Interview with Akiho Suzuki 'Emerging Artist In Recital' Finalist

How did the Emerging Artist Program come about for you? My teacher Natalia Ricci asked me if I wanted to perform for this programme. She has been my teacher for 8 years and has given me many fantastic performance opportunities for which I…
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City Recital Hall 20 Year Anniversary!

The City Recital Hall is one of Theme & Variations second homes and is an iconic music arts presenter and venue in Sydney . Whether we are working with an artist on piano pre-selection,  or doing a pre-concert tune - we love working with…
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How Music Works - ABC Classic

ABC Classic takes us on a fascinating journey of  how  music works.  Featuring short videos of everything from 'how does saxophone makes sound' to'how does an orchestra know when to start' this series has lots interesting, factual and entertaining…

ABC Classic features Ara Vartoukian at the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Russia.

ABC Classic talks to head competition Steinway technician Ara Vartoukian about the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, Russia.  An interesting read about behind the scene insights into this highly esteemed competition. …

The finals are over and with much celebration!

The judges file into the concert after about 1.5 hours of deliberations to make the winners announcements. 7 FINALISTS! Returning to hallowed grounds in the Moscow Conservatorium, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall with a surprise announcement!…

Tchaikovsky Competition - Round 2 begins!

The second round starts. This time the competitors have an hour to impress the judges.  Backstage the next competitor hammers away in the warmup room, the men in white coats and gloves shuffle around the 5 pianos as they are to be used and…

Tchaikovsky Competition - Final Day, round 1

Backstage there is increased activity, apart from the organizers and stagehands the media throng is increasing with a microphone, camera or video camera in everyone’s face. You must be careful what you say or do as all of a sudden a camera…
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Tchaikovsky Competition - Quote of the Day - round one

19/06 Quote of the day ‘great apple’! Comment from Fujita Mao. After playing an incredible last performance of the day he was obviously hungry. I was half way through munching a large green apple when I bumped into him back stage as he…

Tchaikovsky Competition - Day 1, the competition begins

Xie Ming strides onto the stage with an air of confidence. The hall is full, a dozen cameras are rolling for the worldwide TV broadcast, commentators are finalising their ideas in hush tones on the balcony, photographers jockey for the best…

Tchaikovsky International Competition -Piano Selections and Opening Gala!

Things are hotting up in Moscow with the piano selections are now underway.  All the manufacturers have been working diligently on their instruments, and now is the test as to which piano the competitors will choose to play in the competition…