In touch with Zhang Hao Chen

Eliza : May 14, 2012 12:01 am : In touch

by Cathy Hung

The Intimacy of Creativity, HKUST

credit : http://www.curtis.edu/


Zhang Hao Chen, the winner of the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, has been living in the centre of media focus since then. Three years whizzed by, and the young pianist has set his footprints in various prestigious concert halls before landing in the Bright Sheng Partnership: The Intimacy of Creativity 2012 at HKUST. Soon a graduate from Curtis, Zhang reveals his musical maturity throughout the years.

Cathy: People often call you a “child prodigy” and even compare you with Lang Lang. How do you feel about this label?

Hao Chen: I don’t feel anything. Lang Lang and his contemporaries are mostly born in 1980s whilst I was born in the 1990s, so they represent the previous generation. They have set great examples of musical success. I sometimes draw inspirations from them, though I have never had the mind-set of comparing myself with them. There’s no pressure at all.


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In touch with Bright Sheng at The Intimacy of Creativity

Eliza : May 1, 2012 12:01 am : In touch

by Cathy Hung

credit : Moises Saman/
G. Schirmer, inc.

Artist: Bright Sheng

Date: 22 April 2012
Venue: HKUST, Art Hall

Initiated by world-renowned composer and pianist Bright Sheng, the Intimacy of Creativity is a two-week composition symposium. Selected pieces are constantly revised and refined to the best shape through rehearsal discussions and experiments between composers and performers. As a revival of the lost tradition back in the Baroque times, the Intimacy of Creativity stands as a unique music showcase of its kind that features a glamorous lineup of world class musicians. Having themed upon “music and science” during its first edition in 2011 as a celebration of Einstein’s birthday anniversary, the event is marching towards a new adventure in 2012, blending pop culture with classical music. As the second edition kicks start, artistic director Bright Sheng reveals his ambitions and discusses the IC’s future.


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In touch with Tan Dun : From Beijing to Bartók

Eliza : February 27, 2012 12:01 am : In touch

credit: http://www.htbackdrops.com/

From Beijing to Bartók: a Talk with Tan Dun at the 2012 Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival

Tan Dun flew to Hong Kong last month to oversee rehearsals for the local premiere of Ghost Opera, the chamber work considered by many to be his best. The highly theatrical piece for string quartet and pipa was a watershed moment in Tan’s career when it premiered in 1994. It remains a standout among the collective oeuvre of the “class of ‘78” – the legendary generation of Chinese composers who emerged from the Cultural Revolution to study at Beijing’s newly-reopened Central Conservatory, and went on to global fame.


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In Touch with Henning Kraggerud. By Cathy Hung

Eliza : January 30, 2012 12:01 am : In touch

credit: Vancouver Symphony Orchestra


Edvard Grieg
Violin Sonata No. 1 in F major, Op. 8

Jean Sibelius
Sibelius Serenade in G minor, Op. 69b, No. 2: Lento assai

Norwegian violinist Henning Kraggerud joins the Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival 2012 and impresses the audience with his slightly ‘different’ interpretation of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and several other well-known repertoires. As a man who challenges traditional mindset, Henning is more concerned about musicality than musical correctness. Behind his charismatic performance, there stands a literature enthusiast who pays respect to different cultures in the world with curiosity. Amidst the interview, a group of lavishly dressed banquet-goers passed by before us, to whom Henning instantly examined in fascination. “It is interesting to see different cultures in the world,” says the violinist- his blue eyes glittered with joy. In this conversation, Interlude’s Artist of the Month shares with our readers some of his personal sides.

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In Touch with Simone Lamsma. By Cathy Hung

Eliza : December 12, 2011 12:01 am : In touch


Edward Elgar
Violin Sonata in E Minor, Op.82

On the day of interview, Simone has just finished her rehearsal with the HKPO. Despite her long day, her eyes rolled with excitement whenever she talks about music. Behind her blue eyes, you can see passion, determination and energy. At the same time, Simone embraces spontaneous encounters in life with curiosity and a humble heart. Indeed, she is an artist who lives along the natural rhythm of life.

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