Concerts in Association with the German YMCA in London
Programme
IMPROVISATION
Have you ever imagined what the Moonlight Sonata might sound like if Scott Joplin composed it? Or how the EastEnders theme would feel as a Puccini opera aria? What if Vivaldi's Spring took on the lively rhythm of a samba? This concert offers a unique - and possibly the only - chance to experience these fascinating musical transformations!
This is an improvised recital, meaning the artist follows no fixed programme. In the 19th century, such concerts were very common, but today, few musicians possess the improvisational skills required for this kind of performance.
Improvisation has largely vanished from Western classical music, though it remains a key element in folk, jazz, and some contemporary compositions. One notable exception is organ music, where improvisation has continued without interruption.
For most classical musicians today, performance is strictly tied to interpreting written scores, without the freedom to invent new material. However, historical documents reveal that 19th-century composers like Bruckner and Brahms were also skilled improvisers. Pianists of the time often improvised preludes before performances, a practice that gradually faded by the early 20th century.
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Yuanfan Yang is renowned for his ability to create spontaneous compositions based on audience suggestions. He seamlessly transforms themes, melodies, and styles into original pieces in real time.
This recital revives the lost tradition of classical improvisation, offering a rare opportunity to witness spontaneous musical creativity in action. A unique chance of giving the audience the opportunity to contribute to how the concert goes, as it will depend entirely on their creative input. The possibilities are endless and entirely unpredictable.
So, don’t hesitate - suggest ideas from any genre or era to make this afternoon’s performance even more thrilling!
PRESENTS
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AN
IMPROVISED RECITAL
YUANFAN YANG
​​PIANO
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WEDNESDAY, 23 APRIL 2025, 14H00
LANCASTER HALL HOTEL
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Admission free - Donations Welcome
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YUANFAN YANG
Born in Edinburgh and based in Leeds, Yuanfan Yang is establishing himself as one of the most interesting and distinctive musical voices of today, as a multi-faceted award-winning pianist, composer, and improviser.
Recently awarded the International Artist Diploma from the Royal Northern College of Music, Yuanfan previously graduated first-class from London's Royal College of Music, and Royal Academy of Music. His interpretations of Schumann and Liszt ‘rivalled those of the young Ashkenazy' ( International Piano Magazine), and his own compositions have been praised for their ‘soulful poignancy' in The Observer.
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Yuanfan's diverse repertoire, from Baroque to the Contemporary, reflects his broad musical interests, which in turn are also
reflected through his own original music. Alongside instrumental and vocal music (not limited to classical), Yuanfan has composed four full-scale piano concertos which have been performed throughout China, France, Russia and the UK.
Highlights from the past season include concerto debuts with the BBC Philharmonic (Ye's Concerto of Life – recorded for BBC Radio 3), Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 – live-streamed on Medici.tv), and the Orchestra of Opera North, the latter of which he appeared as concerto soloist for the premiere of his own Piano Concerto No. 4 ‘Ode to the Jing River'.
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He also performed his concerto with Manchester Camerata at Manchester's Stoller Hall in October 2024. The previous season saw Yuanfan make debuts at Sydney Opera House, Brighton Festival, Beaminster Festival, St George's Bristol, and Milano Auditorium.
Yuanfan's extensive musical palate also manifests through his signature improvisations, featuring as concert encores, where audiences are invited to suggest any theme / tune and a style, and Yuanfan would create an original piece of music on the spot, based on those suggestions.
Yuanfan's numerous accolades in performance include 1 st Prize and Audience Prize of the Casagrande International Piano Competition in Italy (September 2022), and 1 st Prize at the UK International Piano Open Competition (June 2023). In July 2023, Yuanfan became the first British laureate of the Sydney International Piano Competition in more than 40 years since David Owen Norris and Martin Roscoe in 1981.