While school is out for summer, we're giving you a sneak peak into this season of Intermezzo's content. This is Summer School with the Lang Lang Young Scholars.
Some teens went on summer vacations to the beach or the movies, but the Lang Lang Young Scholars have spent this summer touring around the world. They even stopped by northern Michigan venues for a series of special recitals and events.
About Xinran Shi
15 years old, from San Jose, California
Does any particular imagery come to mind when you play Ravel’s "La Valse?"
"'La Valse' is such a chaotic piece. In the beginning, I picture a really dark ballroom and there are couples dancing the Viennese waltz. A light goes on and off and illuminates each couple one by one.
"It's beautiful in a creepy sort of way. The end is one of my favorites. Ravel never explicitly stated this, but usually we interpret this piece as the demise as the Austrian and Hungarian empires after World War I. It's about high society and the aristocracy falling down."
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About the Lang Lang Young Scholars Foundation
These young artists are participating as part of a new summer initiative, created through a partnership between Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Lang Lang Young Scholars Program — a multi-year mentorship program for pianists under 18.
Founded in 2008 by Lang Lang, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF) strives to educate, inspire and motivate the next generation of music lovers and performers.
Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Marc Lacuesta engineered today's music recording.
Gracie Westergaard engineered today's interview.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.
