Classical Music Lecture Series: “Paganini 24 Caprices” and “Romantic Piano Concertos”

Classical Music Lecture Series 1: “Paganini 24 Caprices” Speaker: Jimmy Shiu Violin Demonstrator: Wang Liang Paganini’s mysterious and legendary life earned him the nickname ‘the Devil’s Violinist’. His caprices demand such daunting technical prowess that they are rarely heard in concert halls. "Paganini 24 Caprices" is a rare treat, offering music lovers not only the chance to experience the complete set of 24 Caprices up close, but also a deeper understanding of these masterpieces through technical analysis, tips for appreciation and Q&A. Truth be told, the brilliance of "Paganini 24 Caprices" extends far beyond mere technical virtuosity. 20 May 2026 (Wed) Lecture 1: Caprices No. 1-6 27 May 2026 (Wed) Lecture 2: Caprices No. 7-12 3 Jun 2026 (Wed) Lecture 3: Caprices No. 13-18 10 Jun 2026 (Wed) Lecture 4: Caprices No. 19-24 Classical Music Lecture Series 2: “Romantic Piano Concertos” Speaker: Jimmy Shiu Paganini was an early advocate of Romanticism; and Paganini’s caprices have a part to play in awakening the aspiration for virtuosity in the 19th century, aptly showcased by pianists in concerto performances. On top of virtuosity, the series will cover a lot more including: -Why concerto? — An outline of the history of the concerto with emphasis on the keyboard -General framework of classical piano concertos -New features of romantic piano concertos in -Form -Orchestration -Counterpoint -Expression of non-musical content -Roles of the soloist and the orchestra -Development of the piano, the orchestra, and the concert hall in the 19th century -The rising of star pianists! 17 Jun 2026 (Wed) Lecture 1: Introduction and the Early Romantics 　Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat, “Emperor” 　Mendelssohn: Piano Concerto No. 1 in G minor 24 Jun 2026 (Wed) Lecture 2: Two Charistmatic Pianists 　Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor 　Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat 8 Jul 2026 (Wed) Lecture 3: The Two A minor Concertos 　Schumann: Piano Concerto in A minor 　Grieg: Piano Concerto in A minor 15 Jul 2026 (Wed) Lecture 4: Two Symphonic Concertos 　Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor & No. 2 in B-flat 22 Jul 2026 (Wed) Lecture 5: Bravura East and West! 　Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 in Bb minor 　Saint-Saens: Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor 29 Jul 2026 (Wed) Lecture 6: Romantic of the 20th Century 　Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor & "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" (Information provided by the speaker) Conducted in Cantonese. Free seating.