Cecilia Bartoli & Lang Lang
Exceptional Gala Opening of the Bal de la Rose
Music by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, among others...
In 2008 Cecilia Bartok undertook a veritable “marathon” of concerts to honour the 200th anniversary of the birth of Maria Malibran. These celebrations brought together some of the world’s finest musicians, among them the Chinese pianist Lang Lang. It turned out to be an artistic epiphany for the two artists who discovered that they share the same energy, the same love of nuances and the search for colours in music, as well as enjoying virtuoso rivalry. As one of the most sought-after pianists with a worldwide reputation, Lang Lang’s concerts are a major event. Laureate at the age of 13 of the Tchaikovsky Competition, he completed his studies at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. His recording in 2003 of Tchaikovsky’s and Mendelssohn’s Piano Concertos was acclaimed by his peers. Since then, his performances at events such as the World Cup in Munich and the Olympic Games in Beijing, as well as numerous multi-genre performances beyond the world of classical music, have made him hugely popular. This rare recital, which will open the Bal de la Rose 2024, will bring these two iconic personalities together again at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo.
Lang Lang
Have you played at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo before and what do you remember about it?
I played in this theatre once. It was for the 150th anniversary of the SBM during the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival. I remember that H.S.H. Prince Albert attended, I remember the absolutely beautiful, glorious building, and that we did a jam session with the wonderful Jamie Cullum.
Mostly, you play solo recitals or with orchestra, but rarely, for instance, partnering a singer. Are there any differences?
There is a huge difference. With singers you must listen carefully and support them. Because you are accompanying them, you play generally lighter. You must perform intimately and open all your sensibilities – especially with Cecilia Bartoli, who is the most sensitive great musician.
It is rare that you perform with Cecilia Bartoli. How did you get to know her?
Probably far more than ten years ago I met her backstage during one of her US tours. I was still a student at Curtis and had fallen in love with her artistry. I went to see her and I think we immediately became friends.
How would you describe the effect great music can have on people?
I am so grateful that we can do this concert together in Monte Carlo. It is the first time since our last recital during Cecilia’s Malibran marathon at Salle Pleyel many years ago. With her, I always play with the most delicate sound. She encouraged me to use the sixth sense when performing, to find the softest dynamics and finest nuance in colour. I hope that our concert will give people some new inspiration. I would like to imagine that it awakens your other sense of knowing the sound. And that it gives you something you never felt before.
What project or repertoire are you working on currently?
I am working on a new, French-inspired album with the Carnival of the Animals and Saint-Saëns’s Second Piano Concerto. And for my recitals I am preparing a new programme with Chopin Polonaises and Mazurkas, and Schumann. So I am back to the Romantics!