September, 2008

I have tried to put into perspective how cool it is to have another opportunity to return to Paris. After counting my ticket stubs, this will be my 6th trip in 3 years. Unbelievable. Well, each time I go I try to represent everyone and everything that has helped me get to this point. Also, it is a constant test for my physical and mental strength, to be put in a position where people have certain expectations when you are on stage. The biggest coming from myself, of course.

I would first like to extend my gratitude to both His Excellency, Mr. Michel C. L. Lu (Representative of the Bureau of Taiwan) and His Excellency, Mr. Marc Lortie, (Ambassador of Canada) in France for their support of this concert. Most importantly, my biggest thank you goes to Mrs. Elisabeth Josnin, who without her nothing would be possible. The concert will be at Les Cathedral St. Louis des Invalides (http://www.invalides.org/pages/dp/programme%20concerts%20sept-dec%2008.pdf). I had last been there to perform the Chopin concerto, after winning the Paris competition. I remember the organizers bragging that they had been able to grab Brendel’s Steinway for the concert. Well, backstage I saw a Fazioli concert grand all wrapped up. They let me try it and I fell in love, but unfortunately the Steinway was already being brought over. This concert I believe I will get the chance to play the Fazioli. I hope it will be as great as I can remember.

My program will be the following...if you are anywhere near Paris, contact me and come to the show! It will be intimate, intense and a lot of fun. I am already to excited to hear that many people are planning to come from near and far.

Bach English Suite No. 3
Ravel Pavane pour infante defunte
Ravel Jeux D’eau
Debussy Images Book I (I. Reflets dans l’eau, II. Hommage a Rameau, III. Mouvement)
Liszt Sonata
Liszt Rigoletto Paraphrase
Taiwanese folk song

Also, I just received an update for the International Piano Amateur Festival (http://www.pianestival.org/piano/prochain.php) now known as Pianestival. Some photos were taken by Emmanuel Bastoni (a very cool Italian dude who takes photos of extreme sports like surfing and snowboarding...and piano), when I was rehearsing and performing last summer. Thank you to Emmanuel for these great shots. You can see more and see videos on the website, so do check it out.