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Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Lang Lang talks roots, rhythm and the beauty of bridging cultures
Chinese-born pianist Lang Lang has long demonstrated music's ability to transcend boundaries. With remarkable talent and unwavering passion, he has captivated audiences the world over, performing with leading orchestras such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. Beyond the concert hall, Lang Lang extends his artistry across genres, collaborating with musicians as varied as Herbie Hancock, Pharrell Williams and Metallica. His presence has graced the world's grandest stages – from the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics to the Grammy Awards and the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. In a country known for its rich culture and diverse lifestyles, Thailand is home to a growing community of classical music enthusiasts who have long awaited the chance to experience this maestro live. That moment finally arrived thanks to the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Foundation and who brought the world-renowned pianist to Bangkok for his debut solo recital. Held on May 31 at Thailand Cultural Centre, the sold-out performance was met with thunderous applause and standing ovations. Before he took to the stage, we sat down with Lang Lang for an intimate conversation. In this rare interview, he opens up about how he protects his greatest instruments – his hands – and what it means to connect cultures through his music. He even reveals which pop icon he'd love to collaborate with and shares a glimpse into life behind the spotlight. As this is your first solo recital in Thailand, how do you feel about performing for a Thai audience? 'I'm very curious, as this is my first time here. I've watched so many Thai films, especially those set in Bangkok, so I feel like I already have some sense of the atmosphere. Thai food is popular everywhere, so that's something I'm quite familiar with. But I'm particularly curious about performing a recital here. Thailand seems to be a vibrant and new market for classical music. I was honestly overwhelmed by the number of pianos and the quality of the facilities. It's really impressive. I hope tomorrow will be exciting. It feels like the beginning of a new journey.' How do you mentally and physically prepare for high-stakes tours? 'I try to get enough sleep. That's probably the most important thing. Without proper rest, performing becomes nearly impossible because it's just too exhausting. I always make sure to rest well. I also make a point of enjoying the food in each city, as it's one of the best ways to experience the character of a place through its flavours.' In a world filled with chaos, political tension and uncertainty, how do you think music can bring people together? 'That's a tough question. Music has important qualities because it can heal people's hearts and unite emotions while acting as a bridge between cultures. But making world peace through music alone isn't easy. It requires great willingness and kindness from people to ease tensions. Music can help with that, but achieving world peace through music remains very challenging.' Your finger technique is amazing. How do you create that push and pull feeling that makes your playing style so unique? 'For me, my approach to playing piano is different from other instruments. With most instruments, you can hold them and carry them with you. But with the piano, you have to connect with it. You have to hug the piano because you cannot carry it around. You have to be with the instrument to make a true connection. If you just press the keys without that connection, it feels like typing on a computer, not playing music.' 'Yes, I've met Lisa a few times in Paris. Maybe we'll collaborate in the future. Who knows?' What has been the most unforgettable performance of your career so far? ' I would say the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008 was unforgettable. Another memorable moment was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Lady Gaga held a concert on social media called One World: Together at Home. I performed a song alongside Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli and John Legend. We each performed individually from our homes, connected through social media. That experience was really special given the circumstances.' How do you create a meaningful connection between Western and Eastern cultures through your music? 'I grew up in China during the early part of my life, so I have strong Chinese roots. At the same time, I was exposed to Western culture quite early. My first competition was in Germany when I was 12 and I have been living in the United States since I was 14. This gave me the opportunity to experience both cultures from a young age, which helped me find a balance between them. The cultures are very different. America is very different from China and Europe sits somewhere in between, leaning more towards the US but still deeply rooted in old traditions influenced by the East. For me, it's about finding my own position. I want to maintain my identity while embracing the wider world. It's important not to stick rigidly to just one culture but to be open and embrace everything the world has to offer.' What are your future goals regarding your personal life? 'Right now, I have a son who is four and a half years old. He's at a great age where we can really talk and connect. He plays drums, and his biggest idols are The Beatles. He's supportive of me and says I'm doing well, but he definitely prefers The Beatles. Besides drums, he also plays guitar. If he wants to pursue music further, that's completely fine with me.' Who is your favourite band or musical group? 'I'm not really into pop music, though I do listen to it sometimes. If you ask me about my favourite band, I'd say something more harmonic. I do like pop, but I'm not crazy about it. I'd love to collaborate with a band like Coldplay. I really admire Chris Martin. However, compared to pop, I still prefer classical music. I enjoy combining styles, but classical remains my favourite.' What's your routine for taking care of your fingers? 'I take care of my fingers by using hand cream regularly and avoiding activities that could cause injury. I try to avoid anything too rough or sharp, like playing basketball. Otherwise, I just do normal daily tasks.' What advice would you give to young Thai musicians who want to pursue a career in classical music? 'I think it's amazing that there is a growing interest in classical music here. It's very positive for the classical music scene. This new energy is something everyone needs. My advice is to believe in yourself, keep learning and always work on improving. Stay strong and passionate.'
