Salon #5: Pioneers: Fortepiano in China
The Catskill Mountain Foundation presents the fifth International Fortepiano Salon, Pioneers: Fortepiano In China, on Saturday, May 22 at 9pm (EDT) (9am China) live streamed for free on Facebook and YouTube. Hosted from the New York Catskills by AFP faculty members Yiheng Yang and Maria Rose, with co-hosts Audrey Axinn, Yuan Sheng and Yuehan Wang from China. The Academy of Fortepiano Performance’s International Fortepiano Salon Series features informal online performances and discussions with fortepiano students and critically acclaimed fortepiano professionals from around the world.
Early music concerts in China are in their infancy, but scattered across the country there are fortepianists planting the seeds for interest in historically informed keyboard playing to grow. Some of this salon’s performers own their own instruments, others are using instruments purchased by schools. In both cases, these dedicated teachers and performers are playing concerts, making recordings, publishing articles and introducing fortepiano and harpsichord wherever possible to a growing population of interested young Chinese pianists. In this fifth AFP salon, six such ‘pioneers’: Audrey Axinn, Yuan Sheng, Yuehan Wang, Michael Tsalka, Zijun Wang and Jing Tang perform works by Mozart, Wanhal, Schubert and Chopin on reproduction Walter instruments, and original Graf, Bohack and Pleyel pianos. The participants will share how their interest in historical keyboards began and how they envision interest in early music will develop in this country where there is an unparalleled passion to study classical music. After the presentations there will be opportunity as well for Q and A with the participants.
Attendees can comment or ask questions on Facebook or YouTube, which will allow for interaction between all participants and panelists. For professionals, fortepiano students, and classical music lovers to register, please visit www.catskillmtn.org. Those who are interested in performing or presenting their own piano, please apply to academyfortepianoinfo@gmail.com with a brief bio and description of the music and piano to be presented. Participation is limited due to time restraints, but all are invited to apply. Information and registration can be found at www.catskillmtn.org or www.academyfortepiano.org.
This event is made possible in part through the support of the Jarvis and Constance Doctorow Family Foundation, Greene County Council on the Arts, d/b/a/ CREATE, and Stewarts Shops.
Times: 9 PM (EDT), 9 AM (China)