Medici concerts

Pascal and Ami Roge

Saturday 28 May 8pm

Conservatorium Theatre, South Bank

Internationally acclaimed French pianist Pascal Roge epitomises the elegance and refinement of the art of French pianism. His playing is characterised by its beauty and delicate phrasing ... 'replete with impressionist illumination ... creating a haven of tranquility'. His name is synonymous with the finest playing of French repertory in the world today.

The third generation of a musical family, it is not surprising that Pascal Roge could read music before he could read books. He began music lessons with his mother at age four and fondly recalls a happy childhood with an old - style education of home tutors. By the age of eight, he had played the Ravel Piano Concerto for Marguerite Long, the legendary teacher who knew Debussy, Faure and Ravel and who premiered Ravel's G major Concerto with the composer conducting. Pascal also studied at the Paris Conservatoire with Julius Katchen who remains the most enduring influence of his life. Katchen taught him French music is instinctive and it's better to learn how to play Debussy by going to a gallery and looking at paintings by Monet and Pissarro or reading Mallarme or Cocteau to give one an idea of the flavour of the period.

Pascal Roge will be joined by his wife Ami, together they form a formidable duo - 'one piano is divine, two is a musical feast'. Ami Hakuno had a well established career as a pianist and harpsichordist. She was born in Tokyo, began piano studies at a young age and studied at the Julliard School in New York. Ami is fluent in French and immersed in French culture, it's music, art and literature. Pascal Roge will perform solo piano works in the first half of the program finishing with Schubert's finest work for piano duet, the ravishingly beautiful Fantasie in F minor. With its glorious opening theme, this is one of the most inspired compositions for two musicians. The second half of the program includes two piano works by Poulenc, Dukas' cheeky The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Ravel's glorious La Valse.

Pascal and Ami Roge were married in 2009... three times!

They had - A Traditional Wedding in Japan, A Wedding Cake Party in France and A Romantic Wedding in Venice ... Las Vegas!

To celebrate this joyous occasion, they also recorded a CD called Wedding Cake on the Onyx label performing Saint-Saens playful Wedding Cake waltz, Faure, Ravel, Debussy, Poulenc and a work composed by Japanese - American composed Paul Chihara called Ami Suite, a love song for Ami, the CD is a celebration of 'four hands and two hearts'.   

CONCERT DETAILS:
Pascal & Ami Roge in Recital, Conservatorium Theatre, Brisbane. Saturday 28 May, 8pm

Tickets: $52 - $58. Bookings Qtix 136 246 or qtix.com.au

MEDICI CONCERTS www.mediciconcerts.com.au