Musical conversation

"Chamber music is the most valuable music, like a conversation with close friends," the renowned Lativia-born violinist Gidon Kremer said on Tuesday in Beijing. He and three young musicians from the chamber

orchestra Kremerata Baltica, which he founded in 1997, will give a concert at the Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall tonight.

Kremer launched his distinguished career after winning many prestigious awards, including the 1967 Queen Elizabeth Competition and the first prize in both the Paganini and Tchaikovsky International Competitions.

Although the Kremerata Baltica originally began as a "present to myself" celebrating his 50th birthday in 1997, Kremer immediately realized the potential of the orchestra. Kremer regards the Kremerata Baltica as a medium to share his experience with a new generation, while also promoting the musical and cultural life of the Baltics.

The concert will also feature the 28-year-old Chinese pianist Chen Sa.

China Daily

(China Daily 11/09/2007 page18)