But might not her wonderful name be to some degree wasted on a female? I would never attend her concert even if its FREE. More power to her! The inability to talk about Wangs clothing in a sensitive and respectful way reveals damaging and longstanding assumptions around women and their dress on the classical stage. and arbitrariness. San Francisco Symphony: Yuja Wang Plays Rachmaninoff concert tickets range from $301.00 - $688.00 a ticket. She is as good as Argerich was when she was 30. They look like Catholic Priests! There is ample historic evidence that Liszt never showed more skin than was absolutely necessary, that is: on the stage. Commenting on Ms. Wangs dresses is sexist if there is no comment on her hair style, shoes, walk, nail polish, etc. Yuja was born in the 1980s. Indeed.! Yuja Wang is simply working with designers, the way that other attractive stars her age do and the way that plenty of opera divas always have, from Renee Fleming's specially designed gowns by. FFS what has this to do with Yuja Wang in particular, or with this blog in general? And to do so, Wang has been painted as a naive, lost individual who has had neither time nor guidance to acquire perspective, and is consequently being used as tinsel by more experienced, expert (male) musicians. Good for her! God knows. Yuja Wang. But I wouldnt put it on a level with Marthas, if only because of the authority gap. When pianist Yuja Wang wore a tight orange mini-dress in a performance earlier this month, she touched off a debate about whether sexy concert attire detracts from the experience of the music . Its just you and your kind. Once, it was winter, and at a cold theater in my city, she changed her clothes for the second part of the program, to use something like a black bathsuit. she can come out naked. Chopin: 26 Prludes; Barcarolle; Polonaise. In fact I dont think that makes too much sense to compare both, just because they are females. Her dress-down routine is getting pretty tired and old, no? Your characterization of a brilliant and serious pianist who has demonstrated a rare versatility in her artistry as a chinese attention whore is distressing and shows not only a rampant misogyny but also a prejudiced attitude. As to height she seems just over 5ft tall and needs those heels for healthy alignment and form playing pre made pianos. Shes not the star. At least up to now. Why cant you get that through your dense cranial feature??? Typical of The Guardian!! She is a gifted pianist no doubt and I, for one, will refrain from attending her appearances until such a day when the parade ends. She is awesome. She dresses as she wishes to dress. For 2023, Sergei Rachmaninov's 150th year, superstar Chinese pianist Yuja Wang had chosen a mighty marathon: all four Rachmaninov piano concertos, plus his late Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini . Imagine 20 years into the future her (new) fans want to know what shes like when shes younger and all they could find are stupid discourses on her clothesI can already see the vitriol thats going to be poured on these journalists and critics. For information on becoming a SoundBox Sponsor, contact May Van Norman at mvannorman@sfsymphony.org or 415.503.5475. Evening tails, with white vest. I suspect you are correct. And even if they were, why care? Indeed, why is it even considered acceptable to use prostitute as a pejorative term? And that concertmaster can trip over his own sexist drivel on his way to the dustbin of history. Excellent comment. When she appears on stage and walks to the piano, I obviously notice the way she looks which often is very attractive, but sometimes not so much. 907 posts. I wanted to do the shock value.. If at a concert your eyes dominant your ears, than maybe yes. In the movies, visuals are a fundamental part of the thing. Its just an outfit best suited for her when she was younger. Whats leftist about calling out misogyny whenever its evident? Interesting how much the image of Michael Bojesen on this very same page does fit to the expectations the 60+ have of the dressing of a serious classical musician. Perhaps 2 inches from her butt, Norman. Well John ( or should I say Jesus) for your noble sacrifice. 