Music lovers in Armidale are being invited to enjoy two special concerts this month featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Dr Yi-Yang Chen, with the events raising funds to support young musicians in the region.
Hosted by Inspiring Young Musicians Inc., the concerts will take place on Sunday 8 March at NECOM and Sunday 15 March at Lazenby Hall at the University of New England. Both performances begin at 3pm and will feature an impressive line-up of performers alongside Dr Chen.
The first concert at NECOM promises a diverse program showcasing classical, Latin, and jazz-inspired repertoire, along with new music from the New England region.
The afternoon will open with the world premiere of a work by Armidale composer Matthew Minter, highlighting the depth of local musical talent. Dr Chen will also perform his original composition In Memoriam: Sendai, Japan.
A chamber music set will follow with a quartet by Spanish composer Joaquín Turina, performed by Dr Chen alongside Dr Robert Manley, Robert van Gend, and James Chen.
After the interval, audiences will have the opportunity to hear from Dr Chen directly in a special Q&A session, offering insight into his music and career, including his current role as a Professor of Piano at the University of Kansas.
The second half of the program will feature a trio performance of Piazzolla’s Primavera with Dr Chen, Jennifer Sung, and Jay Gates, as well as piano and guitar duets including Rodrigo’s Fantasia para un Gentilhombre and Piazzolla’s Libertango.
Classical guitarist Dr Peter Doublinszki will also perform solo pieces including Django Reinhardt’s Nuages and A.C. Jobim’s A Felicidade.
The concert will conclude with a dramatic four-hand performance by Chen and Manley on two pianos, performing Lutosławski’s Variations on a Theme of Paganini.
The second concert on Sunday15 March will see Dr Chen join the Armidale Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert van Gend at Lazenby Hall.
The program will open with Haydn’s London Symphony No. 104, performed by the orchestra with guest musicians from the Armidale Youth Orchestra. After an interval with refreshments available at the nearby Bistro Bar, Chen will perform Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the orchestra.
Following the concert, audiences can continue the evening at a relaxed bistro soirée featuring a Q&A with Chen and live music from Doublinszki.
The concerts support Inspiring Young Musicians Inc., an Armidale-based non-profit dedicated to helping local children and teenagers access instruments, lessons, and performance opportunities regardless of their background.
Servies is also sponsoring 350 students and teachers from local schools to attend the concerts, helping introduce young people to live classical music.
Tickets are $50 for adults and $20 for children, with early bird tickets available for $40. Tickets can be purchased online through TryBooking or via the Inspiring Young Musicians website.
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