Video 1: “Spinning Song” – Felix Mendelssohn (transcription by Hanzhi)
Hanzhi explains, “ ‘Spinning Song’ is a joyful and sparkling work which is written by Felix Mendelssohn originally. I loved the energy of music when I first heard it, therefore I made a transcription of this lovely little work to accordion.
Concert accordionist Hanzhi Wang shares, “I am looking forward to my upcoming recitals at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton, NY. I’ll kick off the concert series “Classical music under the starts” presented by Young Concert Artists on August 24, solo program will be including Mozart, Scarlatti, Martin Lohse, Piazzolla. The second recital will be on September 7, 2023 with all the “Goldberg Variations”.
Hanzhi has an interesting lineup for her fall appearances with Grammy nominated mandolinist Avi Avital to offer a program of Bartók, Stravinsky, Bach, and more on October 21, 2023 at 7:30 PM. Hanzhi Wang and Avi Avital will bring a delightful collaboration to the Sixth & I stage.
Excerpts from Washington Performing Arts website: “Staggering virtuosity that held the audience in a state of breathlessness, as thrilling to watch as to hear.” – Oberon’s Grove, on Hanzhi Wang
“Avital is a musician who recognizes no boundaries except those of good taste, and who has the artistry to persuade listeners to follow him anywhere.” – Gramophone
Program:
Fritz Kreisler – “Praeludium and Allegro” in the Style of Pugnani
Igor Stravinsky – “Suite italienne” from Pulcinella
Johann Sebastian Bach – “Chaconne” from Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004
Béla Bartók – “Romanian Folk Dances, Sz. 56”
Pablo de Saraste – “Romanza andaluza” from Spanish Dances, Op. 22
Manuel de Falla – “Danse Espagnole No. 1” from “La Vida Breve”
Camille Saint-Saëns – “Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28”
About Washington Performing Arts:
One of the most established and honored performing arts institutions in America, Washington Performing Arts has engaged for more than half a century with artists, audiences, students, and civic life. The city is truly our stage: for decades, in venues ranging from concert halls and clubs to public parks, we have presented a tremendous range of artists and art forms, from the most distinguished symphony orchestras to both renowned and emerging artists in classical music, gospel music, jazz, international genres, and more. We also have an ever-expanding artistic and educational presence on the internet, addressing the programming challenges of this time of pandemic while envisioning ongoing opportunities for online connection and community in a post-COVID world.
Hanzhi Wang is the first accordionist to join the roster of Young Concert Artists in its 57-year history of discovering extraordinary musicians. Her concert career has already taken her around the globe with performances in Europe and Asia. Ms. Wang made her debut in the Young Concert Artists Series in New York, opening the 2018-19 season in The Peter Marino Concert at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. Her Washington, DC debut in the Young Concert Artists Series at the Kennedy Center was co-presented with Washington Performing Arts.
In 2018, Musical America named Hanzhi Wang “New Artist of the Month,” and Naxos released its first-ever solo accordion CD, Ms. Wang’s “On the Path to H.C. Andersen.” It features music by Danish composers including “The Little Match Girl,” written for her by Martin Lohse. In addition to Mr. Lohse, Hanzhi Wang has also had works dedicated to her by James Black and Sophia Gubaidulina, with whom she has worked extensively.
Hanzhi earned her Bachelor’s degree at the China Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, and her Master’s degree at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen as a student of Geir Draugsvoll.
