For classical music enthusiasts, the sensation of walking into a concert hall and enjoying a live performance has to be up there in terms of ideal experiences – especially if the performance involves some of the world's most talented musicians.
As Polish musician and conductor Krzysztof Penderecki and German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter partner on a musical tour around China, a carnival of music could be expected.
Maestro Penderecki, known as the “unforgettable sound of Poland” by many, kicked off on Tuesday a concert tour around China marking the 100th anniversary of Poland's independence.
Polish conductor, composer Krzysztof Penderecki speaks during the press conference. /Photo provided by Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd.
Anne-Sophie Mutter, the soloist for whom Penderecki composed the “Violin Concerto No. 2 'Metamorphoses,'” is working with the conductor again, joining him on the tour.
Starting from Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the two tour the Chinese cities of Zhengzhou, Shanghai, Changsha, Xiamen and Fuzhou with the Sinfonia Varsovia Orchestra of Poland.
A reason to walk into the concert hall
Even though the Internet has made access to music much more easier, nothing can replace a live performance.
“No music will live on forever, particularly the live performance,” said Anne-Sophie Mutter, who has enjoyed international fame since her teenage years while supported by Herbert von Karajan.
“The magical thing is it's always different, and that you as an audience, with the kind of intense silence you are provided, with your participation as a listener, you are actually changing the interpretation,” said Mutter.
Talking about her cooperation with Maestro Penderecki, Mutter said that every time she plays music composed by the Polish musician is a special moment for her. This tour is also special as it marks the 100th anniversary of Poland's independence, considering the horrors the country has gone through.
Krzysztof Penderecki, Anne-Sophie Mutter kick off the tour by unveiling the poster. /Photo via y Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd.
Penderecki is the “living Beethoven” in the heart of many musicians, and is known as one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. He has composed numerous musical works in the past six decades.
While speaking at the press conference for the tour on Tuesday, Penderecki said that his friendship with China started about 20 years ago. He will also celebrate his 85th birthday during the tour, which makes the event even more special.
A long-standing friendship
Both Penderecki and Mutter have previously visited China many times, and both have formed a long-standing friendship with Chinese musicians and audiences.
Musicians and participants speaking at the press conference. /Photo via Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd.
During the press conference, Penderecki expressed his gratitude towards the Chinese for their love and understanding of his music. He also mentioned the tour will be meaningful, given China's own history of having suffered in war.
During a tour in 2008, Anne-Sophie Mutter, while always a public-spirited person herself, donated all of her proceeds from a concert to the people in southwest China's Sichuan Province after the devastating 8.0-magnitude earthquake on May 12 that year.
She has also provided support to young Chinese musicians through her foundation, helping them pursue careers in music.
Musicians and participants pose for a photo. /Photo via Armstrong International Music & Arts Enterprises Ltd.
“In a way, it's a musical coming-home for me to be part of the China tour,” said Mutter.
The tour will last until October 31, during which the soloist and orchestra will also be performing Antonin Dvorak's “Symphony No. 7” and Penderecki's “Violin Concerto No. 2 ‘Metamorphoses.'”
(Video editing by Zhou Tingyu)