By Jasmin Justo
Hong Kong Next Arts Limited (HKGNA) presented HKGNA’s 2014 Music Competition grand prize winners, pianist Yue Zhang and violinist Jeremy Hao, together with HKGNA Musical Angel, pianist Lee Shing. The HKGNA Young Virtuoso Concert 2015 was held on July 11, 2015 at Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall. All the musicians performed a stupendous repertoire from Brahms and Schubert to Piazzolla and Marc-Andre Hamlin.
The concerto began with a Schubert Impromptu Op.90, No.3 in G flat Major played by musical angel, Lee Shing. His fingers are one with the music, unveiling melodies with smooth elegance and precision. Ms. Michelle Kim, the founder of HKGNA, introduced the audience the story of this young pianist that despite his gradual worsening eyesight, Lee Shing continued with a strong pursuit of piano music. His passion for piano has not only made him a professional pianist, but he has also performed at various concerts including “Musical Bridge – A Charity Concert for the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong”. His talent blossomed under the guidance of his supportive teacher and friends and has won several awards.
Following his performance, Ms. Kim introduced the audience to Jeremy Hao, who has won top awards at various musical competitions such as the Concerti Competition of the Wells Cathedral School Symphony Orchestra. He is also a scholarship recipient for his Bachelor of Music Degree at the Mannes College, The New School of Music in New York City. Through Ms. Kim’s guidance, his abilities with the violin were enhanced. On stage, Jeremy Hao performed Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2, Op. 100 and Wieniaswski Polonaise Brillante No.2 in A major, Op. 21 accompanied by pianist Evan Solomon, an acquaintance of Ms. Kim.
The violinist’s quick fingers fervently stroked each line while the bow tides along the top, releasing a wave of notes. A rush of quick tempoed music with the charm of the piano makes the song revive in a lively melody. Even when the song changes to its mellow middle, one can imagine the dramatic storyline to the song that he plays gracefully without a missing beat.
Following the violist was the pianist, Yue Zhang. He is currently pursuing his bachelor degree in Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts with full scholarship. He has also won the 1st Prize at HKGNA Music Competition 2014 Young Artists Division and the Silver prize at the 14th International Piano Competition in Asia (Tokyo).
He performed Schubert Drei Klavierstuke D.946, Debussy Poissons d’or, Marc Andre Hamelin 12 Etudes in Minor Keys, No.6 “Omaggio a Scarlatti”, No.3 D’apres Paganini-Liszt. With his ear to the keys, his whole body and mind is in tune to the energy of the song. His hands swift, precise and in motion to the ups and downs to make a dramatic performance. The feet in tune to the beat as his hands rippled through notes without a music sheet to guide him, he plays the sweet tune by memory.
At the end of the concert, the talented musicians were showered in bouquets of flowers and drowned in applauses.
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