 |
| Violinist Ray Chen |
Before the Concert
I know several music students and regular concert goers who regret taking a vacation during the semester break because they missed the Taipei Symphony Orchestra concert, featuring pianist Raul Sunico, violinist Ray Chen and conductor Hubert Soudant. The concert, held at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (CCP Main Theater) was the main highlight of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion Annual Conference. And before the concert began, I was able to attend several events leading towards the much anticipated performance.
Ray Chen Masterclass
During the morning on the day of the concert, violinist Ray Chen held a masterclass at the CCP MKP Hall where three violinists were given the chance to have a half hour lesson with him. It was interesting to see how he works and how his cheerful disposition and upbeat personality manifested itself during the masterclass. A huge plus was seeing and hearing him play other pieces like the Tchaikovsly’s Violin Concerto, Saint-Saëns’ Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and Bach’s Chaconne from Partita in D minor using the 1721 “Macmillan” Stradivarius which sounded divine. But at one point, he stressed that it wasn’t just about the violin and to prove it, he tried another violin which nowhere near a Strad and he produced a much better sound with it. But the most amusing thing that I found out was his view towards Paganini. I finally realized that it was this composer he was referring to when he said that he wants it to be at least musically rewarding when practicing six hours a day in order to play one of his caprices.
 |
| Ray Chen with the masterclass participants Ralph Waldo Taylan, Jimmy Tagala and Joseph Brian Cimafranca |
Taipei Symphony Orchestra Rehearsal
That afternoon and a few hours before the concert, the Taipei Symphony Orchestra had a rehearsal inside the Main Theater. And it’s always a great learning opportunity for me whenever I get to witness something like this. During this rehearsal, TSO director Wei-Ming Hwang listened while at different seats and checked the balance of the orchestra while conductor Hubert Soudant just made last minute reminders and they didn’t have a complete run through of the pieces. Ray Chen also rehearsed with the orchestra and it went without any snag at all. I only got to hear a snippet since they never did a whole run through of the pieces but they sounded absolutely good. And the orchestra did hold back a bit during rehearsals since Wei-Ming Hwang told Hubert Soudant that the strings were saving their tremolando for later that evening. Right then and there, I wished that the concert would come sooner but I still had to get dressed and zoom over to the next event of the day.
 |
| Taipei Symphony Orchestra rehearsing with conductor Hubert Soudant and Ray Chen |
FACP Farewell Reception
After getting dressed, I headed over to the Silangan Hall for the Farewell Reception for the delegates of the Federation for Asian Cultural Promotion Annual Conference. It’s always nice to see familiar faces and I was very glad to meet new ones who are also into the culture and the arts. I told some people there about the orchestra’s rehearsal and how good they are further increasing the level of anticipation with just about an hour before the concert started. And it's always to have a nice meal before a concert since I rumbling tummy is such a distraction while watching. I couldn't remember how many little cups of crème brûlée that I consumed during the cocktail reception.
 |
| FACP Farewell Reception |
About 20 minutes before the start of the concert, the delegates were then escorted to the Main Theater Lobby and a good sized crowd was already gathered there. And soon enough, everyone went to their respective seats and patiently waited for the concert to start.
No comments:
Post a Comment