A dancing, rocking violinist
There are few musicians in the world who are equally adept at playing the classics and then scoring, choreographing and performing an Ed Sheeran or Guns N’ Roses pop song. They’re usually accomplished at one and out of their depth at the other. Palmerston North violinist Hannah Fang is the exception.
When Fang takes to the Regent On Broadway stage, she’ll dance and play heavy metal rock on her electric violin as superbly as performing the sublime Bruch Violin Concerto.
Fang, who trained in China as a classical concert violinist, enjoys all genres.
Her concert, Hannah Fang and Friends, at the Regent on Saturday will include classical, variety, rock and semi-rock in her montage of music.
Although violin concertos require talent, technical skill and a prodigious memory, Fang has always wanted to reach out to a new audience that embraces rock music and jazz.
‘‘The melody is simpler, the song only lasts three or four minutes and allows me to express the music through my playing, my feelings and my movement.
‘‘A visual experience is important to my concerts,’’ she said.
The programme ranges from the Bruch, played with the Manawatu¯ Sinfonia, to themes from Last of the Mohicans and Game of Thrones, to hip hop, heavy metal and Fang’s own compositions.
She hopes her audience will feel swept up in the music.
‘‘It will be a total performance. I very much enjoy the stage and feel valued when my music touches the heart of the audience,’’ Fang said.
As well as the Manawatu¯ Sinfonia, Fang will be accompanied by the Manawatu¯ Scottish Pipe Band, her own rock band, a dance troupe and backing tracks.
Fang, who moved to Palmerston North three years ago to be closer to family, has an impressive background as a performer and teacher in China. She has a masters degree in performance and teaching from Xing Hai Conservatory of Music and has performed as a soloist with distinguished orchestras in Asia.
Highlights of her career include performing for the Thai royal family and the crown prince of Belgium.