Contrasts and harmonies

Keep your eyes on the Far East! Says a widely shared view that the future of classical music lies not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Asia. It is not just the young virtuoso musicians that are discovered year in year out that mark the rise of the East, but also the fusion that is creating its own colours and forms by bringing together the two worlds. The First Far Eastern Classical Music Festival, launched by Gábor Farkas, showcases the rich musical culture of Japan. Sunday evening's gala concert will focus on bamboo instruments and the classic sounds of Japanese music.

Grammy-nominated Miho Hazama has recorded more than ten albums, and his music has not only won a nod from the industry, but also the approval of the general public. His B to C for solo violin is performed by Chiharu Taki, who also played at the premiere. Bartók's Contrasts (commissioned by the great American jazz saxophonist Benny Goodman) is a celebration of diversity, which will be performed by clarinettist István Kohán – who lives and works in Japan – Chiharu Taki and Eva Yulin-Shen. The icing on the cake at this concert will be the Piano Quartet from the ‘honorary Hungarian,’ Johannes Brahms, in which said composer hid Hungarian motifs.

Programme

Miho Hazama: B to C
Soloist: Chiharu Taki (violin)

Bartók: Contrasts
Contributors: István Kohán (clarinet), Chiharu Taki (violin), Eva Yulin-Shen (piano)

Brahms: Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 25.
Participants: Akiko Suwanai (violin), Luosha Fang (viola), István Várdai (cello), Gábor Farkas (piano)