Pianist embraces technology to enhance concerts

A multimedia piano concert named "Nodame Cantabile" that once astonished audiences with its innovative presentation in 2009 will return to Shanghai.

The concert will be staged at Shanghai Culture Square on March 1 by young Chinese pianist Song Siheng.

"Nodame Cantabile" is a Japanese TV series popular for its romantic plot and wonderful recitals of Beethoven and Chopin.

It was adapted into a multimedia piano concert by Song and first staged in 2009.

Classic compositions like Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 8" ("Pathetique"), Debussy's "Deux Arabesques No. 1 in C Major" and "La Fille aux Cheveux de Lin", Chopin's "Etude in E Major" and "Etude in C Sharp Minor",  Liszt's "Feux Follets" and Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" will all be performed.

A big screen will display scenes from the TV series while Song tickles the ivories. Jazz elements and improvisation will add additional color to the concert.

Born in 1981, Song won the National Piano Competition in Beijing at 14 years old.

He later won the Leeds International Piano Competition, Dublin International Piano Competition and Marguerite Long International Piano Competition.

Song says he is not satisfied with the usual way of presenting music, believing multimedia concerts are a good choice to introduce classical music to more people.

According to Song, fast-developing visual technology like film, television, and lighting effects can capture the attention of audiences. A piano and a musician alone may not be enough to satisfy many people today, he says, even though purists reject the idea.

"We are trying to open the gate wider to attract a larger audience, but we are not lowering the threshold," Song says. "Great classical music and an excellent performance are still the focus of the concert."

Date: March 1, 7:15pm

Venue: Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Rd

Tickets: 80 yuan

Tel: 6217-2426, 6217-3055