Friday, August 26, 2011

Quang makes the finals if Lev Vlassenko 2011

So I've been a bit slack on blog entries but I have wn excuse, I've been in Europe and currently London checking out this amazing city for the first time as an adult!
Anyways, more about that later. Te more pressing news is that Quang Hong Luu, my dear friend has made it into the finals of the Lev avlassenko Piano Competition!
I am so proud to have seen him grow as a Pianist for the past few years as he undertook studies in Australia at the international Cinservatorium of Music, Sydney.
I was able to grab a few moments with him to ask him how he was preparing:
1. How did you feel your first round went? I was quite nervous in round 1A especially in the Bach, but only about half a minute or so then i start to enjoy music much more, round 1B i started to get used to the piano and the stage.
2. What pieces consisted in your semi round? My semi round was Beethoven Sonata op.2-3, Vine 5 Bagatelles, Liszt Hungarian Rhapsody no.12.
3. How have the other competitors been? I haven't talked to all the competitors yet but in general they are quite open and friendly.
4. How has the orchestral rehearsal gone? I had my first rehearsal today, everything seems all right except for some areas in the second movement, i was quite excited to play so tempo was a bit rushed need to adjust tomorrow.
5. What are you doing to prepare for finals round? Of course practise would be the main thing haha! But i'm just taking things very gentle and steady cause this concerto in particular is very famous for breaking pianists arms! haha, i need to make sure my peak is on this Sarturday, not today or tomorrow.
6. What did you expect before coming to the competition? Seriously i did not expect to be able to play in the concerto round, i just thought it would be nice to take part in and make some good music, plus i was looking forward to many other things other than just competing , like playing on good pianos, meeting new friends, catch up with old friends, masterclass, concerts, sight seeing,...... many good things!
7. How do your parents feel? What was their reaction when you told them you got to the finals? My parents feel very happy of course, i have no idea what their reactions were because they were waiting with me in the hall for the result so when i went on stage i can't really see their face but i guess it should be very amazed and surprised like i was!
8. Will they be flying across or following online? They are here now so i think they are gonna watch live performance!

Wishing Quang all the best in this final round, streamed live on www.lev-Vlassenko.com at 6.30pm Saturday 27th august 2011.
Quang, another Vietnamese of this generation making us proud!!

Over and out from london town :)
Love and grace,
Van-Anh x

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hoang Pham in Recital (Melbourne)


A concert for all your melbournites or anyone who happens to be in the area on August 12th! Please come along for a divine evening of a Bach inspired concert by Australian Vietnamese concert pianist, Hoang Pham. Back from New York City, Hoang will present a solo recital in the beautiful Elisabeth Murdoch Hall.

The program will consist of:

Chopin 24 preludes (complete)

Interval

Bach D minor English Suite

Liszt - Variations on a Theme of Bach

A newly recorded cd with Master Performers Australia will also be available for sale on the night consisting of the Chopin 24 Preludes as well as the Melbourne Piano Trio (Hoang Pham (piano), Chris Howlett (cello) and Jiwon Kim (violin) ).

Details for the recital are are:

Date: Aug 12th 2011

Time: 7.30pm

Where: Melbourne Recital Centre, Elizabeth Murdoch Hall

Tickets: $50/$40

Bookings: 9699 3333 or www.melbournerecital.com.au/whatson/buytix?perfid=25 89

Go on! Do it! It'll be a fab night out! And catch Hoang before he heads back over to USA to commence his studies at Yale. Yep, YALE!! He's a fabulous musician, he's an Aussie, AND he's Vietnamese! why wouldn't you go and support him? :)

Over and out lovelies!

Van-Anh xxoox

Little Red Pocket

Has it really been almost a month since my last post? That's absurd! I guess it's been busy busy busy bodies around here :)
Spent the weekend in Melbourne for a few things including the opening weekend of the Little Red Pocket Cocktail Bar. You should TOTALLY check it out! Uber cool! Enjoy!

With cocktail names like ginger ninja or geisha, you know there's an Asian invasion! Little Red Pocket at 422 Little Collins St opened up this week as a concept bar where you don't need to get up from your seat to order drinks anymore. Ipad2s stuck to your table will allow you to select drinks, cocktails and japas (Japanese tapas) AND swipe your plastic from your table without having to move an inch.

With a beautiful red and black themed setting and wooden black Japanese styled arches and tables, cocktails are all sake based and you can order japas like the salmon .. And beef tatami (to die for!). The loungey vibe is perfect for pre dinner drinks, post dinner drinks or just a night out hanging with your friends without losing your voice because you're screaming to try to hear one another.

For those who are designated drivers or just not up for an alcoholic beverage, there is a divine selection of exotic teas like the strawberry and vanilla teas straight from Japan to keep you warm.

Also open for lunch, their specialties are super bento boxes.

Owner Andrew Hiew is no stranger to the scene. At the ripe old age of 26, this is third club/bar opening in 18 months. I did a quick Q&A with him:

1. Why the name little red pocket?

Because it’s a small, relaxed and comfortable venue. Just like a little pocket =)

2. Why Japanese fusion?

Coz japs are cool and funky. And their culture has so much to offer. Sake, Jap food, amazing service, natural décor and technology are all a big part of jap culture that we all love.

3. Who is your chef?

Hai Tran-Phan. Ex Nobu chef=)

4. What's your favourite on the tapas menu and also your favourite/recommended cocktail?

Fav tapas would have to be the crispy oysters!!!!!! YUM

And fav cocktail definitely the Akebono!!! =)

5. Why the ipad approach?

Because jap’s are efficient in service and love their tech. Plus everyone loves iPad’s, innovative ideas, social media and drinking alcohol. So why not join them all together in LRP =)

6. How did you get into the industry?

I’ve always been active in the industry. From promotions to being a club photographer to owning my own venues. First club I opened was Fabrique Nightclub, then Marrakech, and now LRP.

7. Describe LRP in 3 words.

Little. Red. Pocket??? LOL nah… umm… sophisticated innovative and relaxing


Think fusion Japanese with loungey house beats and yumyum cocktails! I'm definitely heading there again when i'm next in Melbourne-town! My favourite drink was definitely the Akebono - this amazingly banana-smoothie-like cocktail which apparently has alcohol in it (which you really can't taste that much - DANGEROUS!)


Left: Geisha cocktail (no it's not an egg, it's orange peel) and the Akebono Cocktail (yum!)
Little Red Pocket Cocktail Bar
can't go wrong with the beans.
With owner of Little Red Pocket, Andrew Hiew

some familiar faces: Chris Pang (Tomorrow When The War Began), Thanh, me, Catherine, Khoa Do and the owner.


Love and grace,

Van-Anh xx


 

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