In honor of Chopin

2010 marks the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Polish pianist and composer Frederic Chopin, the great poet of classical music.

Over 2000 commemorative activities have taken place around the globe since the beginning of the year, and Chopin has also become one of the themes of the 13th Beijing Music Festival.

A star-studded cast of composer Howard Shore, pianist Lang Lang, conductor Yu Long and the China Philharmonic Orchestra jointly presented the opening concert at the Poly Theatre on Monday.

Howard Shore

Concerto for Piano and Orchestra "Ruin and Memory" is Howard Shore's tribute in remembrance of Chopin. The vital element of the 30-minute piece is the subtlety of Shore's orchestration.

Howard Shore is among today's most respected, honored, and active composers and music conductors. His works with Peter Jackson on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy stands as his most towering achievement to date, earning him three Academy Awards, four Grammys and three Golden Globes. He has also distinguished himself with a wide range of score projects, from Martin Scorsese's "The Departed" to "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Philadelphia."

Shore regards the piece as "a valentine" to the piano, Lang Lang, and Chopin. And Lang Lang, heralded as the "hottest artist on the classical music planet", has long wanted to cooperate with Shore. That's why he is excited about playing Chopin's works and one special piece for Chopin by Shore.

Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

Lang Lang said, "Chopin is important to every musician and pianist, and Shore's work is beautiful."

Apart from "Ruin and Memory", Lang Lang also played "Les Sylphides", arranged by Roy Douglas and "Nocturne in A Flat Major," which is the second act from "Les Sylphides" and arranged by Igor Stravinsky. "Les Sylphides" is a ballet originally choreographed by Michel Fokine to Chopin's music. From its Parisian appearance in 1909, the ballet has become a repertoire of the scene.

Lang Lang says the Beijing Music Festival is his first choice of presenting a concert combining both Chopin's popular works and a 21st century salutatory piece.

Lang Lang said, "Beijing Music Festival is one of the greatest in the world."

Another Chinese piano prodigy Li Yundi, presented his interpretation of Chopin on Tuesday in a solo concert.

And until October 31st, the Beijing Music Festival will stage well-selected symphonic, chamber music and chorus concerts from home and abroad, as well as a couple of Chinese opera premieres.