EXCLUSIVE: Classicalite Q&A with Lang Lang >>
The classical crossover smash, Lang Lang, has released his most recent disc to date, Lang Lang in Paris. The LP is heavily rooted in the pianist's affinity for Chopin and Tchaikovsky. In the package is an exclusive performance from Lang Lang in the Hall of Mirros at the Chateau de Versailles in Paris, also--where he feels the music is most authentic and where he felt the pieces were presented most accurately.
PREMIERE: Watch Lang Lang's "Making Of" Video of Chopin, Tchaik for 'In Paris' Album >>
For us Classicalites, the intimate splendor of Chopin and Tchaikovsky's solo piano music still resonates well across the centuries. And the transcriptions. There's a kind of beauty, even a turmoil, inside its sounding realm, as well as outside of it.
Acclaimed Chopin Performer Ivan Moravec Dies in Prague >>
Despite the purportedly humble demeanor of the famed pianist, Ivan Moravec deserves a requiem as great as any of his forerunners. The Czech pianist died in a Prague hospital on July 27th after treatment for pneumonia. He was 84 years old. Throughout his lifetime, he was particularly acclaimed for his interpretations of Chopin, Mozart, and Debussy.
Kissin's Chopin, Penderecki Premiere Commemorate Armenian Genocide at Carnegie Hall >>
Virtuoso pianist Evgeny Kissin will be leading a special concert at Carnegie Hall entitled "With You, Armenia" in commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Turks some 100 years ago. As Classicalite contributor James Inverne duly lets us know, the concert will juxtapose Armenian composers with works by Chopin and, surprise, will feature the world premiere of a newly composed work by Krzysztof Penderecki. Poland's greatest living composer, as per the 'Guardian,' yes, Mr. Penderecki is all too familiar with historical horrors--and how to honor them.
Mohamed Shams Performs Solo Debut At Carnegie Hall in April >>
Carnegie Hall will be hosting the Egyptian classical pianist Mohamed Shams solo debut in April. During the program, Shams will perform works by Chopin, Carter, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Scarlatti and Egyptian composer Gamal Abdel Rahim.
Free Concert at Carnegie Hall Feat. Cracow Duo in Celebration of Chopin's 205th Birthday >>
Carnegie Hall will be featuring a free concert by the critically acclaimed Cracow Duo in celebration of Chopin’s 205th Birthday. The duo will perform works by the legendary Polish composer along with works by Alexandre Tansman.
Mariinsky Theatre, Valery Gergiev Performing Two-Week Residency at BAM: 'Swan Lake' & 'Cinderella,' Shchedrin's 'Wanderer' & Chopin's 'Dances' >>
After a four-year absence from New York, the world-renowned St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre has announced a two-week residency at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, kicking off BAM's 2015 winter/spring season.
Technical Difficulty: Berlin Philharmonie's Schuke Organ Breaks on Cameron Carpenter During 'Organist in Residency' Program >>
Bad tidings surrounded an unsuspecting Cameron Carpenter during his season opening performance for the Berlin Philharmonie in Germany. With a nearly full hall, the Philharmonie's Schuke organ broke and kept a note perpetually sounding.
AMC's 'Mad Men' is More Than Just Brilliant Television, Chopin and Beethoven Are Important Musical Devices for the Show's Demographic >>
Mad Men has its merits with lavish costume designs, witty dialogue and writing and exceptional intertextuality with the time period its set it.
Pianist Sergio Tiempo Invites YOU to Choose the Chopin Etudes for His Recital at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall >>
Venezuelan pianist Sergio Tiempo last performed on the Southbank Centre's prestigious International Piano Series in 2011, proving to be one of the season's most popular recitalists. On April 29, Tiempo will return to Queen Elizabeth Hall for an eagerly anticipated program that holds great personal meaning for him.
Circus Galop: Canadian Pianist Marc-André Hamelin on Performing, Composing and 'Synethesia' >>
Pianist Hamelin breathes new life into "dead" composers
Pleyel Pianos, Chopin’s Favorite Maker, Plays Its Swan Song >>
Sad news from the piano world. Pleyel Pianos is no more. Perhaps most famous for creating the pianos Chopin favored, the more than 200-year-old company will not see its fourth century without the intervention of a miracle.
Lang Lang Appointed United Nations Messenger of Peace by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon >>
Chinese piano superstar Lang Lang has long been deeply involved with the United Nations as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a role that he is known to take very seriously. Now, though, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has made him a "Messenger of Peace," which is the highest honor of its kind given by the body.
Agata Tuszyńska's Wiera Gran Book Not Guilty of Defaming 'The Pianist' Władysław Szpilman >>
A Polish court recently found Agata Tuszyńska not guilty of defaming the memory of Polish-Jewish pianist Władysław Szpilman, whose memoir of surviving the Warsaw ghetto was made into the 2002 movie 'The Pianist.'
Gay American Organist Cameron Carpenter Liberating the Instrument from Itself >>
"The organ is actually the ultimate example of a public instrument...it can play to the greatest number of people at the lowest cost." -- Cameron Carpenter
