American Grammy Award-winner mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, together with Il Pomo d’Oro, presented “Eden” in June in Hong Kong. This was part of her celebrated tour showcasing themes of nature, renewal and the human experience through music. The concert featured a selection of baroque, classical and contemporary repertoire, highlighting DiDonato’s powerful and rich voice and exceptional artistry in operatic performance and Il Pomo d’Oro’s dynamic orchestral accompaniment.
DiDonato is celebrated for her engaging storytelling and emotional depth in performances, making this concert a unique experience for audiences. The collaboration with Il Pomo d’Oro, an ensemble renowned for its authentic interpretations of early music, together with conductor Zefira Valova, further enhanced the concert’s appeal, amalgamating historical performance practices with modern sensibilities. Overall, “Eden” was a celebration of music’s power in bridging themes of life, beauty and our natural environment.
This was the second time that Korean pianist Chi Ho Han, top prize-winner at many international competitions, including the Beethoven International Competitions in Vienna and Bonn, performed at Musica del Cuore.
The recital programme, The Little Prince, for which the pianist was inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s beloved novella Le Petit Prince, comprised a diverse solo piano classical repertoire from Chopin, Shostakovich, Ravel, Rachmaninoff and Fauré. In terms of musical interpretation, these compositions in the programme reflected the themes, sentiments, special moments and characters of the novella, while capturing the essence of its fanciful and philosophical nature.
Full of artistic vision, Han possessed the ability to connect music with literature brilliantly, leading to a unique and captivating piano recital. Vantage wishes him nothing but success for his new appointment as associate professor at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music from August of this year.
A centennial celebration of Fauré’s legacy through a concert series of his piano quartets and quintets – a precious occasion to appreciate the French composer’s two piano quartets in one concert.
The Cong Quartet and pianist Cindy joined together on stage to present an evening of some of the greatest works of this French composer at the spectacular Garden Room at the Helena May, showcasing two masterpieces in the chamber music repertory. The audience was fortunate to experience Fauré’s richly textured and chromatic yet intensive musical language.
Concertgoers definitely have much to anticipate, with Fauré’s two piano quintets presented by the same ensemble at the end of November.
The recital of cellist Pavel Gomziakov and pianist Kenji Miura featured a combination of classical and romantic pieces from works by Liszt, Schubert, Debussy and Franck (arranged by Delsart), showcasing the rich textures and harmonies that both instruments can create together. The ambiance of the venue perfectly complemented the music, providing an intimate setting for audience to appreciate the nuances of live performance. The impeccable collaboration ended with Fauré’s “Après un rêve” as an encore, a delightful experience that left the audience wanting more!
