CHINA AND LONDON - Around the world in 14 days

Close to being one of the longest possible flights it took close to 17 hours from Washington to Hong Kong non stop.

One of the highlights was my appointment as an Honorary Presidency of the JK Academy Conservatory of Music and Dance in Xi’An, China.

Macao just west of Hong Kong was the next port of call. During the Macao Festival and Competition I got to perform for an enthusiastic audience, while my hands were projected to a big screen.

My solo recital in Macao. I love playing for the audiences there. So engaged and interested!

As a competition jury member, it is not always easy to find the right balance of evaluation. I was very grateful for the opportunity to exchange views with my Germany colleague Prof. Ratko Delorko from the Musikhochschule Frankfurt.

I love talking to my Chinese audiences about the music I love. Here I am presenting a talk and master class about Joseph Haydn.

And of course there was lots of delicious food.
Here the jury and director of the Macao Piano Festival and Competition are enjoying Portuguese cuisine, a historic staple of Macao.
I particularly enjoyed the cheese baked potatoes.

Aeroflot took me from Hong Kong to Frankfurt via Moscow. I had a truly great experience with them. The food was exceptionally good, and there was lots of it. The service was very friendly and attentive, and I would definitely recommend to give them a try.

King’s College School in Wimbledon, UK, was my next stop. I enjoyed my return to this extraordinary and very discerning institution. Working with the boys was not only inspiring, but also very energizing.

Here we are developing the main features of a duet played by two brothers. Loved working with them in this amazing venue created by the architects of Glyndebourne Opera House, and of course I adored their Germany Steinway D.

Leaving the competition in Macao I took a very early morning ferry to Hong Kong harbor, where I was able to catch this serene view.

Last stop on this tour was China Town in London, where we got to stroll and enjoy the sights and sounds.

February has been a very engaging month for me so far filled with concert, festival and new opportunities. Between events and concerts I went around the world in 14 days.

My next concert tour takes me to California, my old stomping ground. 

Stay tuned!