Chinese-Israeli Joint Master Classes for Outstanding Young Pianists
30th December 2012 – 3rd January 2013
A Musical Dialogue with 24 Hands
As China-Israel relations increasingly warm up, six gifted young pianists from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and six from Israel, their ages ranging from 8 to 20, will participate in a unique musical encounter. The project, produced by the Jerusalem Music Centre, will take place at the Centre from 30th December 2012 to 3rd January 2013.
China’s emerging superpower status extends to the musical world, with many outstanding young talents. The meeting between the Chinese and the Israeli youngsters is expected to result in some lively interaction musically and otherwise as they meet and learn about each other and their cultures.
For five days the 12 young musicians will take part in master classes, conducted by a group of outstanding pianists and teachers: Murray Perahia, who is President of the Jerusalem Music Centre, Stephen Kovacevich<www.icartists.co.uk/artists/stephen-kovacevich >, making a rare visit to Israel, Dan Zhaoyi, one of China’s most distinguished piano teachers, and Arie Vardi, who is the musical director of the project.
In addition to the master classes, each of the guests from China will be partnered with one of the Israeli pianists to play music for piano four-hands. The six duos will be coached by Michal Tal and Yaron Rosenthal, two of Israel’s leading pianists and piano teachers. Thus, participants from the two countries will actually make music together – a true intercultural and interpersonal dialogue.
Another innovation in the programme will be an introductory workshop giving the pianists an insight into conducting a piano concerto. This will be led by the Chinese pianist-conductor Xu Yi-An, who lives and works in Israel.
Israel’s Educational Television will film some of the sessions and the material will be broadcast as part of the series „Intermezzo with Arik”.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Guilford and Diane Glazer Foundation of Los Angeles. The project was initiated by Barry Swersky who has been active in the promotion of cultural relations between Israel and the PRC over the past five years.
The Jerusalem Music Centre<www.jmc.co.il/eng > is a leader in the encouragement and promotion of young musical talent in Israel. In 2013 the Centre will mark 40 years of activity, and is proud to open the anniversary celebrations with this outstanding project.
