A Spanish serenade for Shenzhen

When pianist Luis Fernando Perez gave a recital during the 12th Shenzhen Piano Music Festival on Nov 2, he captivated the audience with his passionate celebration of Spanish classical music.

Perez opened with two piano sonatas by 18th-century composer Antonio Soler, setting a tone of elegance and authenticity.

The first half of the program continued with three pieces selected from Twelve Spanish Dances, Op 37, by pianist and composer Enrique Granados, Scenes d'enfants (Scenes of Children), a nostalgic composition by Frederic Mompou, and selections from Manuel de Falla's ballet, The Three-Cornered Hat.

In the second half, Perez performed excerpts from Isaac Albeniz's celebrated Suite Iberia, followed by selections from another of De Falla's ballets, El Amor Brujo (Love, the Magician).

With each touch of the keys, Perez brought the essence of Spanish music alive. His skilled hands conjured its vivid textures and rhythms, evoking the lively strum of guitars, the clack of castanets, and the melodic chime of bells. His expressive and nuanced performance drew sustained applause.

"It was a very special moment. I saw my audience smiling and visibly touched. I wanted to bring music from my country, from Spain, to the Chinese audience," he says.

He also says that initially, he planned to play a mix of Chopin and some Spanish piano music but after discussing the program with Sun Yue, the deputy director of the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival, he was strongly encouraged to present an entirely Spanish program.

The pianist first performed in China around 10 years ago.

"One of my dreams is to know every beautiful place in China. China is so big. I remember beautiful Beijing and impressive Shanghai. This time I was able to enjoy the city of Shenzhen and its beautiful parks and buildings and amazing friends and food," Perez says. "There were both beautiful communication and silence during my recital in Shenzhen. The Chinese public is very emotional and warm.