Richard Clayderman intrigued by the Filipino audience

Richard Clayderman faces the media upon arrival in Manila last Thursday (Photo by Jecelyn V. Macahindog)

World’s best-selling pianist Richard Clayderman felt the heat when he arrived for the first time in the country on Thursday – and he hopes to feel the same warmth from the Filipinos tonight when he performs before them.

An hour upon arrival in Manila on Thursday, the man behind the renowned piano piece “Ballade Pour Adeline (Ballad for Adeline)” met with the media on Thursday for the press conference of “Richard Clayderman: The Romantique Concert Live! In Manila,” to be staged at 8 p.m. at the PICC Plenary Hall.

The one-night concert is part of Clayderman’s promotional events for his latest album “Romantique.” In Asia, he’s already performed in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

“Actually, I just came from a series of promotional events, which has been running for two weeks now. I’m also here to promote my album ‘Romantique’ and we’re taking the advantage of the opportunity… to have a concert here. It’s a very beautiful opportunity because it is my first time here,” Clayderman said through an interpreter.

The French artist knows about the country’s recent struggle brought about by super-typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: “Haiyan”) and he feels for the victims.

“Unfortunately, we arrived at a very unpleasant time for your country and I’m aware of the devastation that happened due to the typhoon in certain areas of the country but despite everything, I’m still very happy to be here with you today,” he said, adding his wish for the country’s swift recovery.

Apart from wanting to see the Philippines, what excites the first-time visitor more is the Filipino audience.

“It’s true that it’s my first time in the Philippines,” Clayderman shared. “I know this is a very good opportunity for me to meet the people and that’s actually my objective in coming here. My impression of Manila is that you have a lot of people and that makes it exciting.”

He related in the same press conference that he would be working with Filipino musicians in his concert. “I look forward to that and most of all, I really look forward to the reaction of the audience that I will have on my concert.”

At 59, Clayderman is grateful that he still gets the opportunity to travel the world, meet other people and musicians.

“Even if it’s been almost 40 years, the passion that I’ve had for music is still there within me and I can say that I can still work for as long as 10 years more, provided that my health permits it and that my fans are still there.”

Richard Clayderman intrigued by the Filipino audience

Source: Mb.com.ph (November 15, 2013 at 03:27PM)

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