2 Recitals at the elegant Red Square Gallery, Hong Kong

For quite some time now, my recitals in Hong Kong take place not at the city's concert hall but at the famous Red Square Gallery.  The Gallery began as the city's first Russian art house, collecting and exhibiting a stunning array of paintings by contemporary Russian artists.  It also boasts an arena for salon concerts and I have given more recitals here than anywhere else in Hong Kong. 

Once again I was back in July for two consequetive nights of recitals, and once again they were packed wall to wall.  I love these salon concerts as I can speak candidly with the audience and freely mingle with them.  The programme was my second instalment of the Golden Age of the Piano series, featuring works by Murad Kazhlayev, Jean Wiener, and Leopold Godowsky, and I think it was very well received.  

I also like to add a little glamour to these recitals - the wine reception and elegant hors d'oeurves are a signature now as important as the recital itself.  It gives me another chance to explain my programme to the audience and for them to reflect their opinions to me, while still fresh in their ears.  

For the artist, this is a perfect place to be.  No bureacracy, good turn out (read: good ticket receipts - very important!), elegant venue, the right crowd.   I wish there are more places like this.

Wine and canapés generously sponsored by Hopant Foods and Wines.