The Independent
06-05-2025
- The Independent
Elevate your escape with these high-end travel tips
Wherever you're headed next, make it extraordinary. These handpicked experiences blend style, substance and that all-important sense of discovery. Celebrate meaningful occasions at a historic hotel In Georgia's lush Kakheti region, Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel offers an unforgettable setting for life's celebrations. Once home to Prince Alexander Chavchavadze, this hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance—featuring interiors designed by lighting icon Ingo Maurer. Explore vineyards before taking a dip in the hotel's rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Caucasus Mountains and enjoy treatments at the spa. Designed by Spanish designers Christina Gabas and Damian Figueras, its 124 rooms and suites are inspired by the seasons, giving the rooms a sophisticated yet cozy feel. A year-round destination, it hosts spectacular weddings, anniversaries and cultural events, including the prestigious Grand Jury du Vin wine symposium every fall. It has even welcomed the Berlin Philharmonic's Europakonzert, solidifying its global cultural status. Whether you're toasting a milestone or exploring centuries of heritage, Tsinandali Estate, A Radisson Collection Hotel invites you to experience, relax, celebrate and take in unparalleled views—all in one breathtaking setting. Stay stylishly stress-free in the Swiss Alps If your family vacation vision is all about clean lines, crisp air and zero hassle, rocksresort in LAAX totally hits the mark. Set in a modern Alpine village at 3,600ft, this design-forward escape swaps cookie-cutter chalets for sleek, stylish and modern stone-clad apartments, with cafes, restaurants, concept stores and a freestyle park that let kids roam and grown-ups breathe. The Family Deal of rocksresort wraps up the best of the region: lift passes for hiking and biking, entrance to turquoise Lake Cauma, the world's longest treetop walk (complete with gnarly spiral slide) and even childcare when you need a little adult escapism. LAAX brings laid-back energy with sustainability baked in—it's cool, conscious and quietly luxurious. Few destinations offer a better escape than the sun-drenched shores of the Cayman Islands. From December through spring, the island provides clear blue skies, calm turquoise waters, and soft white-sand beaches—an ideal setting for relaxation, adventure, and lasting memories. Cayman Villas presents a carefully curated selection of private villas and condos, each designed to enhance the guest experience with luxurious comfort, exceptional privacy, and panoramic ocean views. Whether exploring vibrant coral reefs, enjoying world renowned local and international cuisine, or unwinding beside a private beachfront pool, each moment offers a sense of tranquillity and indulgence. Well-suited for romantic retreats, family holidays, or group getaways, Cayman Villas serves as a premier gateway to the Caribbean. More information and booking details are available at Chase glaciers, geysers and golden-hour magic in Iceland Whether it's your first time in Iceland or your fifth, there's always so much more to uncover. Arctic Adventures has been guiding travelers through the island's most awe-inspiring landscapes for over 40 years, with expert-led multi-day tours designed for those who want more than just a highlights reel to show for their Icelandic trip. Think whale-watching, glacier hikes and geothermal dips, plus handpicked rural stays, intimate group sizes and departures that are helpfully spaced year-round. From the world famous — and rather photogenic — Golden Circle to more off-the-beaten-track gems, these tours strike the perfect balance of luxury, adventure and local insight. Great for families (kids over six are more than welcome) or anyone craving a bucket-list trip with something of a bespoke twist. Use code EXPLOREICELAND10 for 10% off your multi-day tour at Offer ends June 30, 2025. Follow the sunkissed trail of Mamma Mia! on an unforgettable eight-day island-hopping cruise, Greece: Mamma Mia Islands plus, which blends gentle e-bike rides, crystal-clear swims and cozy yacht living. Part of Boat Bike Tours' Islandhopping Plus program, this small-group adventure takes in Skopelos, Alonissos and other hidden gems of the Sporades — the very landscapes where the beloved movie was filmed. Expect pine-scented hillsides, cerulean seas and sunset toasts in traditional tavernas. Daily bike rides are relaxed and scenic, with e-bike