New Zealand pianist Tony Chen Lin is based in Budapest these days but right now he's back in Aotearoa touring for Chamber Music New Zealand.
Members of the Sonoro Quartet Photo: Supplied
Tony Chen Lin Photo: Jeffery Wen
He's joined by the Sonoro Quartet from Belgium for a programme of music by Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann, including the Piano Quintet in Eb Op 44.
Tony spoke with Bryan Crump about why he moved to Hungary, what it's like adapting to different pianos in concert venues, and why he thinks giving spoken introductions to the music in a concert is a good thing.
"I'm quite an introvert and I don't like speaking in public, but I think it is important because when you're on stage and you're performing for people, your main priority is to involve them. And sometimes it's difficult to do that just with the music."
"I would like to think that the music would 'do all the talking', but with certain pieces it doesn't hurt to know a bit about it before you hear it, so you appreciate it a lot more."
