Renowned American classical pianist Clarie Huangci, who resides in Germany, was invited to perform at Segerstrom Concert Hall in Orange County from September 26 to 28, collaborating with the Pacific Symphony and conductor Carl Clair to kick off the 35th anniversary season.
Huangci expressed her excitement about returning to the beautiful Segerstrom Concert Hall, stating that she was initially impressed by its beauty and acoustics during her first visit. When asked about performing alongside the Pacific Symphony again, she mentioned, “They are fully devoted to what they love, and working with them brings me joy because happiness can be contagious.”
Known for her “extremely strong sense of presence and delicate auditory dramatic skills” as described by the Salzburger Nachrichten, Huangci is versatile in her repertoire, ranging from early composers like Bach and Scarlatti to German and Russian romantic works, and modern pieces by Bernstein, Gulda, and Corigliano.
“We will perform three concerts together, and I can sense the anticipation from the audience,” Huangci said. “I enjoy experimenting with different approaches, immersing myself in the pieces, interpreting and trying out new things. I have planned to perform different encores each night.”
Clair and the Pacific Symphony first collaborated on Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in 1990, and 35 years later, he remarked, “This delightful and thrilling piece is the perfect way to open our season, celebrating the music we have cherished over the years. Welcome to outstanding guest artists and the presentation of wonderful works from both old and new worlds.” Clair, a native-born conductor and the longest-serving in the orchestra, will conclude his final season before retirement.
Regarding the pieces they will perform, Huangci mentioned that Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini” and Beethoven’s lively and passionate Symphony No. 7 were both directed by Clair 35 years ago. “Returning to these pieces carries incredible emotional significance,” she noted. “For me, having played ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini’ last year, revisiting it now allows people to sense a certain level of maturity in interpretation.”
Born in New York, Huangci later moved to Germany for her music studies and now resides there. Starting her professional career at the age of 9, she has performed in concerts, competitions, and recordings. She has won top prizes at the 2009 and 2010 European Chopin Piano Competitions, the 2018 Geza Anda Competition, and the 2019 Grand Prize at the Parisian chamber ensemble Play-Direct Academy.
Reflecting on her early curiosity and admiration for musicians, Huangci expressed gratitude for having the opportunity to meet them now. She emphasized, “I attend many concerts, make new friends while traveling, explore different cultures, and cherish reunions with family, all of which broaden my horizons and inspire me. Especially sharing moments with my imaginative 2-year-old daughter brings me joy.”
Discussing classical music in the U.S., Huangci noted that it remains a niche market compared to Germany, where touring artists and top orchestras often perform in schools. She highlighted the educational outreach efforts in Germany as essential, suggesting that there is still much to be done in this regard in the U.S.
Huangci recalled her teenage years when she enjoyed classical music while most of her peers listened to genres like hip-hop and rock music. She believes that classical music is timeless and may resonate more with people after experiencing life events and having time to appreciate its depth. Huangci stated that acquiring a taste for classical music is a learned behavior that develops over time.
For children, exposure to classical music at a young age can lead them to discover composers like Bach and Beethoven earlier. Huangci emphasized, “As classical musicians, we are not eccentric individuals who practice all day in our rooms; we are regular people with normal interests. We enjoy engaging with youth, introducing them to classical music.”
Huangci pointed out that classical music fosters focus and learning, sharing her personal experience about her sister’s choice of music for different moods. She mentioned that while there may not be definitive studies proving Mozart’s music makes babies smarter, she believes that classical music in the background helps enhance concentration more than any other genre.
Though neither of her parents were musicians, they encouraged her to learn the piano as a beneficial hobby. As Huangci’s love for classical music grew, she faced a pivotal decision at 17: whether to attend a typical university or continue pursuing music as her life and career.
Opting to study in Germany, a place rich in the roots of many classical musicians, Huangci finds that classical music offers various dimensions worth exploring. She concluded, “Classical music has many facets for people to delve into. The world outside is vast, with diverse musical styles that everyone can find pieces they resonate with.” ◇