17 / Fantasiestcke, Op. Its hard to find clothes because Im so petite. They didnt come for the Rach Symphonic Dances. But I guess this is what Mr. Lebrecht intended. But it does not mean we have the right to ignore the possible negative effects some of our actions may have on our audience. Her dress problems are, I fear, something of a slippery slope if she were even smaller, she would not wear anything at all. But thats not who she is. But the concert hall is not a beach. The two remaining concerts in the orchestra's Rachmaninoff cycle with Yuja Wang, Feb. 4 and 5 in Verizon Hall, are sold out, but patrons may check for availability at philorch.org or 215-893-1999. Love live Yuja! I dont see any non-European names like Lang Lang, for instance, in you list, and I notice your non-capitalization of the nationality of both Asian pianists. Yuja Wang performs Schubert, Schumann, Scriabin, and Prokofiev. Get to know the critically acclaimed musician and her advice for young artists. And Yuja gets my thumbs up. It s not easy , but it may work. She is in that very large part of classical music which bifurcated into showbiz 30 (?) I always get absolution by proxy for them because it is true and the conductors always agree. It is not only the choice of clothes. The American Project - Yuja Wang is the brilliant soloist in a piano concerto by a longtime friend of hers: Teddy Abrams. She played with urgency, brilliance, color, energy, and emotion. Yuja Wang: Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. Repeating the same statement without supporting it with any credible evidence does not make it true. (Twas worth it; just heard her in Aix-en-Provence! There is a great deal of this. This has really got disgusting; I expect the controversy is to her benefit though. Your comments appear more to be jealousy of her success rather than based on valid artistic issues. She has lived in North America since she was 11 and spent her formative years there. Richter shes not. Pianist Yuja Wang is celebrated for her charismatic artistry, emotional honesty and captivating stage presence. As I have said many times before, we desperately need sex appeal in our industry especially when its backed by great artistry and great repertoire. nobody !!! A fifth Deutsche Grammophon album, released . "It was a momentous occasion as Wang played all five of Rachmaninoff's works for piano and orchestra at Carnegie Hall for one show only. Visit her on www.yujawang.com, on www.twitter.com/yujawang. A certain portion of her audience has the ability to appreciate her talent. You are remembered very fondly! The rest of the interview was about music, so obviously the quote was for clickbait purposes. Why should she deviate from that? Nevertheless, personally I dont mind if a female performer looks attractive to me. She is sexualizing herself. After that there is nothing to suspect just listen and, if you are so inclined, form your opinion about what you are hearing. The Russian [romantic] stuff, especially in my twenties. But I hate having to stare at bare skin and skimpy attire throughout a concert and try to focus on the music, however well it may be played. You got it! In my twenties, I'd. Just close your eyes and listen to it. . Having said that, Yuja Wang is a super human virtuoso and she may very well deserve to be added to that list, if not now, then as her career expands. Rachmaninov*, Haydn*, Bach* - Lynn Harrell, Yuja Wang, Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra*, Andrs Schiff, Martha Argerich, Yevgeny Kissin, James Levine (2), Mikhal Pletnev*, Birthday Festival Orchestra - Sonata Per Violoncello E Pianoforte Op. Yuja Wang Tickets Described as a piano prodigy, Yuja Wang is not your typical classical pianist. Id love to have been there! It was so cold that she stood up and went to backstage to take a fur coat . limited (as is the repertoire for which Yuja Wang is known). Kindly stop distracting from riveting discussions about her shoulders and 90 degree bow. Clothing: Ring Smart Home Security Systems eero WiFi Stream 4K Video in Every Room: Blink Smart Security for Every Home Neighbors App Real-Time Crime Four great artists IMHO. Sheesh. This is obviously a hard topic. As a famous philosopher once said: As ye show, so shall they peep.. Desperate for female company much ? The Argentinian made some of the most important records during the 70s, that remains up to now among the best ever interpretations. If they need to expose their bodies to sell their concerts, they are cheap, worthless merchandise. I suppose next in line for silly criticism is Khatia Buniatishvili with her low cut top which would not suit Yuja, with her characteristic deep bow to the audience, lest something fall out. More seats for those of us who arent scandalized by a bit of thigh and who can appreciate physical beauty along with technical and artist ability. Just in: Tchaikovsky Competition is expelled from world body, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMQ4JicUs1A, Spanish violinist