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ICONOCLASSICS Classic Gershwin at Café Yukari

The Life of George Gershwin in Music & Words

Viv McLean piano

Susan Porrett narrator

Tickets £25

We are delighted to present our hugely popular words and music production Classic Gershwin in the intimate surroundings of Café Yukari as part of our ICONOCLASSICS series.

‘Classic Gershwin’ weaves the vibrant music of the ever-popular composer George Gershwin with his fascinating life story from birth in the colourful, teeming New York of 1898 to his tragically early death in 1937.

With prize-winning pianist and renowned Gershwin interpreter Viv McLean and RSC, National Theatre and TV actress Susan Porrett as narrator, this mixed-genre concert presents an intriguing, eclectic mix of Gershwin’s music from the much-loved Rhapsody in Blue, I got Rhythm Variations, The Man I Love and Swanee to the rarely-played classical Three Preludes.

NB – very small venue, early booking recommended for this popular show

 

“a glorious and intriguing celebration of Gershwin’s life and work”

– ArtMuseLondon.com


Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

“For me, success is journeying towards ever more authentic and creative personal expression” – Jasmina Kulaglich, pianist

Ahead of her ICONOCLASSICS concert in May, pianist Jasmina Kulaglich shares her influences and inspirations in this interview

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music?

My cousin, a pianist, put me on the piano at the age of six. I immediately fell in love with the instrument because of the range of colours that can imitate the whole orchestra. For me, one of the great challenges for the pianist is to make the audience forget that the sound is produced by hammers – the piano can sing like a string instrument, and can also have the amplitude of an orchestra.

Who or what were the most significant influences on your musical life and career

In my artistic path, I had the chance to feed on the philosophies of the great piano schools: Czech and Russian in my native country, Serbia, then the French school in Paris, and then the Latin American School, with the disciples of Claudio Arrau – Edith Fischer and Aquis Delle Vigne. Another great master who influenced my path was György Sebők.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

I like to work with musicians from different countries. My first trio was built between Paris and New York, and the second – Trio Bohème – between Paris and Moscow. I like to live the qualities of musicians coming from the very different horizons. It’s a very rewarding challenge.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

As a soloist, I recorded the CD “Byzantine Mosaic” for Naxos in World Premiere – it is a work devoted to the Orthodox monasteries of the Balkans, very spiritual and profound. In 2019 I was delighted to release “The Seasons”, a new CD with my Trio Bohème, with a “western premiere”  of The Seasons by Tchaikovsky transcribed for the trio, alongside the “Four Seasons in Buenos Aires” by Astor Piazzolla.

Which particular works do you think you perform best?

I really like the sonatas of Beethoven and Schubert – their classical structure is of great depth. On the other side, I like the fluidity and imagination of a Debussy, and of course, being of Slavic origin, I carry in my heart Tchaikovsky, Janacek, Shostakovich…

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

I choose my programmes by “Coup de coeur” as I like to be spontaneous and attentive to my heart. Intuition guides me and it is never mistaken in the choices of what suits me in different periods.

Tell us more about your Chopin and the Slavic Lands programme.

After the release of my new album “Dumka” in 2022 with Calliope label, I wanted to offer a programme that presents some works from my album with Russian composers to discover, side by side, with much better known works by Chopin. For me this programme reflects the two sides of my character: Slavic sensitivity, and a certain inner strength necessary to move forward in life and build my artistic path.

I hope to take the public on a journey between the different countries of Eastern Europe and make them dream with the colourful sounds of these composers.

What do you do offstage that inspires you onstage?

I am a very interior person – I do yoga, meditation, I do a lot of psychological and spiritual research. My motto is: create your life by your inner state. So I devote a lot of time to it, also on walks in nature, which nourish me deeply.

In your opinion, what should be done to increase the audience for classical music?

The most important thing for me is to create emotion, the link with the public, while being at a high piano level. Audiences that have been touched at one concert will come back to listen to more.

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Among the large concert halls, I really like the Salle Gaveau in Paris. It has a wonderful acoustic and can accommodate as much an orchestra as a soloist or chamber music ensemble.

Who are your favourite musicians?

Being exposed to the sources of the Latin-American School, my favorite pianists are Claudio Arrau, Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich, but also Dinu Lipatti, Clara Haskil, Murray Perahia, Wilhelm Kempf…

What is your most memorable concert experience?

I have a very nice memory of the concert where I played Liszt’s First Concerto with the European Romantic Orchestra in Paris. I like to be surrounded by many musicians, and even being a soloist, to create with them in perfect agreement.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

For me, success is journeying towards ever more authentic and creative personal expression – never copying but searching for its own inner pearl. If this expression is sincere and profound, in agreement with our soul, the public will feel it. The main thing for me is to pass the vibrations of another dimension – the one where the music is born. And this is the greatest happiness in my artistic journey.

Jasmina performs music by Chopin, Borodin, Glinka and Khatchaturian in a programme entitled Chopin and the Slavic Lands at Cafe Yukari, Kew, on Thursday 18 May at 8pm. Info/tickets


SIQIAN LI, piano, at Café Yukari

After her first sold out concert at Cafe Yukari, we welcome back  “rising star” of the piano Siqian Li to our favourite small venue

Tickets £20

 

 

 

Programme TBA

Featured as a Rising Star in BBC Music Magazine and winner of multiple awards, Chinese pianist Siqian Li brings depth, dynamism and a shining pianism to her musical explorations. Commended for her ‘virtuosity and talent’ (Annecy Classic Festival), her ‘huge emotional range and effortless pianistic control’ (Paul Lewis), and her ‘graceful and touching’ approach (Emanuel Ax), Siqian has appeared in concerts and recitals around the world.


Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

 

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

ICONOCLASSICS Divine Fire at Café Yukari

Divine Fire – the story of Fryderyk Chopin & George Sand in Music & Words

Viv McLean piano

Susan Porrett narrator

Tickets £25

We are delighted to present our acclaimed words and music production Divine Fire in the intimate surroundings of Café Yukari as part of our new ICONOCLASSICS series.

Featuring some of Chopin’s loveliest piano works, Divine Fire traces the relationship between Fryderyk Chopin and the authoress George Sand, from their first meeting in Paris in 1836 until their parting in 1849.

The story unfolds through a compelling, dramatic narration of events by the RSC, National Theatre and TV actress Susan Porrett, interspersed with fiery Scherzos, heartrending Ballades, intimate lyrical Nocturnes and stirring Polonaises, performed by acclaimed concert pianist Viv McLean.

absorbing, moving and beautifully presented

– The Cross-Eyed Pianist


Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

 

SIQIAN LI, piano, at Café Yukari

We are delighted to present “rising star” of the piano Siqian Li at our favourite small venue, the friendly and convivial Café Yukari in Kew.

Tickets £20

 


Programme

Robert Schumann: Variations on the name “Abegg”, Op.1Alexander Scriabin: Fantasy in B minor, Op.28Wanghua Chu: Jasmine Flower FantasiaFranz Liszt: Sonata in B minor, S.178

 

Featured as a Rising Star in BBC Music Magazine and winner of multiple awards, Chinese pianist Siqian Li brings depth, dynamism and a shining pianism to her musical explorations. Commended for her ‘virtuosity and talent’ (Annecy Classic Festival), her ‘huge emotional range and effortless pianistic control’ (Paul Lewis), and her ‘graceful and touching’ approach (Emanuel Ax), Siqian has appeared in concerts and recitals around the world.


Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

 

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

ICONOCLASSICS with Anthony Hewitt at Café Yukari

After a sell out concert in February, “remarkably gifted” concert pianist Anthony Hewitt returns to the friendly and convivial Cafe Yukari in Kew to perform music by Rameau and Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit

Tickets £25

 


Programme

RAMEAU & RAVEL

ICONOCLASSICS features leading, critically-acclaimed classical musicians, more at home in the world’s great concert halls than in a café but all happy to break free from the conventional classical music scene. The small size of the venue creates a special connection between musicians and audience, and allows the musicians to present music in a more accessible and relaxed way.

 

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

Anthony Hewitt

Anthony Hewitt & Viv McLean at Café Yukari

To round off our autumn series at this friendly, convivial venue, a festive feast of 4-hands piano music, plus solos and surprises from two internationally-renowned concert pianists.

Tickets £20

Programme

Schubert Fantasy in F Minor D.940
Ravel
Mother Goose Suite
Bloch
Nigun from Baal Shem suite
Rachmaninov
Selection from Op. 11
Dvorak
Slavonic Dance

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

Anthony Hewitt

Viv McLean

Viv McLean at Café Yukari – extra 5pm performance

Viv McLean – piano

As Viv McLean’s 8pm performance is already sold out, we have added an additional, earlier performance at 5pm

Tickets £20

ALL CHOPIN PROGRAMME

 

 

Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

Viv McLean

Viv McLean at Café Yukari

Viv McLean – piano

Viv McLean returns to Cafe Yukari for another solo concert at this friendly, convivial venue

Tickets £20

PROGRAMME

Beethoven – Sonata in C Minor Op. 13 “Pathetique”
Mozart – Sonata in C K. 330
Beethoven – Sonata in C Sharp Minor Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”

 


Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

 

Viv McLean

Anthony Hewitt at Café Yukari

After his previous sell-out performances at this convivial, friendly venue in Kew, “remarkably gifted” concert pianist Anthony Hewitt returns to Cafe Yukari for another solo concert

Tickets £20

Programme TBA

Book online or in person via the venue on 020 8487 1338

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue 020 8487 1338


 

 


Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station

Anthony Hewitt

Events

ICONOCLASSICS Classic Gershwin at Café Yukari

The Life of George Gershwin in Music & Words

Viv McLean piano

Susan Porrett narrator

Tickets £25

We are delighted to present our hugely popular words and music production Classic Gershwin in the intimate surroundings of Café Yukari as part of our ICONOCLASSICS series.

‘Classic Gershwin’ weaves the vibrant music of the ever-popular composer George Gershwin with his fascinating life story from birth in the colourful, teeming New York of 1898 to his tragically early death in 1937.

With prize-winning pianist and renowned Gershwin interpreter Viv McLean and RSC, National Theatre and TV actress Susan Porrett as narrator, this mixed-genre concert presents an intriguing, eclectic mix of Gershwin’s music from the much-loved Rhapsody in Blue, I got Rhythm Variations, The Man I Love and Swanee to the rarely-played classical Three Preludes.

NB – very small venue, early booking recommended for this popular show

 

“a glorious and intriguing celebration of Gershwin’s life and work”

– ArtMuseLondon.com


Café Yukari is an intimate, friendly venue close to Kew Gardens tube station. Concert-goers enjoy high-quality classical music in a convivial setting and a chance to mingle with other music lovers and meet the artists. Plus authentic Japanese food and a beautiful Fazioli grand piano!

Concert-goers can enjoy authentic Japanese food before the concert – please book via the venue  020 8487 1338

Praise for 7 Star Arts at Cafe Yukari:

“a truly uplifting evening- beautiful music and delicious food”

“What a charming experience …to listen to  first-class music and eat delicious food while outside, beyond the fairy lights, commuters pour out of Kew Gardens Station