Die Deutsche Kammer Philharmonie from Germany will perform at the Century Theatre tonight to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Germany.
Founded in 1980 in Breman, the city where Beethoven's First Symphony premiered, the orchestra is composed of young and promising musicians. Under the direction of Daniel Harding, one of the most acclaimed young conductors in Europe, it has become a leading international chamber orchestra, appearing regularly at major European music centers.
The concert will feature talented German pianist Ragna Schirmer who is known for her virtuosity, poetic temperament and the breadth of her performances.
Schirmer became the first two time winner of the J.S. Bach International competition when she won again in 1998. She first won in 1992 at the age of 19.
So far, she has won 15 First Prizes at German and international piano competitions.
Schirmer's ornamentation is fitting and natural, and transitions between contrasting sections are pure musical magic.
Under the baton of 35-year-old Stefan Geiger, the chamber orchestra will play Beethoven's Piano Concerto, Mendelssohn's Symphony No 4, and Invisible Landscapes a commissioned piece scored by Chinese composer Chen Xiaoyong.
(China Daily November 8, 2002)
