On the evening of 11 June a special concert at the home of Peter Ritzen and Stella Chang in Shunyi. See here the background:
160611TheMediciSalon
Stella opened the event, introducing the history and special character of their Medici Salon. The Peter gave a brief history overview of the piano as a musical instrument over the centuries, and in particular the history of the picture used in the evening: it is over 100 years old and after a long journey around the world ended up in their Beijing home.
An exceptional boy of 15 years old, a prize-winner, gave an impressive performance of his skills, playing Bach and Chopin. Then Stella, the soprano, song a famous Italian opera aria. That was followed by me who read and explained two French poems, as a tribute to Peter.
Peter, while handicapped with his left hand out of services still gave us a brief demonstration of his piano skills.
Some of the guests introduced themselves and one gave a short singing performance.
Our beloved chef Renaat Morel (Morel’s Restaurant) gave an overview of the Belgian dishes he prepared for the buffet that followed. Great food as usual!