Star pianist Lang Lang will arrive in Fresno just in time to be the first to play on a brand new Steinway that the Fresno Philharmonic will acquire after this holiday season. Lang Lang is known for his signature exaggerated and animated playing style that sells out concert halls. The Chicago Tribune hailed him as “the biggest, most exciting keyboard talent encountered in many years.”


Lang Lang will appear with the Fresno Philharmonic Monday, February 5 at 8:00 p.m.
For more info vist the Philharmonic’s website at www.fresnophil.org.

It should be known that to attend the private upcoming reception for Lang Lang in Fresno that you have to be part of the big donors circle, or put it this way, I was told it was for the "sponsors." I have been performing in Fresno since I arrived from NYC in 1979, and donated my appearances for the Symphony League that raises money for the Phil, and for the Progressive party circuit that used to be a vehicle to raise funds for the Phil-they would auction off donations like concerts for dinner parties. (I performed on every kind of piano imagineable--from very poor to magnificent) I would do the main course, or dessert playing, etc. People traveled on golf carts across the Bluffs.. Then I made many, many appearances for Valley Public Radio, and the American Cancer Society, Hospice, all gratis..But what seems to count in this town is having money, and influence. My opinion...probably true elsewhere--Fresno is known for Raisin, AG Business, etc.
Anyway, Fresno seems to be growing to be a more cosmopolitan place, and by acquiring a new Steinway D, hand-picked at the Astoria factory, they are coming a long way. The prior Steinway D piano had been ill-maintained and was forklifted back and forth from one arena location to another. I remember meeting with the Saroyan management years ago about improving the piano maintenance and at that time they did not want to put in the money. They couldn't understand the importance of repairing and maintaining the piano. So one day, Jeremy Menuhin was making an appearance with the Fresno Phil and apologized on stage, before he performed, to the effect that the piano he had to play on was inadequate and that his performance would suffer. Can you believe this!!!! Still, no desire on the part of management at that time to put in the money to get the piano into shape
The Phil has greatly improved in musical caliber since having two great consecutive conductors, Raymond Harvey, and now Theodore Kuchar. I would say that it now has regional standing. But I just wish all the fluff would disappear and they would appreciate the local talent that is here, and not have private receptions for big donors only.
Much of the time there are Friday luncheons preceding the weekend concerts, but this time around it's not the case. I guess I will have to become a big $$$ donor. My latest CD was sent to Mr. Kuchar and I hope he gives me some feedback as I greatly respect the maestro and his fine musicianship. Incredible! in fact..Tomorrow my CD is reviewed in the Fresno Bee so maybe they'll figure out that perhaps I have been around the block. It's nearly 30 years that I took up residence here, after leaving the Big Apple, and the ops to perform, record, do TV, and be broadcast have been many. But most of us artists, are of the starving variety, and what we have to offer is just the blood, sweat and tears of practicing and refining our performances. I'll bet there are other local pianists in other parts of the country who could comment on their professional lives in smaller cities and beyond...and I would be interested in your experiences with your local symphony and the cultural scene..
www.fasttraxx.com/shirleykirsten
mp3 samples.
A Visalia dealer will send over a 7 foot Nordiska for me to record on in February. I am very excited about this opportunity, as I enjoyed this instrument housed at the Piano Gallery. Most of our recording studios lack good pianos, if any..
Owner, Steinway grand (1917) and Steinway Upright, 45" 4510 model 1992 and PX110 digital keyboard.