options to make things even simpler, and there's also plenty of time to dive straight off deck into the Aegean. Enjoy daily breakfasts on board your motor yacht, as well as delicious meals and the gentle rhythm of slow travel at sea. Say thank you for the music with code MAMMA50, giving you $50 off per person at Book now Sip smarter on your next summer escape Whether it's beachfront barbecues or golden-hour gatherings, it's increasingly clear that not every great travel memory needs alcohol. That's where a new kind of drink comes in. Enter SENTIA Spirits — a pioneering functional drinks company designed to enhance mood, boost sociability and help you stay fully present. Developed by leading neuroscientist Professor David Nutt, these award-winning blends use cutting-edge science and botanical ingredients to support your brain's natural GABA system, bringing calm, clarity and connection, wherever you roam. Start your day with an energizing pre-surf GABA Black pour, savor vibrant GABA Gold at a long picnic lunch or wind down with a mellow GABA Red after dark. Whether paired with tonic, kombucha or your favorite soda, each sip helps support your wellbeing — without compromising on flavor. Or vibes. Experience Barcelona through a luxury hotel As the Catalan capital warms up for spring, why not head over to Barcelona to soak up the sun? Nobu Hotel Barcelona invites you to immerse yourself in this luxurious, dynamic hub of art, culture and nightlife. The hotel features a swimming pool, a dedicated fitness center and a spa. With sun-soaked days, stylish rooms and world-class dining at Nobu Restaurant, you'll be tempted to stay forever. Plus, enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Barcelona from the city's highest rooftop pool. With the hotel's 'Stay Longer' offer, you can extend your stay with a discounted room rate and free cancellation, giving you even more time to explore the winding streets and gothic architecture of this dynamic city. Enjoy up to 20% off your room rate and learn more about the 'Stay Longer' offer at Offer ends 30 June 2025. Discover crystal-infused footwear designed to help you feel grounded ROKHZ isn't just footwear—it's a statement. Inspired by ancient grounding practices and elevated with modern design, these handcrafted sandals are made to help you feel connected, confident and effortlessly stylish. Each pair features artisan-set crystals and copper elements, combining comfort with a subtle sense of balance. Whether you're navigating the city or taking a mindful moment, ROKHZ moves with you—because grounding should look as good as it feels. Think of them as wearable jewelry for your feet: bold, beautiful and built to last. Enjoy 20% off your first order at with code ROKHZIUS20. Offer valid until 30 June 2025 Redeem now Discover a tranquil Mediterranean island retreat Tucked away in the charming town of Pollença, on the Spanish island of Majorca, Son Sant Jordi is boutique hotel, open year-round, offering a peaceful escape steeped in history. Set within meticulously restored 17th-century townhouses, the hotel features 18 unique rooms that blend rustic Majorcan style with modern comfort. Guests can unwind in a serene garden, take a refreshing dip in the pool or indulge in a massage. With excellent service, a range of treatments in the special wellbeing package, and bespoke courtesy airport transfers, everything here is taken care of for you. Mornings begin with a fresh, locally inspired breakfast on the terrace, while evenings offer the flavors of traditional Majorcan cuisine. Just steps from the main square and the iconic Calvari Steps, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the old town. Perfect for couples or solo travelers, this hidden gem offers a warm, authentic stay in one of Majorca's prettiest settings. Unwind in a historic castle in northern Italy Discover Castel Hörtenberg, a Renaissance castle turned five-star retreat in Bolzano, one of northern Italy's most charming and underrated cities. Just a short walk from the central square of Piazza Walther, this meticulously restored estate offers timeless elegance with modern comfort. Guests enjoy lush gardens, an inviting outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art wellness area and a fully equipped fitness center, all designed for complete relaxation. Culinary experiences shine with Ristorante Le Segrete's sophisticated, locally inspired menu, and Bar Le Meridiane, now open on the castle's beautiful terrace, offering the perfect setting for stylish cocktails and leisurely moments.
