The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, at 8:00 pm, in the Carlos Piantini Room of the Eduardo Brito National Theater, where the winning pianists of the latest edition of this prestigious competition will be presented exclusively: Yunchan Lim (South Korea, gold medal), Anna Geniushene (Russia, silver medal) and Dmytro Choni (Ukraine, bronze medal), accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of maestro José Antonio Molina.
For the occasion, a luxury program has been selected: the Concerto in A Minor, by Robert Schumann; Concerto No. 1 in B flat minor, by Piotr I. Tchaikovsky; and Concerto No. 3 in C minor, by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Below, we share seven recommendations to enjoy the 2023 Van Cliburn Gala and other classical music gatherings. Take note and let the show begin…
This will allow you to socialize in the lobby, before the concert, as well as find parking and locate your seat without any problems. Unlike other events, classical music waits for no one. If they close the doors you will be forced to wait for intermission or for the room staff to seat you at an appropriate time.
The experience of a concert can begin days or hours before by making a brief inquiry about the author's life, in particular about his existential situation at the time of composing the piece that will be performed. Also about the work, its inspiration and structure. This way you will live a more conscious experience. If you wish, you can take advantage of the pre-concert musical appreciation talk that will be held at the Juan Lockward bar of the National Theater, at 7:00 pm, free of charge for those attending the gala.
3. Be restrained with applause.
We could say that in classical music, applauding is an art. However, applause should not be done at any time. It is always advisable if we are listening to a symphony, for example, to applaud at the end of it and not at the end of each movement (each of the parts that make up a concert or symphony).
4. Avoid humming and talking.
The emotion produced by music indeed makes us succumb to an overwhelming state, however, it is important to remember that silence here is not negotiable for those who understand the matter.
5. Turn off your cell phone, please!
Yes, although it may seem redundant, it is a practice that is still very common today and distracts the public and, above all, the musicians.
6. Take advantage of the intermission to go to the toilet.
If you have to go to the bathroom, let it be during the intermission of the concert. In case of an emergency, leave in the most discreet manner, always facing those who remain seated in the seats. Never on your back.
7. Be careful when going out.
It is true that after the concert we want to leave the venue as soon as possible so as not to run into the dreaded “plugs” in the parking lot. But remember that he who walks quickly stumbles. Take a deep breath and stay in your seat until the room clears a little. You will see how your output flows much better. You will appreciate it.
THE NATIONAL THEATER DEBUTS A NEW PIANO
During the gala and as a novelty of the night, the invited artists will use the new concert piano of the National Theater, donated by E. León Jimenes to this important cultural venue.
This is a grand model D concert piano from Steinway & Sons, a brand that is synonymous with tradition thanks to its more than 170 years of existence. This represents the international standard of the main venues in the world for its high quality, incomparable sound, and artisanal manufacturing process. In the manufacturer's own words, “it is the pinnacle of concert pianos, the choice of great pianists.”
Its selection was in charge of the acclaimed Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov, who traveled exclusively to the factory located in Astoria, New York, and especially chose this model for the Dominican Republic, purchased for an amount exceeding $200,000
