This exciting young Canadian pianist was First Prize Winner and Gold Medalist at the First China International Music Competition. He’s currently studying piano and composition at the Juilliard School Pre-College Division. Tony has given recitals in North America, Europe and Asia, and has appeared twice with the China Philharmonic Orchestra.
VANCOUVER DEBUT!
BUSONI: All’ Italia (in modo napolitano) BV 249
WAGNER/LISZT: Solemn March to the Holy Grail from Parsifal S. 450
CHOPIN: Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58
SCHUBERT: Sonata No. 18 in G major, D. 894
“Tony is a true poet of the keyboard. Expressive, and with his own distinct voice, yet elegant and poised.” — Pianist Magazine
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: This concert is sponsored in memory of Michael Kemble
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Captivating stage presence combined with performances that are technically and musically masterful make accordionist Hanzhi Wang the perfect ambassador for her instrument. In addition to winning First Prize at the 2017 Young Concert Artist International Auditions in New York (where we heard her stunning performance), she also won First Prize at the Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition in Italy.
Distinctive among today’s young string quartets, the Omer Quartet is known for presenting both fearless renditions of the standard quartet repertoire and compelling works by today’s composers. In addition to winning First Prize in the 2017 Young Concert Artist International Auditions, they won Top Prize at the 2017 Paolo Borciani Competition, Top Prize at the 2017 Trondheim International Competition, and Grand Prize at the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in the US.
CANADIAN DEBUT (Hanzhi Wang)
VANCOUVER DEBUT (Omer Quartet)
SCARLATTI: 3 Sonatas
SCHNITTKE: Revis Fairy Tale
MOSZKOWSKI: Étincelles, Op. 36, No. 6
BEETHOVEN: String Quartet No. 16 in F major, Op. 135
DVOŘÁK: Bagatelles for Two Violins, Cello, and Harmonium
GUNNAR VALKARE: Taang
PIAZZOLLA: Five Tango Sensations for String Quartet and Accordion
“Putting a regal polish on every phrase, her sparkling technique held the audience in a state of breathlessness” — Oberon’s Grove
“These four musicians certainly rose to the occasion. They opened with a poised, mature and ebullient account of the Haydn, gave a glowing vividly dramatic performance of Debussy and brought out the punch energy of Chris Rogerson’s String Quartet” — New York Times
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: The Board of Directors of the Vancouver Recital Society
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Twenty-year-old Israeli pianist Tom Borrow was featured in a two-page article in a 2019 edition of International Piano magazine. Charting his sudden rise to prominence and giving insight into this exciting new pianist, the article asserts: “Tom Borrow is the very definition of one to watch”. Performances take him from Israel to South Korea, and from Verbier to London. He currently studies at the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music at Tel Aviv University, and is mentored by Murray Perahia through the Jerusalem Music Centre’s program for outstanding young musicians.
CANADIAN DEBUT!
SCHUBERT: Sonata in A major, D. 664
FRANCK: Prelude, Chorale and Fugue
RACHMANINOV: Selected preludes from Op. 23 and Op. 32
SCRIABIN: Sonata No. 2 (1897) and Sonata No. 5 (1907)
“Tom is a truly special young pianist. Technically brilliant and with the soul of a poet”
— Günter Hänssler, Head of Hänssler Classics, one of Germany’s major independent record labels, who recently signed Tom for his first recording
For more information about Tom, visit his website.
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: John C. Kerr Family Foundation
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This exciting young Russian pianist gained international recognition through his outstanding appearance at the 8th International Tchaikovsky Competition for young musicians, where he won First Prize. At the time he was just 13. Since then, Alexander has appeared with major orchestras and conductors across Europe, and we’re delighted to welcome him in his Canadian debut with an all-Russian program.
CANADIAN DEBUT!
MEDTNER: 2 Skazki, Op. 48
MEDTNER: Forgotten Melodies 1, Op. 38
PROKOFIEV: Piano Sonata No. 9 in C major, Op. 103
RACHMANINOV: Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28
“The latest phenomenon of the Russian piano school” — Corriere della Sera, Milan
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: Joyce and Tony
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This quartet is very much a family affair, with three German brothers, Mark, Eric, and Ken Schumann, playing alongside Estonian-born violist Liisa Randalu. Those who experience the quartet in performance often remark on the strong connection between its members. The quartet has garnered rave reviews from critics and received the 2016 Newcomer Award at the BBC Music Magazine Awards in London for their recording “Mozart Ives Verdi”. The ensemble’s openness and curiosity may be partly the result of the formative influence exerted on them by teachers such as Eberhard Feltz, the Alban Berg Quartet, or partners such as Menahem Pressler.
Vancouver debut!