San Francisco Chronicle
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Review: S.F. Symphony and Giancarlo Guerrero deliver orchestral showstoppers
Conductor Giancarlo Guerrero's two previous appearances with the San Francisco Symphony amply showcased his flair for colorful, dramatic music. After a two-year gap, he's back at Davies Symphony Hall with a program of glittering orchestral showpieces. The late Kaija Saariaho composed 'Asteroid 4179: Toutatis' in 2005 as a complement to a Berlin Philharmonic concert featuring Gustav Holst's 'The Planets.' The asteroid in question is tiny and irregularly shaped, and at about four minutes in length, the music matches the object's scale. In addition to the astronomical theme, there are the typical Saariaho trademarks: beautiful, ingeniously layered orchestration and power that wells up over the course of the work. The piece opens with crystalline transparency, a piccolo, percussion and celesta floating above the larger orchestra. Massed brass instruments interrupt, and after a brief climax, the orchestra dies away into silence. It was a thoughtful start to this flashy program heard on Friday, May 2, the first of two concerts at Davies, concluding on Saturday, May 3. Igor Stravinsky's great ballet score 'Petrushka' unfolds on a completely different scale, taking some 40 minutes to tell the story of three puppets brought to life by a magician. Guerrero led a taut, exciting account of the work, performed in Stravinsky's revised 1947 version. One of the Costa Rican conductor's superpowers is his ability to throw a spotlight on a piece's structure through knife-edge timing and control of dynamics. Another is knowing when to step back and let the musicians do their thing. Tight ensemble playing was a hallmark of this 'Petrushka.' At the same time, Guerrero gave associate principal flute Blair Francis Paponiu complete freedom in her beautifully played cadenza. The conductor's emphasis on sharply articulated rhythms paid off throughout the work, especially in 'The Grand Carnival' section, when competing bands seemingly play in different meters. Every crescendo and decrescendo was perfectly timed. Occasionally, a section or player was drowned out in the welter of sound. John Wilson's casual virtuosity on piano, positioned right in front of the conductor, was a highlight of the 'Russian Dance,' but Guerrero covered Wilson's playing too often in the opening tableau. The strings were sometimes obliterated by the brass. Nonetheless, this was a thrilling account of a great work. What do Stravinsky and Ottorino Respighi have in common? Both composers studied with Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, one of the great orchestrators of the 19th century, and both came away with enormous skill in handling huge forces. The second half of Friday's program was devoted to Respighi's 'Fountains of Rome' and 'Pines of Rome,' flamboyant blockbusters that have to walk a fine line to avoid turning into kitsch. (This is never an issue with Stravinsky.) Guerrero performed them with a straight face, and his enormous technical skill and ear for color and dynamics made this music sound better than perhaps it fundamentally is. The first work makes its way around Rome, picturing fountains in different locations throughout the day. The 'Valle Giulia' movement, with chiming winds and a prominent celesta part, seemingly pays homage to Richard Strauss' opera 'Der Rosenkavalier.' Special kudos to Marc Shapiro, whose celesta playing contributed beautifully to all four works on the program, and to principal oboe Eugene Izotov and principal flute Yubeen Kim for their work in both Respighi pieces. The brass, too, played brilliantly throughout. It's an oddity of 'Pines of Rome' that the splashy first movement, 'The Pines of the Villa Borghese,' sounds more like an actual fountain than anything in 'Fountains of Rome.' In 'Pines Near a Catacomb,' Guerrero finely judged every climax; principal trumpet Mark Inouye was magnificent in his moody offstage solo (and also in 'Petrushka'). Principal clarinet Carey Bell's long-breathed, introspective solo in 'The Pines of the Janiculum' was another highlight, as were the silken strings and oceanic sound Guerrero conjured. As for the last movement, 'The Pines of the Appian Way,' here Respighi generates excitement through some of the more obvious tricks in a composer's arsenal: antiphonal brass playing from the terrace, full-orchestra chromatic slides and an admittedly electrifying five-minute-long crescendo. The movement is intended to evoke marching Roman legions, but it might just as well be invoking Italian Fascists or Imperial Stormtroopers. We describe, you decide. San Francisco Classical Voice.
