom — Early practice

Close-up of young Zimo holding a violin — Learning to hold the instrument

Young Zimo performing at a recital — Childhood recital

Young Zimo with a violin teacher — With my teacher

Zimo performing a viola solo in concert dress — Concert solo

Zimo studying with Fantuan the cat on the desk — Fantuan, my study partner

Fantuan, a long-haired white cat — Fantuan

Video

Seitz, Concerto No. 5 — viola solo (2025)

Childhood ensemble recital

Practising in the library

An early lesson

Playtime with Fantuan

Fantuan on the stairs

Fantuan exploring