Toad Lane Concerts: Evi Wang piano

Evi Wang piano

Toad Lane Concerts are truly fortunate in hosting several international students from the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music) and other institutions. They are not only outstanding players but also appreciative of the Grade 1-listed St Mary in the Baum Church.

Evi Wang started her piano studies at the age of four in Shanghai, China, moving to Sweden in 2008. In 2019 she graduated from the Norwegian Academy of Music and is now enjoying a full scholarship for advanced studies at the Royal Northern College of Music.

Evi has taken part in many international competitions, summer festivals and masterclasses, is an active accompanist and chamber musician and has appeared with the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras.

Clearly an experienced and confident pianist, her programme began with the hypnotic Vél komne med æra (Welcome with honour) by the Norwegian composer Geirr Tveitt. A worthy opening with her own humble and engaging introduction.

Chopin’s Ballade no. 3, Opus 47 and Barcarolle Opus 60 were beautifully played, expressively crafted dynamic shaping and managing to wrest a rich melodic tone from the vintage Challen grand piano.

In sharp contrast, Piano rag time, where Stravinsky tries to get down with the Jazzers, Anton Webern meets Scott Joplin, is fiendishly tricky but effortless for Evi, and great fun.

The main work was the monumental Piano Sonata Opus 110 by Beethoven. The unusual final movement with its operatic elements and Bachian fugues brought the work to a fantastic climax. Just when you thought she had produced full tone, she found more. This was truly symphonic playing because of the contrasted details expected from an orchestra and the ability to build long crescendos. Mature and powerful interpretations from Evi. I am sure we will see much more of this gifted performer.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available now, but the venue is Covid-19 compliant. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson