Clayderman plays in Genting again
By : RADIN SRI GHAZALI
2007/12/16
Clayderman has sold more than 70 million records.
RADIN SRI GHAZALI finds the pianist as busy as ever, with lady luck
on his side, he says, to keep him as popular as ever.
WORLD-renowned musician Richard Clayderman will be performing at
the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands at 8pm on Friday.
After more than 25 years as the worlds most popular instrumental
recording artiste, Clayderman (whose real name is Philippe Pages)
is still going strong with successful live concerts and
television shows all around the world.
The pianists first hit Ballade pour Adeline sold 22 million
records in 38 countries soon after it was produced. Since then, the
maestro has continued to impress with this improvisations and
experiments with different tempos, rhythms and styles all of
which have been well received by his fans. He has since sold over
70 million records, and continues to perform over 150 concerts a
year.
Its been three years since Clayderman last performed at the Arena
of Stars.
Life & Times had an e-mail interview with Clayderman
recently.
Q: Are you busy with concerts/tours?
A: This year has been very busy. Next year, Ill be touring Japan,
which I have been doing every May since 1980. Shanghai is next and
then I begin a 40-day tour in Germany. A series of concerts are
also being planned in Ireland and in the Baltic States.
Q: You have been here three years ago and also in 2001. What do you
like about Malaysia?
A: The fact that my fans here look so excited and happy when they
hear me perform. The weathers nice, unlike cold, rainy and snowy
Europe now. I also like the mix of races you have here.
Q: What will you be playing this time?
A: Ill be performing many of my original titles together with
Chinese, Italian, American, English, Irish and Latin American
music.
Q: Any hits and Asian melodies?
A: Ill be performing Ballade pour Adeline, of course. Also
compositions like L for Love, Letter to My Mother and Asian
classics like Flower Heart and The Butterfly Lover.
Q: How different will this concert be compared with previous
ones?
A: There will be some new arrangements.
Q: Will there be back-up musicians in your performance?
A: Ill be accompanied by five musicians playing bass, drums and
guitar, two playing synthesizers and a string trio.
Q: Will you be celebrating Christmas here?
A: Ill be celebrating Christmas in Shanghai.
Q: What would you describe as your biggest achievement?
A: I just think Im lucky to fly around the world playing my
piano.
Q: What are your future projects? Will you be releasing a new
album?
A: Well, I dont know the status of my CD releases here. I recorded
a new album last March which was released in Europe and
Japan.
Note: Tickets are on sale now for RM100, RM120, RM150, RM180 and
RM230. Infants and children aged below three will not be allowed in
the hall. Children aged three and above must purchase tickets. For
more details and ticket reservations, visit www.genting.com.my or
call 03-2718-1118.
source
