Virtuoso flute performer Gary Shocker will land this weekend on the first stop of his New Year's Asian tour, including Japan. On this trip, the internationally renowned flu-tist will perform and, on the same day, give seminars to flute students and enthusiasts both in Taichung and Taipei tomorrow and Sunday.
Described as having a poetic and virtuoso style, Gary Shocker is the most published living composer of flute music in the world.
"Shocker's extraordinary breath control, subtle shadings of color and dynamics and witty timing at the cadenzas were highlights of his performance," the Telegram & Gazette reviewer opined.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NEW ASPECT FOUNDATION.
Fan Man-nong (樊曼儂), one of Taiwan's leading flutists, said Shocker was a musician who had a natural, easy-listening style.
"The artistic image of his flute music is like a person sitting in a deck chair on a summer's afternoon and leisurely looking at puppy-shaped clouds in the sky. He delivers the easy-going mood of the American countryside, far away from the clamor of the city."
Shocker started playing the piano at the age of two, has been composing since five and began playing the flute aged 10.
His other great love is of musical theater. So far, he has written three highly-praised musicals, which include Far From the Maddening Crowd, The Awakening and Looking For Love.
He has published more than 100 musical works and produced over 10 CDs.
Shocker's arrival is expected to generate enormous enthusiasm from local flutists.
Many of them are expected to show up for his seminar held at 12 noon in Tunghai University (東海大學) and recital at 7:30pm at Ming-te Girl's Senior High School (明德女中) in Taichung City tomorrow.
On Sunday, Shocker will give his seminar at 11am at Ja-Wei Audio & Visual Co (家威影音) and his recital at 7:30pm, at the Novel Hall in Taipei. Both performances will be accompanied by principal flute player Anders Norell and pianist Wu Si-hui (吳思惠) of the National Symphony Orchestra. For further information, visit www.newaspect.org.tw or call (02) 2709 3788.
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