Fazil Say
Turkish pianist and composer Fazil Say will play three of Chopin’s “Nocturnes,” six of Debussy’s “Preludes,” three of Satie’s “Gnossiennes,” Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 32” and three of his pieces.
Say wrote his first piece — a piano sonata — in 1984 at the age of 14 when he was a student at the Conservatory of his home town Ankara. His “The Four Dances of Nasreddin Hodja” displays in essence the significant features of his personal style: a rhapsodic, fantasia-like basic structure; a variable rhythm, often dance-like, though formed through syncopation; a continuous, vital driving pulse; and a wealth of melodic ideas that may often be traced back to themes from the folk music of Turkey and its neighbors. In these respects, Say stands to some extent in the tradition of composers like Bela Bartok, George Enescu and Gyorgy Ligeti, who also drew on the rich musical folklore of their countries.
Say scored a further great success with his first symphony, “Istanbul Symphony,” premiered in 2010 at the conclusion of his five-year residency at the Konzerthaus Dortmund.
Time: 8 p.m., May 30
Tickets: 80-1,080 yuan
‘The Blue Planet’
Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra will present scores from BBC’s documentary “The Blue Planet.” Young Chinese conductor Chai Haofu will wield the baton.
“The Blue Planet” is a nature documentary series premiered in 2001. The series won a number of Emmy and BAFTA TV awards for its music and cinematography. The music was composed by George Fenton.
Time: 5 p.m., May 31
Tickets: 50-380 yuan
Children’s concert
Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra will also present a concert to celebrate Children’s Day. The program is not yet set.
Time: 7:30 p.m., May 31
Tickets: 50-880 yuan
Buzz Brass
Whether Buzz Brass is performing in chamber music concerts, young audience shows, symphonic matinées or recordings, the Canadian quintet has built up an exceptional repertoire for itself over the years consisting mainly of classical music but also including jazz and traditional music. What’s more, its tremendously energetic and humorous stage productions combine originality with quality interpretations.
Now in Shenzhen, imagine five musicians taking on the stage to perform the soundtrack for each performance of circus artists. Juggler, magician, tightrope walker, sword swallower, lion tamer and human cannonball are sure to bedazzle one and all. They’ve deserted the circus, leaving the musicians to their fate: hence their decision to take on the various roles with hilarious results.
Time: 3:30 p.m., 8 p.m., June 1
Tickets: 80-380 yuan
Free concert
A group of Shenzhen cellists will play popular tunes, such as Bach’s “Cello Suites No. 1,” Piazzolla’s “Oblivion,” the third movement of Chopin’s “Cello Sonata,” Shostakovich’s “Waltz No. 2,” Sanit-Saen’s “Swan” and two movie scores.
Zhang Yihao
Zhang Fange
Audience members should claim free tickets on Shenzhen Concert Hall’s WeChat account: szyinyuet.
Time: 3 p.m., June 2
Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, intersection of Hongli Road and Yitian Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路和益田路交汇处深圳音乐厅)
Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D