The famous American violinist Sarah Chang is holding a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum on February 14th 2010. The recital is part of a 2010 international tour of the artist alongside pianist Andrew von Oeyen. The programme includes César Franck's Sonata in A major,  Fantasy by Christopher Theofanidis (in premičre in Romania), and Sonata No. 3 in D minor Op. 108 by Johannes Brahms. The artist has granted us an exclusive interview from which we present you the following excerpt.


You are on a grand recital tour this year. What are the objectives of this musical journey and where will you be having concerts?

I go on tour very often and I hold concerts all the time which, to my mind, is normal for an artist. However, this time will be different as it is a recital tour. In most of my concerts I am accompanied by an orchestra, so one could consider them ample concerts. I do not give that many recitals. This has been my first recital tour in the past three years, so I am very excited about it. Within this tour I have already performed in Asia - Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong. In Europe, I will be performing in Romania followed by Great Britain (London), Switzerland (Zürich), Italy, Germany and many more places. After having crossed Europe, I will be going to the U.S.A. in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco. As I have said before, this is an extensive tour and I am very thrilled about it.


Among the cities where you are to hold recitals, is there one you haven't performed in before?

I don't think so. I have generally covered the big cities and greatest music centres of the world. I have previously performed in Romania together with my orchestra as well as in the other cities. It is wonderful as I have been in this industry for a long time and I have come to learn which cities are dear to me, where the audience is receptive and this is indeed a pleasure. Will you be performing the same programme everywhere?

In this recital tour, yes. I will be playing Brahms's Sonata, Franck's Sonata and a new piece written especially for me by Greek-American composer Christopher Theofanidis. It is a delightful programme. After my last recital due in March, I will embark on a series of concerts: Brahms, Bruch and until the end of the year I will be performing only in concerts accompanied by my orchestra.


In 2001 and 2003 you were invited at the 'George Enescu' International Festival. What memories do you have of Bucharest and its audience?

Romania is truly incredible. What I recall is a deeply enthusiastic audience with a profound musical culture. I was very impressed by the Romanians' love and appreciation of classical music. The 'George Enescu' International Competition is a worldwide renowned festival. I remember having eaten too much in Romania as the food was very good; what also springs to mind is the beautiful landscape. I look forward to returning here as soon as possible.


You will be performing two sonatas - by Brahms and Franck - as well as Fantasy by Theofanidis. To what extent does this programme define you?

It defines me in the sense that it is in a romantic vein. This is the type of repertoire which fits me like a glove. Brahms is one of my favourite composers. I have just recorded his Violin Concerto and have spent an entire year in his company, so I'm very thrilled to be performing the Sonata. Regarding Franck's Sonata, all I can say is that it's a superb piece and it is my favourite. And the new composition, [Fantasy by C. Theofanidis] which has been dedicated to me, illustrates my current pursuits. I try to interpret as many contemporary pieces as possible, I dedicate more and more of my time to working with contemporary composers. All in all, I believe the entire programme represents the essence of Sarah Chang.


The full interview granted by Sarah Chang exclusively for Radio Romania Music will be broadcast on Successful music stories.

Interview by: Monica Isacescu
Translated by Alina-Olimpia Miron
MA Student, MTTLC, Bucharest University