MOZART: Quartet in D major, K. 499 “Hoffmeister”
SHOSTAKOVICH: Quartet No. 9 in E-flat major, Op. 117
MENDELSSOHN: Quartet in E minor, Op. 44, No. 2
“It is a great pleasure for us to congratulate the Vancouver Recital Society on its 40th Anniversary. We feel honoured to be part of this important season for the Society and are very much looking forward to sharing our music with the people of Vancouver on March 1st 2020, which will be also our Vancouver debut. Can’t wait to come and play! Many warm greetings from Germany and see you all at the concert!” — Schumann Quartet
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: Lynn Kagan
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Despite their tender ages (26 and 22 respectively), Dutch brothers Lucas and Arthur Jussen have been part of the international concert world for years, winning praise from critics and audiences alike. If you were in the audience for their stunning debut with the VSO last season, you’ll understand why there’s such a ‘buzz’ about this duo. A not-to-be missed performance!
BACH/KURTÁG: Selections from the chorale preludes
MENDELSSOHN: Andante & Allegro Brillante, Op. 92 in A major
SCHUBERT: Fantasie in F minor, D. 940
LEO SMIT: Divertimento
RAVEL: “Ma Mère l’Oye”, cinq pièces enfantines
FAZIL SAY: “Night”
“Since we made our debut in Vancouver with the VSO, we are really looking forward to returning to Vancouver. It’s an honour and big pleasure that we can play for the Vancouver Recital Society. Many great pianists have played for the VRS, pianists who we look up to, so we are excited to be part of it.” — Lucas and Arthur Jussen
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: Ann Harding
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When Leila discovered the enormously talented (then) 16 year-old George at the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York in 2010, his even younger brother Andrew was in the audience. In chatting with the Li family, it became apparent that Andrew was following in his brother’s footsteps. And here we are, 10 years later, with an internationally acclaimed young pianist and a brother who’s set for a similar career path.
This lovely program is a mix of one piano four hands, piano solo, and two pianos. It offers a unique opportunity to see the artists’ hands… no matter where in the hall your seat is located!
MOZART: Sonata in D major, K. 381 piano four hands
RACHMANINOV: Fantaisie Tableaux for two pianos, Op. 5
LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12 (George Li)
DEBUSSY: Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune for two pianos
LISZT: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 (Andrew Li)
RAVEL: La Valse for 2 pianos
“It is both a thrill and privilege to appear in the Vancouver Recital Society’s 40th Season. The series has been an integral part of my career; it was Leila who heard me play at the YCA auditions when I was 16 and took the risk of inviting me to play in her prestigious series. I’ve also developed strong bonds and relationships with the audience here in Vancouver. Returning with my brother feels like a homecoming of sorts, and I’m very excited to be a part of this very special season.” — George Li
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: The John C. Kerr Family Foundation
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We can’t think of a more wonderful way to open our 40th Season than by bringing these three illustrious musicians back to our stage. Since the beginning of their careers, Nikki, Timmy, and Angela have been frequent visitors to the VRS and all have a deep connection to our organization. And speaking of “dreams come true”… in the early stages of putting this concert together, Leila had a dream that Marc-André Hamelin wrote a piece especially for the occasion. Enjoy its debut performance!
DEBUSSY: Sonata for Violin and Piano (1917)
SHOSTAKOVICH: 5 Pieces for Two Violins and Piano
HAMELIN: “Reverie” for Two Violins and Piano
CHAMINADE: Theme and Variations, Op. 89 for Piano
FRANCK: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano
“Congratulations, Leila, for your dedication to the Vancouver Recital Society over the past four decades. You have been such an important force in bringing the best artists from around the world for the people in Vancouver. You have also helped cultivate new generations of talent along the way, from within Canada and abroad, introducing them to some of their first professional opportunities to the public. I am grateful to have met you early on in my career (as a teenager, in fact!) and that you have been a supportive voice throughout my many different adventures. I am ecstatic to return to the VRS, this time with my brother, Timothy, and the great pianist, Angela Cheng, to launch its 40th Anniversary Season. It will be a very special event for all of us!” — Nikki Chooi
“Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary, Leila and the VRS!!! I’m so thrilled that you have reached this important and impressive landmark, especially in today’s somewhat troubled times of our classical music world! It just proves that, under the leadership of someone who is passionate, inspiring and devoted, great music can flourish!! I guess what we need to do is to clone you, Leila, and place you everywhere in the world so that there is a bright and promising future for beautiful music. I’m so excited and honoured to not only be a part of your 40th Anniversary season, but to open your season! Thank you from the bottom of my heart and I can’t wait to come play for you!! Congratulations again!!!”
— Angela Cheng
Learn more about the musicians when they return to the stage to answer your questions following their performance.
Series sponsor: The Estate of Edwina and Paul Heller
Concert Sponsor: The Martha Lou Henley Charitable Foundation
Supported by:
