Songs for Simon: iii. Demonic Thesis performed by Tony Yan Tong Chen in Queenstown, NZ

Pianist Tony Yan Tong Chen performs Demonic Thesis from Songs for Simon (2010) in a concert raising funds for his upcoming postgraduate study at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

Program

Nikolai Medtner: Two Fairy Tales, Op. 8

i. Andantino

ii. Recitato

Zihan Wu: Rhapsody on Hmong

Pyotr Tchaikovsky/arr. Florian Noack: Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture

~Intermission~

Alexander Scriabin: Sonata in E flat minor WoO

i. Allegro Appassionato

ii. Andantino

iii. Presto

John Psathas: Songs for Simon

iii. Demonic Thesis

Franz Liszt: Reminiscences de Norma von Vincenzo Bellini

“Playing with clarity and boundless energy, ... displaying Chen’s extraordinary speed and freedom on the Steinway.” — Margot Hannigan, Nelson Mail

An Auckland-born pianist of Chinese descent, Tony Yan Tong Chen (b. 1999) has performed in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and Spain. Winner of the New Zealand National Piano Competition (2019), his debut Rattle CD received finalist selection for Best Classical Album/Artist at Recorded Music NZ's Aotearoa Music Awards (2021). Since then, he has garnered 2nd Prize at the Marian Garcia International Piano Competition (2021) and Finalist Award at the 10th New York International Piano Competition (2022).

“The first movement cadenza, moving from introvert reflection to extrovert roar, was spellbinding; the folkish finale a dancing delight.” — William Dart, New Zealand Herald

Proceeds from this concert support his upcoming postgraduate study at the Cleveland Institute of Music

6:30pm Pre-concert wine

7:00pm Recital

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07/31/2023 06:30 PM

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