Dear Music Lovers,
It is heartwarming to realize how lucky we are as musicians to be able to be touch others through the power of music.
In the holiday season, after my trip from NYC, full of wonder and beauty, I am ever clearer in my realization how fortunate I am to be granted the gift of music as the medium for my expression, self-reflection, and communication.
2012 was a very fruitful year for me — highlights include my debut at Zankel, The Dame Myra Hess Series at the Chicago Cultural Center (another beautiful place to pair Kurtag with Schumann), and Le Poisson Rouge right in time to catch Hurrican Sandy — another exciting episode. I was happy that these concerts were well reviewed by NYTimes, mentioned by Time Out NY, Alex Ross and many blog reviewers such as Lucid Culture, the Glass, I care if You Listen, Sequenza21, and more.
My lecture-recital with my D.M.A. thesis was the highlight of my stay in NY this December (read the review in THE GLASS). The topic being Marco Stroppa’s beautiful, complex and poetic piece Innige Cavatina. Where all my professors showed up and cheered me up. It was, (I guess) better than a wedding!
My life in China has been busy too. My cultural exchange and education center FaceArt has welcomed quite a few wonderful artists from Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, Curtis, Indiana University, producing a new generation of Chinese piano students who are no longer just good craftsmen. They have already won international competitions, toured in Europe and some been accepted into Manhattan School of Music for further studies.
I really see the importance of promoting contemporary music in China and have given the first piano solo all contemporary concert at the National Performing Arts Center in Beijing, and have been interviewed a few times talking about new music on magazines in China.
In  2013, I will continue to pursue what I believe is important in music and especially contemporary music, making our music history alive. Curating the night of April 19th at Spectrum (the “new LPR”) will be the highlight of my return to NYC. A CD of Nils Vigeland’s solo piano music is also to be anticipated.
I love having you as part of my artistic development; thank you for your support as always!
Love,
Jenny Q Chai
Congratulations for all your great accomplishments this year. I’m glad you are “cured” but you did that yourself. I’m pleased that I could be of help.
Let me know of any NY appearances; I’d love to hear/see you.
Happy New Year!
V. Shipley
Lovely Jenny! Just lovely! Happy New Year to you and all the warmest wishes for 2013!
Congratulations Jenny. Your incredible success is a direct manifestation of your passion and commitment to bringing new music to new audiences. You are an inspiration!
Wishing you even more growth and joy in 2013.
Love,
Amelia, Ear Heart Music