Gisborne’s classical music enthusiasts are in for a treat as internationally acclaimed pianist Quang Hong Luu returns to the city next month for a solo piano concert at St Andrew’s Church.
Luu, known for his emotive performances and technical brilliance, will perform two sonatas by Italian composer Domenico Scarlatti, alongside seven works by the legendary Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.
The programme centers on pieces from Liszt’s “Years of Pilgrimage”, specifically the second volume, reflecting the composer’s profound artistic inspiration from Italy’s scenic beauty, art, and architectural heritage.
Luu made a memorable Gisborne debut last June, where he captivated local audiences with music by Debussy and Liszt.
“I received such a warm welcome from an incredibly attentive audience,” Luu recalled. “Last time, I performed the first volume of Liszt’s ‘Years of Pilgrimage’, which coincided with my first year in New Zealand. This time, I return with the second volume, which mirrors both the music’s evolution and my own growth as a musician.”
Born in Vietnam in 1990, Quang Hong Luu’s musical journey has taken him across continents. He studied at the Vietnam National Academy of Music, the Australian International Conservatory of Music, and the University of Montreal in Canada.
A highlight of his career was performing Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Szolnok Hungarian State Orchestra at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest in early 2024.
Over the years, Luu has graced stages with renowned orchestras such as:
- The Hanoi Symphony Orchestra
- The Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra
- The Florence Orchestra (Italy)
- Symphony Orchestra Queensland (Australia)
- The KOZY Symphony Orchestra
- The Metropolitan Orchestra in Sydney
- And the Wuhan Symphony Orchestra (China)
In 2012, he debuted with a CD and DVD under the Master Performers label. His most recent release, a CD of Liszt’s 12 Transcendental Études, came out last year through the Rattle recording label.
For Luu, live performances hold a special significance. “The most rewarding part of a concert is sharing the ‘non-verbal expression of the sound world’ with an audience,” he said. “Their presence fuels my focus and often draws out more emotional depth than I can achieve in the studio.”
Currently, Luu is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the New Zealand School of Music, studying under Dr Jian Liu.
His upcoming performance promises to be a stirring evening of musical mastery, connecting Liszt’s timeless compositions with a pianist whose passion and talent continue to rise on the global stage.
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