Media
HKU Cultural Management Office presents
Harpsichord Redefined: Rondeau Plays Bach’s Goldberg Variations
10 Mar 2017
Presented by Cultural Management Office, HKU
Friday, 7 April 2017, 8PM
Grand Hall, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, The University of Hong Kong
"Lively, ardent, captivating, and always dynamically charged" - La Libre Belgique
A classical harpsichordist, composer, and jazz pianist? Meet Jean Rondeau from France, one of the most fascinating musicians today. Having started on the harpsichord at age 6, and is now about to turn 26, Rondeau has developed an affinity for the instrument with rock-solid techniques that allows him to explore its endless possibilities and challenges. In his Hong Kong debut on 7 April, Rondeau will present Bach’s Goldberg Variations, infusing the monumental work with a sense of modernity.
The harpsichord first captured Rondeau’s attention when he was five years old, “I heard some harpsichord on the radio without knowing what it was; I pointed to the radio and told my parents - That’s what I want to do…” Ever since that encounter, he has been drawn in particular to Bach’s music. “His music is full of humility, so generous, that we have the right and the duty to play it, to share it, and to take the hand that he extends to us” said Rondeau in his early interviews.
Winning the first prize at the prestigious Bruges International Harpsichord Competition, Rondeau’s playing was described as ‘lively, ardent, captivating, and always dynamically charged’ (La Libre Belgique). Come and join us on as Rondeau makes his Hong Kong debut, and experience his ongoing curiosity at work, taking the centuries-old instrument back into the spotlight.
Programme
J. S. Bach Goldberg Variations, BWV 988
Programme Enquiries
3917 8165 | www.muse.hku.hk
Press Photos Download
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hk91aubqyiic5nd/AAB0Om1UiB9VxEWPva2mbYZra?dl=0
Tickets are available from URBTIX:
2111 5999 | www.urbtix.hk
Media Enquiries
For more information and interview arrangements, please contact:
Ms June Lui | Manager, Cultural Management Office, HKU
Tel: 3917 7753 | Email: junelch@hku.hk
Biography:
Jean Rondeau studied harpsichord with Blandine Verlet for over ten years, followed by training in basso continuo, organ, piano, jazz and improvisation, and conducting. He pursued further studies at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris, graduating with honours, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.
In 2012, at just 21 years old, he became one of the youngest performers ever to take First Prize at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges (MAfestival 2012), also winning the EUBO Development Trust prize; an accolade bestowed on the most promising young musician of the European Union. The same year, he claimed second place in the Prague Spring International Harpsichord Competition (64th edition of the Festival, 2012), along with a nod for the best interpretation of the contemporary piece composed specially for that contest. In 2013, he also won the Prix des Radios Francophones Publiques.
Rondeau is in demand for solo, chamber music, and orchestral appearances throughout Europe and in the United States. He frequently performs with the Baroque quartet Nevermind. Quite apart from his activities as harpsichordist, he founded the ensemble Note Forget, presenting his own jazz-oriented compositions and improvisations on piano.
Rondeau is signed to Erato as an exclusive recording artist. His debut album of music by J. S. Bach, Imagine, was released in January 2015 and received the Choc de Classica and Prix Charles Cros. The second recording on Erato, Vertigo, saw Rondeau pay tribute to two Baroque composers from his native France: Jean-Philippe Rameau and Pancrace Royer. His latest album, Dynastie, explores keyboard concertos by Bach&Sons. In 2016 he composed his first original score for a film, Christian Schwochow's Paula, which premiered at the 2016 Locarno Film Festival.
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