wins Berlin Philharmonic seat. To appreciate a musical performance, obviously the looks are irrelevant. Desperate for female company much ? I was not at all interested in some obscure pianist who had difficulty finding clothes to fit, such are article should not appear at all but then the blog seems full of irrelevant trivia, instead of debating more relevant topics such as the general decline of composed classical music since the death of Johann Strauss (Sohn) in 1899, the rise of ghastly wrong note music, why classical music today in the 21st century has a declining audience ,the death of music performed in the home, the lack of music broadcasts on BBC TV, why 21st century classical music is unlistenable, these are just some themes for discussion. Oh yes, and SHE WILL dress as she chooses. Shes a girly girl; so what!!? I cannot understand the big deal with her dresses at all. I rather enjoy it. Lee Broad(perfect name, btw)should close her/his/its eyes and listen. When Wang played the Hollywood Bowl in August in a skimpy coral-colored dress, the performer's appearance stirred debate on blogs and in newspaperswith some going so far as to say "My poor eyes did not need to see the things they saw. And yet: it is talked about her!!! The denial of Wangs agency also feeds into racist stereotypes Can we get a break from race baiting? Clothing: Ring Smart Home Security Systems eero WiFi Stream 4K Video in Every Room: Blink Smart Security for Every Home Neighbors App Real-Time Crime Leftist? Yeah. NL knows hes going to get at least 23 comments when Yujas clothes are up for discussion. I expect she will only get better, although that seems nearly impossible. . First of all, is she forced to wear those dress or she is free to choose? I agree with Max Grimm. She should get confidence from her playing, not from taking off her clothes. as long as Mirga doesnt appear in her undies..well,nothing to see hereLOL. You did waste the time writing that, though, didnt you!! Really! The point is that decorum is not static and will always keep changing. Robin is a name people of either sex are given, but you managing to force in a mention of breasts strongly suggests your gender. (I am sure others might make a similar argument about good looking men.). When I look at her dress, I can see them . Yuja Wang has lived on her own, pursuing a career as a concert pianist, since she . She has released six CDs on with Deutsche Grammophon: Sonatas & Etudes in 2009; Transformation in 2010; Rachmaninov in 2011; and Fantasia, in March 2012. Everyone should be paying more attention to her artistry and less to her arse!. Surely her performance of that on the piano would be truly amazing. SHE will arrange the playlist. Keep doing that thing you do, Yuja. Yuja Wang is one of the best contemporary pianists in the World and of one does not like the way she dresses then one can listen to her recordings or close their eyes. Keep the classic arts the way it is, never ever to be cheapened. Yuja Wang. Her clothing is but a visual statement not necessarily of fashion it is, however, one component of her music which lends itself to her artistry and expresses her total love and complete passion for the experience the she shares with us the audience. Personally? Yuja Wang came on stage in a breathtaking purple dress with skin-toned midriff. And when she chose to play a vulgar, circus-like transcription of the Turkish March right after Beethoven, it was yet another evidence of her immaturity and lack of taste. What people are you talking about? Fashionable and outspoken, Ms. Wang, who at 25 is one of the most gifted pianists of her generation, would make Mahler and Chanel equally proud. She doesnt have it. It helps if the chosen costume somehow echoes what they play. PianoToronto Symphony Orchestra's Spotlight Artist 22/23San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Artist in Residence 22/23. 3 years ago. And as far as the audience getting use to it? or so years ago. But what I hear is right on the spot too. You know the saying, 'a picture says a thousand words'? Shes already 30 cant be too many more years of the skimpy outfits left. Select your subscription length below and head to the checkout: Please log in again. Daily reminder that a woman wearing what she wants doesnt mean shes sexualising herself! Yes, Yuja Wang did an encore. Claudio Abbado conducts Prokofiev and Mahler - With Yuja Wang. Schumann Fantasy In C, Op. Concertgoers think, Classical musicits really serious. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMQ4JicUs1A. She wore, along with her typical very high heels, a different dress for each of the five pieces, with skintight fits and shimmering fabric in red, ivory, green and silver and, most immortal, a magenta minidress for the "Rhapsody" paired with sparkling periwinkle leg warmers. Again if we close our yes, we wont get the pianist gender for sure. There is no shortage of beautiful female actresses, some of whom are or were supreme artists. I think you mean some of her male listeners. No one cares. In my twenties, Id put on my tight Herve Leger dress and heels, and it looked like I was going to the bar. You are our guest. Volleyball players wear them all the time. They now wear what resembles bar staff attire, quite appalling. This drew wild cheers from the Carnegie audience. If she thinks being eye candy gets her more gigs, so be it. When I saw the pictures of "that outfit", my first thought was "how on earth can she pedal in those shoes?". Dr. Ege Africa themed dresses are well-thought/tasteful and matches the music she plays that night. I couldnt care less what any given performer wears, as long as the music (and hopefully, but not always, the performane as well) is good. Harold, you must be one of the music lovers who enjoy snapping pictures while she bows 90 degree. Richter covered his in baggy trousers; Wang's are often bare and exposed. Shouldnt we dress appropriately as well ,based on accepted norms of the occasion, to return the favor to our audience? This is not the first story that has brought these kinds of ugly comments to the fore. I agree, to an extent. Hate women? Oh right, were going to listen to The Guardian!! It feels almost like Regitheater in opera things like Tristan and Isolde singing a love-hate duet in the first act with peolpe copuating eller defecating in the bakground. The list of artists who have collaborated with the label reads like a roll call of the greatest musicians of the past 100 years: Abbado, Argerich, Barenboim, Bernstein, Boulez, Domingo, Dudamel,. SFCM. To answer the question, Why? Because she can. Yuja Wang is an excellent pianist who understands the mechanisms of celebrity. Two questions immediately spring to my mind: There is a certain dress code expected from the audiences. Trust me. Get a life, children. How sad! Wang played ( and conducted! ) I listened to YW live once, it confirmed what I implied and that was my last one. I always go, in the intermission of a symphony concert, to the conductors room and ask forgiveness for the sins of my collegues, because they dont know what they are doing. The only downside is how long can she keep it up? 1 in E Minor, Op. I attended that Prok 3, if you mean the one in Luzern, and it was certainly good. It seems to me that there are a couple of quite sexist comments here. No thanks. Its just clothes. She is free to wear whatever she feels comfortable playing in. ENOUGH ENOUGH ENOUGH already. With the passage of time this sort of attire will not be possible anymore and then you can assess whether it is her pianism that is the source of her success. If youre that easily distracted, let me encourage you to listen to her audio recordings. The login page will open in a new tab. Chopin: Sonates 2,3. Your amateurs analysis of Ms. Wangs psyche also leaves much to be desired. Nobody can reach her incomprehensible technical perfection and her phenomenal expressiveness and stage presence. 2 Deutsche Grammophon - 00289 477 9308 - europe - 2011 CD S/S 20.00 blancamusic (Romania) Add to cart Details Sell Compare yuja wang piano Yujas attire is consistent with her views she is a wunderkind who (so far) has not shown any meaningful signs of maturity. And she DOES look gordious! This sort of attitude is killing classical music. Yuja Wang is the 25-year-old Chinese pianist revamping the classical music scene with her tight, short, colorful dresses. People fear her openness because they are jealous and so purged by so called tradition it impales rational thought and congruity. night. Thats one of the most original comments on the topic so far. right?! Would we happier if she turns up in her grannys PJs? So, performers should NOT draw attention to their own bodily presence because there is already more than enough bodily presence in the music to be experienced. Critics and pundits who moan the death of classical music should be thrilled that Wang can sell out the National Symphonys monthly Friday noon-time concert like she did this week. Reviews locally say she played brilliantly. How refreshing. Exhibitionism is not a substitute for inner self-esteem, which she clearly lacks. 21-year-old Yuja Wang who will be playing at the Houston Symphony Nov. 28-30.