Clayderman plays in Genting againBy : RADIN SRI GHAZALI2007/12/16
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 world’s 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 pianist’s 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.
ItÂ’s 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, IÂ’ll 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 weatherÂ’s 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: IÂ’ll 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: IÂ’ll 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: IÂ’ll 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: IÂ’ll be celebrating Christmas in Shanghai.
Q: What would you describe as your biggest achievement?
A: I just think IÂ’m 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 donÂ’t 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.
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