Pianist Fujzko Hemming
Fuzjko Hemming Piano Recital with Cellist Marek Szpakiewicz
Sunday, March 13, 7:30 pm. Zipper Hall (inside the Colburn School)
200 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Tickets: $35, $25 ($15 for seniors and students) http://hemming.brownpapertickets.com (800) 838-3006
Having sold more than 2 million copies of her debut CD, “La Campanella,” Fuzjko Hemming is one of the most beloved pianists among Japanese and European audience. Recently, Catalunya Radio, the largest classical music radio station in Spain, chose her latest CD as the best CD by listeners’ votes.
Hemming will be back to Los Angeles for a special recital to commemorate the 5th anniversary of earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
After having lived in Europe for more than 30 years, Hemming returned to Japan in her 60s. It was in 1999 when Japan’s public broadcaster NHK aired a documentary of her turbulent life story and her performances.
The documentary received a sensational reaction, making her a star in Japan overnight. In the same year, her debut album, “La Campanella,” was released and went on to sell over two million copies.
The Zipper Hall recital features works by Chopin, Liszt, Brahms and Rachmaninov, including Hemming’s signature piece “La Campanella.” A portion of the proceeds will go to 2011 Japan Relief Fund for the earthquake victims in northern Japan.
This recital also features acclaimed Polish cellist Marek Szpakiewicz, residing in Los Angeles. Celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma described him as an artist “whose energy, motivation, earnestness and generosity of spirit are evident through his work.” Szpakiewicz’s solo performance can be heard on several soundtracks, including the film “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” starring Richard Gere. He has been supporting the Soma Children’s Orchestra in Fukushima since its inception through his charity concerts.