By Lily O. Ramos
MANILA, Sept. 6 (PNA)– Noted Malaysian pianist Claudia Yang opens the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra’s (PPO) 33rd Concert Season 2015-2016 under the baton of Maestro Olivier Ochanine on Sept. 11, 8 p.m at the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo (Main Theater).
Likewise, the concert is the opening of Maestro Ochanine’s final season as music director.
The Programme consists of Franz von Suppé’s Pique Dame Overture (Queen of Spades, 1864), Frederic Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11 (1830), and Dimitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1, Op. 10 (1925).
Claudia Yang began her piano studies at the age of five under Norman Tan in Malaysia and already at six gave her first concert performance.
In 1991, she arrived in Vienna to study under Dianko Iliew and in the following year, she was invited to perform at the “Salzburg International Music Festival for Young Pianists”.
In 1993, Yang entered the University of Music & Performing Arts in Vienna, where she was chosen by Paul Badura-Skoda to be his student. In 1994, Claudia began to study under Ludwig Hoffman and graduated as joint best pianist of her year in 1997.
During this time, Yang has given concerts throughout Europe, also appeared as soloist in many European music festivals.
In the summer of year 1994, Claudia went to Ukraine to study under Orysia Sterniuk.
Furthermore,Yang was recognized and esteemed by the world renown Chinese magazine, “China Voice” of New York, as “The Global Chinese of the Year 1999”.
In 2010, Yang made her tour in Europe and Asia giving recitals celebrating Chopin’s 200th birth anniversary.
Since 2011, she has been sitting as a jury member at the International Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in Moscow.
In 2012,Yang was the first Asian pianist who was being invited by the great Russian conductor Valerie Gergiev to perform at Vladikavkaz International Music Festival in Russia which was founded by him.
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Ferenc Liszt’s Birth in 2011, Yang has been invited to touring in Asia and Europe giving concerts with Liszt’s repertoire.
Yang is awarded “Pro Cultura Hungarica” by Hungarian Government for her contribution in promoting Hungarian Cultural especially music by Ferenc Liszt.
The award was presented by Hungarian Prime Minister Orban Viktor during his official visit to China in February 2014.
In 2014 May, Yang and Gyula Fekete have composed Piano Concerto “Dream of The Red Chamber” based on Wang Li Ping’s songs from 1987 TV Series “Dream of The Red Mansions”.
The World Premiere was successfully held in Beijing in September 2014. Yang’s new CD Album “Dream of The Red Chamber” which was recorded with London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studio in London has been released in May 2015.
The PP0 is the country’s leading orchestra and is widely regarded as one of the top musical ensembles in the Asia-Pacific region.
Ticket prices are Php1500, Php1200, Php800, Php500, Php400, Php300, with discounts available to students, senior citizens and groups. Subscription packages are also available for eight (8) or four (4) shows.
For inquires and subscription, call the CCP Marketing Department (832-1125 loc. 1806), the CCP Box Office (832-3704) or Ticketworld at National Bookstore (891-9999).(PNA)