Star soloists and soloists gather in Shanghai for Left Bank Music Festival
By Jiang Fang, Wenhui Po reporter
Tonight, a “Left Bank Night” will bring together world-renowned soloists like Zhang Haochen, Ning Feng, Kang Zhumei, and Shanghai Symphony Orchestra players to kick off the highly anticipated Left Bank Music Festival in Shanghai. Over the course of 10 days, eight unique chamber music concerts will be showcased at the prestigious Shanghai Symphony Hall and Blackstone TRI Third Space.
The brainchild behind this festival, pianist Zuo Zhang, has always been a passionate advocate for chamber music. Drawing inspiration from her days in New York, where impromptu music sessions with friends fueled her love for the genre, Zuo Zhang felt compelled to bring this experience to Shanghai. She believes that the city’s vibrant classical music market and mature audience make it the perfect setting for such an event.
With a carefully curated repertoire featuring personal favorites and groundbreaking works, the Left Bank Music Festival promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for both performers and audiences alike. Highlight performances include Mendelssohn’s “String Octet in E flat major” led by Ning Feng and Kang Zhumei, as well as a debut collaboration between violinist Ning Feng and pianist Zhang Haochen on Kapustin’s “Concerto for Violin, Piano and String Orchestra”.
Not just a standalone event, the Left Bank Music Festival has been integrated into the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra’s 2023-24 music season as a “festival within a festival”. Director Zhou Ping commends Zuo Zhang’s vision and courage in spearheading this initiative, aiming to uplift Shanghai’s chamber music scene and provide a platform for innovative musicians and works to shine.
As the festival unfolds, Shanghai’s music enthusiasts can look forward to a harmonious blend of talent, creativity, and passion at the Left Bank Music Festival. With each performance promising to captivate and inspire, this event is set to leave a lasting imprint on the city’s cultural landscape for years to come.