Accordion sensation Hanzhi Wang—winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions—brings fearless virtuosity and breathtaking artistry to The Octagon. From the sparkling brilliance of Rameau and the luminous lyricism of Mozart to Barber’s electrifying, jazz-infused Excursion, this dynamic program showcases the accordion in all its power, color, and surprise. At its heart is Wang’s own “Mountain Song,” inspired by her pilgrimage to a sacred mountain in China’s Yunnan Province. Stay after for a wine reception and meet this extraordinary artist up close.
Internationally acclaimed accordionist and composer Hanzhi Wang brings dazzling virtuosity and global perspective to The Octagon. The first accordionist to win the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, she has appeared at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, redefining her instrument with artistry that is by turns regal, intimate, and electrifying. From Rameau’s sparkling Baroque and Mozart’s luminous lyricism to Barber’s jazz-infused Excursion, this program reveals the accordion in a brilliant new light. At the heart of the afternoon is Wang’s own Mountain Song, inspired by her pilgrimage to Kawagarbo, a sacred mountain in China’s Yunnan Province.
Program (partial) – more pieces will be added
Rameau – “La Livri”
Rameau – “Le Rappel des Oiseaux”
Hanzhi Wang – “Mountain’s Song”
Mozart – “Andante in F Major”
Samuel Barber – “Excursion op.20 No.4”
Join us after the concert for a wine reception and the opportunity to meet the artist.
Hanzhi Wang is acclaimed for her “staggering virtuosity” and is the only accordionist in history selected for Young Concert Artists. A groundbreaking artist and passionate ambassador for her instrument, she has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Stanford Live, Bravo! Vail, and The Morgan Library & Museum, and has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras across the U.S. and abroad. Hanzhi is a First Prize winner of the Young Concert Artists Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and the Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition. Her Naxos label CD, “On the Path to H.C. Andersen,” was nominated for the Danish Radio P2 Prize. She holds degrees from the China Central Conservatory of Music and the Royal Danish Academy of Music.
Artist’s website: https://www.hanzhiwangaccordion.com/