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A Grammy treat
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
Oct 29, 2008
Tags :
A Grammy treat
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This October, audiences in Guangzhou can either groove to head-spinning
Nordic electronic beats, or visit the Xinghai Concert Hall to enjoy a world-class
symphony concert by violinist Hilary Hahn, conductor Bramwell Tovey and the
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
At the age of 28, Grammy Award winner Hilary Hahn is one of the most sought-after
artists on the international concert circuit, and was named "America's Best Young
Classical Musician" by Time Magazine in 2001.
The Virginia-born violinist started playing music at a tender age and has studied
under the guidance of renowned music teachers. Taking additional elective courses in
languages, literature and drama helped Hahn form her innovative interpretations and
thoughtful musicianship.
Hahn now records exclusively for Deutsche Grammophon and has so far released
four albums, all of which have received much critical acclaim and spent weeks on the
Billboard Top Ten list.
Previously, Hahn made fi ... ... |
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Judging Nicola by her looks?
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Fraser Newham
Jun 1, 2008
Tags :
music
symphony
violin
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| It is not easy these days to arrange an interview with Nicola Benedetti. The media interest in the twenty year old Scottish violinist is more suggestive of a pop star than a classical musician. But perhaps it is not so surprising in this particular case – for there is serious money involved, a million pound record contract with niversal/Deutsche Grammophon and three best selling albums to date. And then, of course, there is the way she looks (that is, great).
Nicola recognises that marketing has played a key role in her success; but the former BBC Young Musician of the Year is keen that the glamour and glitz of photo-shoots should not be al- lowed to overshadow her devotion to her craft. "Marketing raises awareness," she told that's PRD. "But longevity depends on what you do on stage, on what you record."
And while audiences may be very familiar with the 'classical music babe' tag, Nicola believes she is quite different from the more ... ... |
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Triple whammy
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
May 9, 2008
Tags :
classical music
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| With his last Guangzhou performance taking place alongside the prestigious London Symphony Orchestra, Lang Lang, China's absurdlysuccessful pianist, returns early next month with another world-renowned ensemble — the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Founded in 1900, the Philadelphia unit has distinguished itself as one of the world's 'Top 10' orchestras through over a century of acclaimed performances, historic tours, bestselling albums and its innovation in recording technologies. It has always maintained an unparalleled unity, led by six maestro music directors, including Fritz Scheel, Carl Pohlig, Leopold Stokowski, Eugene Ormandy, Riccardo Muti, and Wolfgang Sawallisch.
Now the torch has been passed down to Christoph Eschenbach — the Orchestra's 7th music director. For his mellow musicianship and clear creative insight, the 68-year-old German conductor is widely recognized as one of the "best musicians of the day". He ... ... |
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A touch of Scotch mist
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
May 9, 2008
Tags :
classical music
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| The arrival of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra (BBC SSO) early next month is no doubt the biggest buzz at the ongoing Shenzhen Concert Hall "Listen to the Sound of Spring" music season. And for good reason.
Founded in 1935 by Scottish composer/conductor Ian Whyte, the BBC SSO is regarded as one of the UK's finest orchestras, with an extensive repertoire ranging from contemporary composition to the great classics, and also from original Scottish works to movie soundtrack recordings. All have been broadcasted exclusively on BBC Radio and Television throughout the years.
For its excellent performances the BBC SSO has received numerous honors, including two Gramophone Awards and a Grammy nomination.
Additionally, the British Royal Philharmonic Society presented the ensemble with its special award for "Best Orchestra" back in 2002. Fine praise, indeed.
Players on the team are equal ... ... |
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The versatile maestro
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
May 9, 2008
Tags :
clssical music
violin
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| Zukerman seems the forever-young virtuoso: expressively resourceful, infectiously musical and technically impeccable. It was a joy to be in his musical company," commented The Los Angeles Times on the performance of Pinchas Zukerman, who is simultaneously a violinist, a violist, a conductor, a pedagogue, and a chamber musician. Now that's what we call versatile.
Born in Tel Aviv in 1948, Zukerman first learnt music from his father, and later from the violinist Ilona Feher. In 1962, he went to America, supported by celebrated musicians Isaac Stern, Pablo Casals and the America-Israel Helena Rubenstein Foundations, and then studied at the world famous and highly desired Juilliard School with the great violin teacher, Ivan Galamian.
