After a 34-year gap and just in time for the season, the Orchestre National de Lyon is returning to China on its second tour to celebrate not only the New Year, but also 50 years of Sino-French diplomatic relations. Under

Love it or loathe it, serialism happened, and no matter how loudly you shout ‘la la la’ with your ears covered, it’ll still be there when you stop, staring you in the face more intently than ever. A lot of

When I walk into my music studio I see Zoltán Kodály’s Sonata for Cello and Piano. It is prominently displayed and beautifully framed with Kodály’s signature splashed across the title page. Kodály was an important figure in our house. He

Last month, I had the chance to attend an orchestral concert directed by Pinchas Zukerman, featuring both Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra – of which he is Music Director – and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta. I was apprehensive about this

The Human Hands Here are some facts you may not know about your hands. With 34 muscles, 27 bones, 48 named nerves and at least 123 ligaments in each hand, the human hand is known for its ability to carry

Without doubt, one of the greatest and most important composers for piano was Frederic Chopin. His groundbreaking harmonies, forms and textures make him one of the most prominent names associated with piano music. With the exception of a couple of

Qui n’aroit autre deport – Lai Tels rit au main qui au soir pleure – Complainte Joie, plaisence et douce norriture – chanson roial En amer a douce vie – Rondelet Dame de qui toute ma joie – Ballade Dame,

To become a successful performer takes more than raw talent, someone to mold that talent and diligent practice. If you’re lucky, as I was, on the road to becoming a musician you encounter in addition to a good teacher, musical