It's not easy to put two classical music heavyweights on the same stage, particularly when both are dubbed "prince." But on this occasion, violinist Chia-hung Drapal Liao (
"It is always `ladies first' in Europe," said Liao, who has more commonly worked with a female accompanist. "With Eric, it's kind of funny. During our rehearsals, we both tried to be polite and let the other walk [on and off stage] first."
PHOTO: COURTESY OF EJ TALENT AGENCY
At rehearsals, Chen, the pianist, politely gives way to the Austrian-trained violinist, four years his senior, but Liao generously returned the favor by writing a solo into the end of the first half of the program for the "piano prince." Chen, who trained in the US and hails from Tainan, will be playing Liszt's virtuoso solo Mephisto Waltz No. 1.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF EJ TALENT AGENCY
The two musicians took drastically different paths in their training, but have come together for their first encounter on stage amid surprisingly little fanfare.
"Eric and I have different personalities and expectations, and that actually helps us avoid clashes," Liao said. Raised in a family of musicians, there were few hurdles to his musical education. He was sent to Vienna as a teenager, where he stayed for almost 20 years before returning to Taipei five years ago. He is currently an associate professor of music at Taiwan National Normal University, and holds regular concerts with performers from a variety of backgrounds.
Chen's family is also involved in music, owning a classical instrument business in Tainan. He has released 17 albums since his debut in 1987, most of which are instrumental cover versions of popular songs from Taiwan and abroad such as I Don't Want to Miss a Thing from the Armageddon original soundtrack on last year's Make Love Stay (
While the title of the show, "Chia-hung Drapal Liao vs Eric Chen," may sound competitive, even confrontational, their mutual respect is obvious. Chen shrugged off the idea that there was any jealousy or competitiveness between the two performers. "Not at all," he said. "It's been a pleasant experience to work with him." For one thing, Chen is used to working with different male violinists so it is not unusual for him to play accompaniment. He has known Liao's family since he was a college student and says he is happy to be formally introduced to him on stage. But most of all, he cares about bringing quality programs to music lovers.
"We are one entity, an inseparable package," Chen said. He respects Liao as someone who sticks to his own standard in everything. "He's a perfectionist," says Chen. "I appreciate that he manages to oversee everything including the program and the flyers. We are both trying to make this occasion the best it can be."
For the New Year concert, Liao is excited to play one of his favorite pieces: Chanson Polonaise, Mazurka in G-minor op. 12-2 from Polish composer Wieniawski. As for Chen, he has selected two Chopin pieces -- Etude in E-major, op. 10-3, and Eroica Polonaise, op. 53 -- both speedy and cheerful easy listening numbers. "It's kind of nostalgic, as they are pieces that I have cherished since college," said Chen, whose favorite composers include Chopin, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.
Performance Notes:
What: Waltz of Love: Chia-hung Drapal Liao vs Eric Chen (愛的圓舞曲 : 廖嘉弘vs 陳冠宇)
When: Jan. 5, 7:45pm
Where: The Recital Hall of the National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳演奏廳), 21-1 Chungshan S. Rd., Taipei (台北市中山南路21-1號)
Tickets: NT$500 - NT$2,000; tel: 2781-0987; 2375-9488
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