From there, Zukerman gradually rose to stardom by winning a plethora of the international competitions. His extensive discography contains over 100 titles and has earned him 21 Grammy nominations (including tw ... ... |
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Spring revival
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Guangzhou
Written by : Sammi Zhou
May 7, 2008
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| S pring is not for studying, says a famous Chinese proverb. That's right, especially in sticky, humid Guangzhou. Take a look around: flowers are blooming and birds are singing, yet we all seem in slow motion, tired and a little overworked. See whether the following events can revive your spirit…
Love is the ageless topic for us humans. The Sapphire Arts Space will present "Puppetry: YuYu MiMi" telling of a love story from May 1 to 3, while the Modern Dance Company will also produce a dance called "And I love You So" displaying different faces of love on May 9. Moreover, from May 16-18, the Asphodèles Theater Company will offer a bilingual comedy (Chinese/French), "Arlequin Explores China", in Nan Fang Theatre, featuring a love story filled with vengeance, passion and jealousy.
In the Xinghai Concert Hall, Fu Cong, the son of China's maestro trans ... ... |
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A harvest month
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Guangzhou
Written by : Sammi Zhou
Apr 13, 2008
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| ART FOCUS
A harvest month
Art and music for sunny April
The art galleries and concert halls have eventually
recovered from the harsh winter and finally usher in the harvest month. So, in April, we have plenty of art functions for you to spend your spare time.
Firstly, a large coverage is thrown to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, where Norwegian group "Secret Garden" will make their first performance in Guangzhou on April 26. Their album "Songs from the Secret Garden" exceeded one million copies in more than 60 countries, and their instrumental style is something of an ear-opener. More, on the same day, the prominent British-born conductor Bramwell Tovey will lead the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra in presenting "Love for UK" in the Xinghai Concert Hall. In other words, you may be spoilt for choice in which is better to see.
Moreover, two marvelous recitals happen in April. On a 1 ... ... |
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Back on track
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Shenzhen
Written by : Shane Qin
Apr 8, 2008
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This month in art, music and theater.
Finally, Shenzhen's performing scene is retrieving its energy with some major venues back in business after a two-month "winter sleep".
To celebrate the spring return, the Shenzhen Concert Hall proudly launches a brand-new performing season that introduces many excellent international musicians. On April 11, the violin recital by Paganini Award-winner Huang Mengla is expected to make an auspicious beginning. Then the prestigious Vienna Solo Strings arrives on April 18. From string to brass, the Ensemble Paris Lodron will be playing top-notch brass music on April 27.
In the Shenzhen Grand Theater, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra presents audiences three quality concerts, namely the "Wonderful Journey of Nature" concert on April 4, the "2008 Spring-Summer Music Season" concert on April 18, and a concert dedicated to great French composer, Maurice Ravel, on April 25.
Other than cl ... ... |
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British maestro arrives
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
Apr 1, 2008
Tags :
muisc
symphony
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| Don't miss the performance by this noted conductor.
Aprominent music conductor, pianist and composer, the British-born Bramwell Tovey, is recognized internationally as a musician of striking versatility. Born in 1953 into a musical family, Tovey ?began studying the piano at seven, and received formal musical education at the Royal Academy of Music. During his career, Tovey has greatly perfected his musicianship, which led him to the post of Music Director at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) since September 2000.
Apart from his very successful directorship with the VSO, Tovey also works with a prestigious list of orchestras worldwide. When ?directing the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, he founded the ?famous New Music Festival. He's also known for leading the VSO's ?educational programs and the New York Philharmonic's Young People's Concerts. In addition, Tovey has built a strong reputation as an accomplished jazz pianist.
For his out ... ... |
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Busy life begins
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Guangzhou
Written by : Sammi Zhou
Mar 12, 2008
Tags :
art
hottest
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| The hottest art and music this month
After a long holiday, we finally return to work. Although the Spring Festival month has finished, the passion of the artists of traditional Chinese crafts is still high. In Fei Gallery, a space design show named "Drunk Wind" will interpret an unforgettable contemporary Chinese artistic conception, using the most mundane materials such as plants, tea leaves and fabrics. Besides, from March 29 to April 14, a group of artists who are living in Xiao Zhou Village brings the prints back for one of their original purposes – making New Year pictures in Fei Gallery.
Some well-chosen oils exhibitions are held in Guangzhou this month. In Guangzhou Shamian Culture Center Gallery, artist Zhang Leshuai will be praising the so-called "skin-deep" generation, those who indulge in fashionable lifestyles, from March 5-20. From March 15-25, Fei Gallery will display the images of Guangzhou in the eyes of French artist Pascal Maljett ... ... |
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