Back to Press Release List > - Pianist Haochen Zhang Added to Lineup for Ancient Paths, Modern Voices Festival

Carnegie Hall today announced that pianist Haochen Zhang will perform a free recital on Monday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Flushing Town Hall in Queens as part of Carnegie Hall’s 21-day citywide event, Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture. This will be Mr. Zhang’s first concert in New York since becoming one of the youngest participants and the first Chinese performer to earn the Gold Medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in June 2009. The program includes Chopin’s complete 24 Preludes, Op. 28; Ravel’s Gaspard de la nuit; and Liszt’s Rhapsodie espagnole.

Presented by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute, this free Neighborhood Concert replaces the previously announced free recital by Yundi Li, originally scheduled on this date. Mr. Li is unable to perform during the festival due to family reasons. His November 1 recital in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage has been postponed to May 20, 2010, and his November 3 master class has been canceled.

Additional Neighborhood Concerts presented during the festival include Chinese percussion group Ba Da Chui at University Settlement on Manhattan’s Lower East Side on October 24 at 3:00 p.m., Ensemble ACJW performing works by composers from the famed “Class of 1978” on October 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Flushing Town Hall, the Zhang Family Band at Henry Street Settlement on the Lower East Side on October 25 at 3:00 p.m., and two Chinese instrument workshops with members of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra on October 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Flushing Town Hall and on October 29 at 4:00 p.m. at University Settlement at the Houston Street Center.

Artist Information
In June 2009, Haochen Zhang became one of the youngest participants and the first Chinese recipient to be awarded the prestigious Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal at the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Over the next season, Mr. Zhang embarks on a worldwide tour including engagements with the Beijing Music Festival, Wolf Trap Discovery Series, San Francisco Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, Hannover Prize Winners Series, and recitals in Krakow and Lodz, Poland. Mr. Zhang gave his debut recital at the Shanghai Concert Hall at the age of five, performing the complete Bach Two-Part Inventions and sonatas by Haydn and Mozart. His orchestral debut was made at the age of six and he was awarded first prize at the Shanghai Piano Competition at the ages of seven and nine. In 2005, he moved to the U.S. to attend the Curtis Institute of Music. In 2007, Mr. Zhang was the youngest winner of the China International Piano Competition and, in 2008, at the age of 18, he made his Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Youth Symphony.

Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture
From October 21 to November 10, 2009, Carnegie Hall presents Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture, paying tribute to China’s diverse and vibrant culture and its influence around the world with 21 days of events at Carnegie Hall and throughout the city at New York partner institutions. In conjunction with the festival, Carnegie Hall has launched a special web site, carnegiehall.org/chinafestival, with the most up-to-date information on festival events, video interviews and performance excerpts from featured artists, and insights into Chinese culture and festival programs.

Program Information
Monday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
The Theater at Flushing Town Hall (137-35 Northern Blvd. at the corner of Linden Place)
CARNEGIE HALL NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERT: HAOCHEN ZHANG

CHOPIN 24 Preludes, Op. 28
RAVEL Gaspard de la nuit
LISZT Rhapsodie espagnole

Ancient Paths, Modern Voices: A Festival Celebrating Chinese Culture is made possible by a leadership gift from Henry R. Kravis in honor of his wife, Marie-Josée.

Sponsored by Target

Tickets: Free (Seating is limited. First come, first serve. Public Phone: 718-463-7700 x222)

Bank of America is the Proud Season Sponsor of Carnegie Hall.

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