CSMA presents piano faculty members Temirzhan Yerzhanov and Klara Frei for a free concert on Saturday, October 31 at 7:30p.m. live streaming on YouTube. The couple will be performing piano duet masterpieces from Schumann and Schubert. The program they call “Romantic Gems” will include Franz Schubert’s Rondo in A major, D. 951 and Robert Schumann’s Ballszenen Op. 109, along with other lesser-known works from these composers.
We spoke with Yerzhanov and Frei to learn more about their backgrounds and what the audience can expect from their performance.
Did you have access to music education in school?
Temirzhan: I went to the famous Central Specialist Music School in Moscow affiliated with Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatoire and one of the top schools in the entire former USSR.
Klara: I also received my music education at the Specialist Music School but in my home country in Kyrgyzstan. In order to be accepted in such a prestigious school, Temirzhan and I had to audition and pass tests at the age of 6-7. We would regularly have auditions, competitions and exams after which some of the students would drop out of the school. At that time in our country, education including music education, college and conservatory education was free of charge, but the competition to get into the top colleges and conservatories was fierce.
Tell us about a great music teacher you had.
Temirzhan: My favorite and most influential teacher was undoubtedly professor Mikhail Voskresensky who is currently the oldest and the greatest living professor at Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He is arguably the best in the world and is still actively performing at the age of 85!
Klara: My first teacher was Olga Makarova, with whom I spent 11 years. I also had the privilege to study with professor Evgeny Malinin at Moscow Conservatory who was a student of the great Heinrich Neuhaus.
How often do you recommend practicing?
Temirzhan: It is individual for each pianist. Some pianists need more hours, some less. There is no right or wrong, but on average pianists usually spend around 4-5 hours or more daily when preparing for a concert.
Klara: It depends. When I was a student and preparing two 60 minute programs with challenging pieces and a concerto for National Piano Competitions I would practice seven to eight hours a day. One thing that is very clear is self-discipline and daily practice are essential for pianists.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Temirzhan and Klara: It is important to find the right teacher who can take you through all levels of training, from the beginning level to the highest level. You need to stay curious, cultivate self-discipline, be open to new things and educate yourself beyond school programs—such as going to museums, operas, ballets, concerts, musicals and plays.
Why did you choose to perform pieces from Schumann and Schubert?
Temirzhan: I have a special affinity for Schumann’s music since winning a Gold Medal at Schumann International Competition. Since then I have always included Schumann’s pieces in my recital programs.
Klara: Ballszenen by Schumann is rarely performed, so we decided to include this piece in our program. Schubert’s pieces are absolute masterpieces that are not played often enough.
What can the audience expect during your virtual performance in Tateuchi Hall?
Temirzhan and Klara: The audience can expect beautiful but not often played masterpieces by the two greatest romantic composers written for piano—four hands and the same level of energy and professionalism from us as during our live performances.
Watch Yerzhanov and Frei’s performance on our YouTube channel.
