Get that Oriental feeling
Art+Culture / Arts
Written by : Shane Qin
Nov 1, 2008

Tags : Get that Oriental feeling
"It's fair to say that Trio Tarana is without precedent in the world of improvised music," says AllAboutJazz.com. And that's no overstatement as you listen to their creative interpretations of various Asian musical traditions, which include the music of Japanese Taiko Drum Ensembles, Afghani folk songs, Hindu chants and North/South Indian rhythm cycles. Such diversity benefits greatly from the extensive musical knowledge of Ravish Momin, percussionist/composer as well as the trio's soul. Born in India and now living in New York City - the world's cultural melting pot, Momin had long wanted to create music that could not only utilize his Indian roots, but also reflect the diverse influences of the wide range of great musicians he has played with. Trio Tarana was created in 2003 to accurately mirror Momin's hybrid identity of music. With violinist Sam Bardfeld and oud/lute player Brandon Terzic joining in, the diversity of their music has bee ... ...
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Sounds of passion
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
Oct 29, 2008

Tags : Sounds of passion
Born in Lyons, France in 1963, Juan Carmona, considered "one of the most creative guitarists of the new flamenco generation", has always been proud of being a descendent of the guitar playing Habichuelas dynasty of Granada, Spain. Carmona started playing music at the age of 10 after receiving his first guitar from his father, and his virtuosity quickly became apparent to professional musicians. Later, Carmona studied at the prestigious National Conservatory of Music in Paris, where he obtained his degree. At age 26, he became the first professor of flamenco guitar holding a state-awarded diploma. Yet to achieve genuine recognition for his art, Carmona decided to visit the land of his ancestors at Jerez de la Frontera in Andalucía – the cradle of flamenco music. For more than eight years Carmona rubbed elbows with an array of great artists in flamenco, all the while immersing himself in their incredible talent. His constant endeavor w ... ...
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A Grammy treat
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
Oct 29, 2008

Tags : A Grammy treat
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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The bearable lightness of being
Art+Culture / Arts
Written by : Shane Qin
Jun 5, 2008

Tags : contemporary arts sculpture
When talking about classic Italian sculpture one can easily visualize epic marble statues from ancient Roman times or Michelangelo's majestic 'David' from the Renaissance Period. But, by late 19th century, sculptors in Italy had already began experimenting with new mediums (with aesthetic meanings) in the hope of breaking new ground. With advanced materials and technologies invented, Italian  contemporary sculpture in the past century has gained a kind of revo- lutionary presentation. However, little of it known by the rest of the world because there were so few Italian artists able to hold decent exhibitions outside the country. To fill the gap, an ongoing exhibition at Shenzhen's He Xiangning Art Museum, entitled "Subtle Energies of Matter  –  Italian Contemporary Sculpture International Review", offers the public the opportunity to learn about the development of Italian contemporary sculpture.  It showcases altogether 50 works of 31 Ita ... ...
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Judging Nicola by her looks?
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Fraser Newham
Jun 1, 2008

Tags : music symphony violin
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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A touch of Scotch mist
Art+Culture / Performance
Written by : Shane Qin
May 9, 2008

Tags : classical music
   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
   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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Back on track
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Shenzhen
Written by : Shane Qin
Apr 8, 2008

Tags :
  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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Busy life begins
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Guangzhou
Written by : Sammi Zhou
Mar 12, 2008

Tags : art hottest
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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New Year blues?
Art+Culture / Art Focus in Shenzhen
Written by : Shane Qin
Mar 12, 2008

Tags :
Where to find music and art this month The after-effect of the Chinese New Year "over working spirit" is always strong. It's even more intense this year, with the enormous salvage operation from the disastrous snow storm which swept through southern China. More or less totally affected, most performing venues in Shenzhen remain rather quiet this month. Fortunately, the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is coming back this month with three concerts. Opening up will be the collaboration between China's young yet already successful pianist Chen Sa and the SSO on March 7. Later on, a concert of Schuman's piano concerti on March 15 and the recital by another talented piano girl, Xue Yingjia, on March 21 are both recommended. More exciting performances can be found at the Longgang Culture Center in Longgang District. On March 9, the Hungarian State Folk Ensemble will be in town to present local audiences their authentic Hungarian folk music and dances in the performa ... ...
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