Exploring la Magie of the Piano and French invites audiences on a captivating journey through the elegance of French music and language. This enchanting performance blends virtuosic piano artistry with the lyrical beauty of French culture, celebrating its timeless charm and emotional depth. Whether you're a music lover or a Francophile, this event promises a magical afternoon of sound and storytelling, where each note and phrase reveals the soul of France.
Mr. Huang Naiwei is one of the most promising pianists in Hong Kong. His improvisational playing has been highly praised by the renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who described him as an “impressive talent.” The legendary Chinese piano maestro Liu Shikun also commended him as one of the few pianists today capable of improvising across various musical styles. Huang has performed solo concerts and delivered masterclasses throughout Asia and Europe. He has collaborated with orchestras such as the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, and Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra, as well as with conductors like Tan Dun, Leung Kin-fung, and Zhang Zhen. He was also invited to perform at festivals, including the Mozart 260th Anniversary series, the Shanghai Spring International Music Festival, the Shenzhen International Piano Festival, and Art Basel. Additionally, he has served as a judge in various competitions. Huang received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, majoring in piano, at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) under Professor Gabriel Kwok. He also studied under the legendary pianist and educator Dmitri Bashkirov at the summer piano academy at Mozarteum University of Salzburg. He now works as a part-time instructor at HKAPA, a guest lecturer at the University of Hong Kong School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE), and a council member of the Greater Bay Area Art Education Association.
Mr. Jean-Baptiste Déal graduated from Université Paris XII and obtained his master’s degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He has also studied Mandarin at the Beijing Language and Culture University. As a native French speaker fluent in English and Mandarin, he is passionate about teaching and cross-cultural communication. Throughout his teaching career in Hong Kong’s public schools and language institutions, he has skillfully integrated the communication and negotiation principles from his book Winning with Ancient Wisdom: Negotiation Strategies from Asia and Europe, inspiring learners to approach language as both an art of expression and a bridge between cultures.
Programme Director: Wallace Ma
Programme and Artistic Director: Usa Kiatvongcharoen
Performer: Huang Naiwei
French Instructor: Jean-Baptiste Déal
French Session Assistant and Performer: Charlotte Ma
