Helen Yu - Piano
On February 27, 2016 at 7:30pm, Helen Yu, one of four winners of the Richmond Music Festival Concerto Competition will be performing the second movement from Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, Op. 11. In our weekly artist feature, we asked Helen to answer a few questions:
How long have you been playing the piano?
I've been playing for 8 years since 3 years old.
Why did you choose to play the piano?
Out of all the instruments, the piano was my favourite, so that's why I chose it.
What other instruments do you play?
No, I only play the piano
Why did you choose to perform this concerto?
I really like Chopin's melodies, harmonies, and colours, and I had already also played the Chopin 2nd Concerto, so I thought it'd be good to also do the 1st concerto.
What were the most challenging aspects of learning your concerto and why? And how did you overcome them?
The most challenging aspects of this concerto were understanding the story, or the meaning behind the music, and to also produce a sweet, innocent-like sound, and at times, a sparkling sound. I learned that as long as you played it from your heart, the piece would at least have some meaning to it. I also overcame the sound obstacle by using my ear to listen to if the sound is too thick, harsh soft, or not projected enough, etc.
Who is your favourite composer and why?
My favourite composer is Frederic Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven. I chose Chopin because his music speaks so deeply from the heart and soul itself, and Beethoven because his story behind a piece is so fascinating once you uncover it, and also very puzzling when you're trying to figure it all out.
When you are not practicing the piano you are probably _______(Fill in the blank)_______
I would probably be reading, or listening to music.
RISING STARS 2016
Saturday, February 27, 2016 - 7:30pm
Richmond Pentecostal Church
9300 Westminster Highway Richmond, BC, V6X 1B1 Canada
ADVANCED TICKETS:
Adult: $18.00
Senior/Student: $15.00
Children (under 13): $6.00
Advanced tickets can be purchased online or in person at Long and McQuade in Richmond (6760 No 3 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C2).
For detailed event information please visit: http://www.roca.ca/2015-2016-concert-season/2015/12/30/rising-stars
