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A Lang Lang summer: Peter Parra plays Chopin — Friday

Peter Parra spent his summer touring with the Lang Lang Young Scholars. Hear him perform music by Chopin recorded in IPR's Studio A on "Intermezzo."

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 Peter Parra

14 years old, from San Francisco, California

What are you thinking about when playing this piece by Chopin?

"The first theme is very dark, I think of a dark forest. I'm very lost and anxious (musically). The next theme is brighter, maybe like a past memory.

"My favorite part of the ballade is the scherzando section, because is all about letting go and having fun for a moment."

Hear today's full episode by clicking "Listen" above or from your preferred podcast app.

Pianist and Lang Lang Scholar Peter Parra
Pianist and Lang Lang Scholar Peter Parra

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.

Christy L'Esperance is Classical IPR's morning host and producer.