New CD Release – Symphonic Poem
Symphonic Poem (composed and performed by Pius Cheung for solo marimba) is officially released in November 2009 at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention 2009!
It is now available for sale in Pius Cheung Online Music Shop and selected dealers including Steve Weiss Music and Amazon! MP3 downloads are also available in CDBaby and iTunes!
Vic Firth Artist Spotlight: Pius Cheung, PASIC 2009
See high quality video clippings presented by Vic Firth in Vic Firth Artist Spotlight: Pius Cheung PASIC 2009 – featuring Pius Cheung’s live performance of his newest composition of Etudes (for solo marimba) at PASIC 2009. Pius Cheung is a Vic Firth Endorser.
Concert and CD Reveiws
“These [titles in Symphonic Poem CD] are in the nature of showpieces for Cheung’s artistry, to be sure, but they’re beautifully done, and they attain the elusive quality of making the sounds of the instrument into a discrete world of their own. …”
- All Music Guide“Bach as you’ve never heard it … [Mr. Cheung] surmounts the contrapuntal hurdles and offers a stylish, deeply expressive interpretation [of the Goldberg Variations] notable for its clear voicing, eloquent phrasing and wide range of color and dynamics …”
- The New York Times“… Mr. Cheung’s performance of his own arrangements [of the Bach's Goldberg Variations] was expressive, sensitive and unpretentious, and left the listeners with the feeling of comfort. The artist created perfect legato by carefully matching the reverberation and decay from one note to the next.”
“… the Etudes are engaing and communicated with authority. The piece caused a roar of applause and will certainly constitute a precious addition to the standard marimba repertoire.”
- New York Concert Review“Tuneful, neo-Romantic yet technically difficult, these pieces not only showcased Mr. Cheung’s mastery of his instrument but also demonstrated his considerable skill and promise as a composer in his own right – one who writes the kind of music people will want to hear.”
- The Washington Times“In my opinion, Pius Cheung is a remarkably gifted and accomplished young artist. I always enjoy listening to his elegant and virtuosic music-making.”
- Gary Graffman“Absolutely incredible! …. Cheung adds a tasty amount of musical nuance that Bach would have likely approved of had he heard today’s modern marimba.”
- PAS Percussive Notes Magazine“An excellent alternative to the usual keyboard version of this Bach masterpiece. As Charles Ives would have said, ‘A real ear-stretcher.’”
- Audiophile Audition
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Promotional photos for latest CD release: Symphonic Poem
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Air Canada’s Enroute interviewed Pius
YCA 50th Anniversary Marathon Concert, Symphony Space, NY
Concert & Masterclass: Samobor Music Festival, Samobor, Croatia
Denmark Tour: Odense Musikforening
Denmark Tour: Kerteminde Kirke
Denmark Tour: Vor Frue Kirke
Denmark Tour: AUT
Denmark Tour & Masterclass: Det Kgl. Danske Musikkonservatorium
Denmark Tour: Christians Kirke
Denmark Tour: Ny Musik Birkerød
Concert: Stratford Music Festival, Stratford ON, Canada
Mini-Concert: Japan Percussion Center, Tokyo