The Guardian
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Alexandros Kapelis/Berliner Barock Solisten review – ravishing period immersion in Bach's keyboard concertos
String players wielding baroque bows don't often share the stage with a pianist sat at a modern Steinway grand, but that was the setup for this immersion in JS Bach's keyboard concertos – six of them, performed by the pianist Alexandros Kapelis and the Berliner Barock Solisten. Formed of players moonlighting from the Berlin Philharmonic, the Solisten play on modern instruments but in historically informed style – hence those bows. As for Kapelis, he combined the ornate decoration you would expect from a harpsichord – agile, swerving scales; filigree trills and ornaments that pinged off the starting note – with techniques available only on the modern piano, making subtle but frequent use of the sustaining pedal and, in a couple of ravishing quiet slow-movement passages, bringing the mute pedal into play. The effect was like the costumes in Bridgerton: authentic silhouette; bright, modern palette. For ears used to the either-or of grand-piano Bach or period-instrument Bach, the sound was different, more densely woven. With the piano lid completely removed, there was nothing to bounce the instrument's sound towards the audience – and, in the Barbican Hall's bright acoustic, the Solisten tended to feel very present, rarely softening their edge enough to step completely into the background. Yet Kapelis's crisp articulation cut through just enough, keeping the focus where it needed to be – and in any case, for all that Kapelis took bows and walked on and off like a soloist, the music felt less like a succession of concertos and more like chamber music. The long unison passages that are a feature of the D minor concerto, BWV 1052, were felt and phrased as one by all 13 players. At times like these it was gratifyingly hard to say which of the musicians was leading. The Largo from the F minor concerto, BWV 1056, is the best-known movement of all these concertos and can sound hackneyed; Kapelis, though, made it feel playful, his left hand bouncing on to the bass notes at the end of each phrase. This was played as a literal encore at the end, and sounded different yet again.
Chicago Tribune
14-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Afternoon Briefing: Manhattan's Round Barn set for facelift
Good afternoon, Chicago. Two top Illinois Democrats, Gov. JB Pritzker and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, said today that they oppose a Republican-led stopgap measure that would avert a partial government shutdown. 'I refuse to vote for Republicans' slush fund bill that grants (President Donald) Trump and Elon Musk permission to continue rigging our government and economy against the middle class. … Hell no, I cannot support that,' Duckworth said in a social media post. The stopgap funding bill has already passed in the House and faces a late deadline tonight in the Senate to avoid a shutdown. While Republicans have a majority in the Senate, they'll need some Democratic support to advance it with a 60-vote threshold. Here's what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices. 'The end of an era': Top Madigan prosecutor known for bringing blockbuster mob, corruption cases, stepping down Known as a dogged but fair litigator, Amarjeet Bhachu learned from Outfit-busting legends like Gary Shapiro and Mitchell Mars before eventually taking over the Public Corruption and Organized Crime Section, leading a series of bombshell investigations into mobsters, lobbyists, corporate CEOs and crooked politicians. Read more here. Landmarks: Likely a White City artifact, Manhattan's Round Barn set for $2.5 million facelift Once glorious, part of a shining showcase of classical architecture that became known around the globe as the White City, the bulk of the buildings that made up the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 had been emptied and abandoned after the World's Fair closed in 1894. Read more here. More top business stories: Chicago dental equipment manufacturer gobbles up logistics warehouse at former Allstate site in Glenview American Airlines Boeing 737 catches fire after landing at Denver airport; 12 people taken to hospitals with minor injuries From tuna cutting to samurai warriors: Shota Imanaga and Seiya Suzuki host welcome party for Chicago Cubs in Tokyo All eyes were on Seiya Suzuki and Shota Imanaga during today's workout at the Tokyo Dome in front of an estimated 10,000 fans. Read more here. CSO's principal flute departs for the Berlin Philharmonic Musician Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, the principal flute of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is taking a one-year leave of absence from the orchestra after winning the same post at the Berlin Philharmonic. Read more here. More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories: John Feinstein, bestselling author and nationally renowned sports writer, dies at 69 'Ted Lasso' is coming back. Apple TV+ confirms Jason Sudeikis' hit show will have a fourth season Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer gave members of his caucus days to vent their frustration about the options before them, but abruptly switched course and made clear on the eve of voting that he will not allow a government shutdown.
