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In his fifties, British pianist Paul Lewis made his second Schubert Piano Sonatas journey with a more 'human' reading in Schubert's music. Before the last two instalments of the cycle at HKU MUSE, he spoke with Prof. Daniel Chua about interpreting Schubert's works, including the last three sonatas. They explored the trilogy's charming lyricism, profound silences, and the harrowing moments of despair and hope that reflect aformidable pursuit of life's meaning. Tune in to discover what one of today's finest exponents of Schubert has learned about the human experience from the monumental cycle. Speaker: Paul LewisModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: Jan 2024

Step into the world of Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated voices of our time! In this lively conversation with Prof. Daniel Chua, Ms. Fleming reflects on her lifelong devotion to music, from a rich musical childhood to her acclaimed operatic career. Through stories of mentorship, creativity, and advocacy for the arts, she reveals how music continues to inspire, heal, and transform. Speaker: Renée FlemingModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: Oct 2025

Tune in and listen to Hong Kong's own Aristo Sham, gold medalist of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. In this conversation hosted by Prof. Daniel Chua, Aristo offers insights into how Hong Kong's dynamic music scene has shaped his artistry and success. Don’t miss this chance to discover the experiences and inspirations driving the next chapter of his extraordinary career. Speaker: Aristo ShamModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: Aug 2025

Tune in as Thai pianist Poom Prommachart unveils Fantasia Divina, a thrilling new work written for him by celebrated Australian composer Carl Vine and destined to become a piano masterpiece. In this episode, Poom sits down with Prof. Daniel Chua to discuss his connection with the composer and the captivating story behind his royal affiliation, having studied under the patronage of Princess Galyani of Thailand. He also reflects on the challenges of balancing a teaching career with his performance pursuits. Get an exclusive first look at this remarkable work before its world premiere! Fantasia Divina is commissioned by the Music Department and Cultural Management Office of the University of Hong Kong with support from the UOB (United Overseas Bank). Speaker: Poom PrommachartModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: Nov 2024

Berlin Philharmonic Concertmaster Daishin Kashimoto and pianist Alessio Bax share a deep friendship on and off stage. In this 'Music in Words' dialogue hosted by Prof. Daniel Chua, they reflect on their decade-long collaboration, the joy of making music together, and the challenges of balancing their busy orchestral and solo careers with chamber performances. Speaker: Daishin Kashimoto and Alessio BaxModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: May 2023

Conductor Elim Chan captivates audiences at prestigious halls and festivals worldwide. In this 'Music in Words' dialogue hosted by Prof. Daniel Chua, she shares her artistic journey from a young musician in Hong Kong to a globe-trotting conductor, reflecting on her challenges, passion, and dedication to contemporary music. Speaker: Elim ChanModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: November 2024

Dutch pianist Hannes Minnaar is set for his Hong Kong Debut: a 3-hour solo recital of Shostakovich's complete 24 Preludes and Fugues, and a chamber performance of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with HK Phil string principals. Ahead of the concerts, Minnaar joins Prof. Daniel Chua for an online 'Music in Words' dialogue, offering insights into these iconic works and reflecting on a journey that began with the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Tune in and discover how Minnaar breathes life into every note he plays. Speaker: Hannes MinnaarModerator: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: March 2025

Explore how Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being intertwines with Beethoven's final string quartet, Op. 135. Professor Daniel Chua, Chair Professor of Music at HKU, delves into the philosophical themes of existence, decision-making, and the contrasts between lightness and heaviness. The episode also features the Czech Philharmonic String Principals, who perform musical excerpts to illustrate the rich interplay between music and literature. Speaker: Prof. Daniel ChuaMonth of Recording: March 2025

Legendary harpsichordist Andreas Staier talks with Prof. Daniel Chua before his recital at HKU MUSE.They discuss the philosophy behind his unique interpretations and the aesthetics of his latest solo album, Méditation. Speakers: Andreas Staier Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: October 2024

Acclaimed violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melnikov presented the Complete Beethoven Violin Sonatas in 3 concerts at HKU MUSE in 2023. During a 'Music in Words' discussion hosted by Prof. Daniel Chua, they reflected on their musical partnership, examined the subtleties of all 10 sonatas, and offered a glimpse into the composer's extraordinary ability to convey a diverse range of emotions and characters. Speakers: Isabelle Faust & Alexander Melnikov Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: April 2023

In this special ‘Music in Words’ dialogue, Brett and Eddy took the Grand Hall stage alongside Prof. Daniel Chua to offer a glimpse of their creative process, how they navigate the landscape of social media, and the rollercoaster ride of building a successful career through digital content and live world tours. Speaker: Brett Yang & Eddy Chen, TwoSet Violin Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: September 2024

Japanese YouTuber-scientist-composer-pianist Hayato Sumino is a rising musical sensation traversing the classical and digital inspirations. He shared his unique musical journey and inspirations with Prof. Daniel Chua during the HKU student-exclusive 'Music In Words' dialogue. Hayato showcased his improvisational skills on the spot with a theme by the audience, and answered intriguing quick-fire questions from Prof. Chua. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Playlist: '⁠⁠CATEEN! Hayato Sumino Playlist⁠⁠' Speaker: Hayato Sumino (Cateen) Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: October 2023

Two decades ago, the esteemed pianist Paul Lewis embarked on a musical journey of Schubert's complete piano sonatas. Now after an illustrious career spanning twenty years, he revisits this mellifluous cycle in a new light. In the 2022/23 Rayson Huang Lecture, Lewis discussed with Prof. Daniel Chua his new reading of Schubert's sonatas in relation to the composer's life experience and philosophy as a wanderer instead of a struggler. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Playlist: '⁠Paul Lewis: Performing Schubert Playlist⁠' Video: '⁠Music in Words: Paul Lewis⁠' on YouTube Speaker: Paul Lewis Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: February 2023

Distinguished Israeli cellist Gavriel Lipkind, with a lineage from Pablo Casals, has a conversation with Prof. Daniel Chua, head of HKU Music Department. Lipkind shared his insights on interpreting, performing, and recording Bach's Cello Suites, as well as his intriguing experiences as Rostropovich's student and as a contester preparing for the Leonard Rose competition. An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Playlist: 'Gavriel Lipkind: The Bach Suites Playlist' Video: 'Music in Words: Gavriel Lipkind' on YouTube Speaker: Gavriel Lipkind Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: February 2023

Winner of the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition, Bruce Liu has become a real sensation of the pianistic world and has been on an extensive tour across the world’s most prestigious stages. The recording of his title-winning performance was praised by Gramophone as "one of the most distinguished Chopin recitals of recent years, full of maturity, character and purpose." We are thrilled to welcome Bruce to this new episode of 'Music in Words'. In conversation with Prof. Daniel Chua, Bruce talks about his artistic inspirations, interests in jazz and karting, thoughts on his overnight success and how technology influences the evolution of artistic approaches. Click to listen and find out more! An accompanying playlist featuring the music discussed is available on Spotify. Playlist: 'Bruce Liu in the Time of COVID-19 Playlist' Video: 'Music in Words: Bruce Liu' on YouTube Speaker: Bruce Liu Moderator: Prof. Daniel Chua Month of Recording: May 2022