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”
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gershwin.jpg?fit=210%2C209&ssl=12092107 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-04-22 11:00:522023-04-22 11:00:52ICONOCLASSICS Classic Gershwin at Café Yukari
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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/image001.jpg?fit=320%2C213&ssl=12133207 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-04-18 14:24:342023-05-05 11:34:15"For me, success is journeying towards ever more authentic and creative personal expression" - Jasmina Kulaglich, pianist
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”
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dcf32a_a231875bf312440ab1e5d6e2add727ab_mv2.webp?fit=979%2C552&ssl=15529797 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-02-20 09:13:252023-02-20 09:13:25SIQIAN LI, piano, 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”
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.1 Alexander Scriabin: Fantasy in B minor, Op.28 Wanghua Chu: Jasmine Flower Fantasia Franz 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”
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/dcf32a_a231875bf312440ab1e5d6e2add727ab_mv2.webp?fit=979%2C552&ssl=15529797 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-01-05 14:33:172023-01-20 15:01:56SIQIAN LI, piano, 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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ah_big_01-e1660037250539.jpg?fit=1296%2C1200&ssl=1120012967 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-01-05 14:21:122023-02-03 09:50:17ICONOCLASSICS with Anthony Hewitt 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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/when-to-practice-piano.jpg?fit=2346%2C1563&ssl=1156323467 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2022-11-09 09:54:212022-12-08 10:25:22Anthony Hewitt & Viv McLean at Café Yukari
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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/r22.jpeg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=14276407 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2022-09-15 15:55:182022-09-15 15:55:18Viv McLean at Café Yukari - extra 5pm performance
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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/r22.jpeg?fit=640%2C427&ssl=14276407 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2022-09-09 14:35:202022-11-09 09:45:58Viv McLean 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
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/ah_big_01-e1660037250539.jpg?fit=1296%2C1200&ssl=1120012967 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2022-08-09 10:11:562022-09-09 14:32:58Anthony Hewitt at Café Yukari
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”
https://i0.wp.com/www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Gershwin.jpg?fit=210%2C209&ssl=12092107 Star Artshttps://www.7stararts.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/7-STAR-ARTS-LOGO-white-on-blue-square-100mm-300ppi-300x300.jpg7 Star Arts2023-04-22 11:00:522023-04-22 11:00:52ICONOCLASSICS Classic Gershwin at Café Yukari