Debra Li

    debra_lidan@163.com

    FOR the first time in its history, Shenzhen Concert Hall will devote its spring season entirely to chamber music.

    The four concerts scheduled from the end of March and up to May are the Khachaturian Trio from Armenia, the Borealis String Quartet from Canada, American singer and songwriter Shunza and Silk Trio from Italy, and violinist Kai Gleusteen performing with his wife, pianist Catherine Ordronneau.

    “This is the first time that we try to present the theme of chamber music in its full in a season, with strings, strings and piano, as well as strings and vocal. Chamber music is the essence of classical Western music,” said the new chief of Shenzhen Concert Hall, Guo Xiaolan.

    She added that: “Shenzhen Concert Hall, a landmark in the city’s cultural scene, has always been committed to enriching people’s life and promoting classical music. We hope that the various forms of concerts, including crossover between the classical and pop, will draw more people into the concert hall.”

    The opening concert will be dedicated to Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian’s 110th anniversary. On Saturday night, the Khachaturian Trio will perform a suite from ballets “Spartacus” and “Gayane” by Khachaturian, which will include his most famous “Sabre Dance.” The program will also feature “Romance” and “Valse” from the composer’s music to the drama “Masquerade,” as well as Arno Babadjanian’s masterpiece “Piano Trio in F Sharp Minor” and Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Trio in A Minor,” which is also known as “In Memory of a Great Artist.”

    Alongside Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitri Shostakovich, Khachaturian is sometimes called one of the three “titans” of Soviet music. His works were influenced by classical European music and Armenian folk music.

    Formed by pianist Armine Grigoryan, violinist Karen Shahgaldyan and cellist Karen Kocharyan, the trio was founded in 1999 and took the name “Arsika.” They changed their name in memory of Khachaturian in 2008. Having performed extensively in Europe and Australia, the trio has been praised for their virtuoso performances, subtle sense of style and brilliant musicality.

    String music fans shall not miss the concert by the Borealis String Quartet, whose musicians will perform on two vintage violins, one viola and a cello, all made in Italy centuries ago. Among these, a Giovanni Battista Rogeri violin, also known as “Cremona,” was made in 1698.

    The quartet is known for their amazing skills, as an Australian newspaper marveling at their performance wrote: “Light used to be faster than sound, until these people came along.”

    Having toured in Europe, North America as well as Asia, the quartet has so far released seven CDs. The program for their Shenzhen concert is balanced between the works of classical masters like Haydn and Beethoven and a lighter collection of Asian folk songs as well as passionate Tango music.

    Then, on the eve of Mother’s Day, Chinese-American singer songwriter Shunza will collaborate with her mother pianist Huang Ailian, and her two Italian musician friends, to present a crossover concert. The classical half of the concert will feature works by Czech composer Smetana and contemporary Chinese composer Huang Anlun. Then, the pop diva will perform songs including “I’m Not a Star.”

    The final concert of the spring season will feature the couple Gleusteen and Ordronneau.

    Playing on a violin made by J. B. Guadagnini in 1781, Canadian-born Gleusteen performs extensively as a soloist throughout Europe and North America. He has also released numerous critically acclaimed recordings. His wife, French pianist Ordronneau, is regularly invited to perform in chamber music festivals around the world alongside Gleusteen. Their repertoire combines the best of classical, pop and world folk music, which will suit many tastes. The Shenzhen concert will feature Gershwin’s “Summertime,” Chopin’s nocturns, Beethoven’s “Moonligh Sonata” and many other familiar pieces.

    Thanks to the sponsorship from real estate developer Top Spring International Holdings Ltd., tickets to the concerts will be relatively affordable, starting at 120 yuan (US$19).