The Megaphone – Liz Parker's Blog

….from astonishing-precocious child star to a fully seasoned, mature performer.  And this is not always easy to do: I’ve seen and heard plenty of stories (growing up in the music word) about child prodigies who can’t cope with the pressure of becoming adult musicians.  Sarah Chang seems to have made the transition seamlessly.

When I first heard of her, she looked something like this:

Totally adorable.  Then I was doing PR for the Vancouver Symphony, and was sent a press kit of her looking like this:

Like, whoa!  As a teen, she seemed to babify overnight.  And her sound deepened, matured, and she played with an assuredness that had nothing to do with fearless youth, but of someone who had the chops.

Now, her PR stills are looking positively editorial:

It’s a wonderful thing when someone as gifted as Sarah succeeds with the transition to adulthood, both as a performer and someone who understands the importance of image.  They say image isn’t everything – but someone devoid of what works in that realm will hinder her own ability to forge ahead, even with a large talent.  And of course, an artist who is image-conscious without talent won’t progress either – at least, not for long.

Sarah Chang performs at Markham Theatre in recital with pianist Andrew von Oeyen.  This is their only Canadian visit this season. They will perform Brahms’ Sonatensatz and Sonata No.  3; Fantasy by Christopher Theofanidis; and Franck’s Sonata in A+.  Tickets are $49 – $69.  905 305 SHOW (7469)  or visit www.markhamtheatre.ca.

See you there!

Michael Maniaci is hilarious.  He’s very animated, outgoing, and offers up plenty of enjoyable conversation.  I first met him in the fall of 2009 to discuss his album, “Mozart: Arias forMale Soprano” (Telarc).   When I’ve talked about his album to friends, even my “music friends” ask what the deal is with his voice.  ”Is he a countertenor?” they ask.  ”No.”  ”And he’s a GUY, right?” “Yes.”  ”Did he have his -” “No,” I quickly answer.   For whatever reason, his voice didn’t “break” in the usual manner when he was a teenager.

What’s amazing is he was blessed with a serious musical gift to make the very best out of his unusual voice – which is as high as a soprano (he has a high C) but with the strength and power of a man.   He’s as close to sounding like the castrato of an era gone by.   To see Michael explain, please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2liGFJFuGk

This CD, recorded with Boston Baroque under its founding maestro, Martin Pearlman, is Michael’s debut recording.  It’s on the Telarc label, and is available in Canada and the US on Tuesday, January 26th.

I’ll keep you posted on future visits to Toronto.  And you bet when Michael’s in town, he can be spotted chowing down on Fune’s Mountain Rolls with me in tow.

I met Yuval Fichman a long time ago.  Like, twenty-five years ago.  My brother was doing a tour of Japan with the Vancouver Symphony, and Yuval was the other pianist featured.  I recall a whoop-dee-doo event where Bill Lewarne, the mayor of Burnaby was present, as was the premiere of BC, Bill Bennett.   Back then I was struck by Yuval’s sense of humour, his unique voice (there is no way I can describe it without sounding vaguely insulting, so I won’t; but I find it terribly endearing) … but trust me, it’s distincitve.   Yuval also has a way with words.  When I called him up and left him a message saying, “Yuval … it’s Liz Parker.  I’m promoting your Sinfonia Toronto concert.  You may not remember me, but we met twenty-five years ago in Tokyo.”  Well, not only did he remember, he totally outdid me in a voicemail back: “Hiiii Liiiiiz.  It’s Yuuuuvaaal.  I rememberrrr youuu.  At the reception, you were wearing a gossamer white dresss, DAAAzzling red beads, and red shoooooes.”  I was gobsmacked.

To check him out in action playing Lizst, please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTSKNYqTBgE

To check him out playing Chopin’s 2nd Piano Concerto to mark the 200th birthday of the composer, please click www.sinfoniatoronto.com to purchasetickets!

See you there!

Liz