Reflections on the Advanced Cultural Leadership Program I have always been called ‘an idealist’ – pursuing beauty in the world and striving for the brightest side of the human soul. Some of my friends said that it is almost impossible

“The One-Armed Swordsman” (Dubei dao “獨臂刀”) is an old Chinese film depicting the life of a swordsman of the Golden Sword School. During a ferocious fight, the swordsman’s right arm tragically gets cut off, ending his career as a swordsman.

Yosif Kotek with Tchaikovsky The interaction between teacher and student, at its most fundamental level, might be described as the attempt to forge a meaningful relationship to the past. This relationship depends on the extent to which it takes traditions

Moderato (Molto rubato), from George Enescu / Sherban Lupu: Airs dans le genre roumain (World première recording) Eiichi Chijiiwa, violin From Eiichi Chijiiwa – Solo Migration (2011) Released by Indésens Moderato (Molto rubato), from George Enescu / Sherban Lupu: Airs

Eiichi Chijiiwa – Solo Migration Moderato (Molto rubato), from George Enescu / Sherban Lupu: Airs dans le genre roumain Paris has always fascinated and welcomed “migratory” musicians, some among which have contributed to French culture, despite having ever been considered

I love Italy. Italians have a particular sense of elegance – refined, understated and polished, with delicate attention to detail. They are probably the most sophisticated Europeans. Yet their food is unpretentious – simple but so heavenly delicious – not

Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major (Allegro) Emil Gilels, piano From Emil Gilels – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas (2011) Released by Deutsche Grammophon Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major (Allegro) There were many recordings of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas,

Emil Gilels – Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major (Allegro) There were many recordings of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas, some recent ones being quite exceptional. Nevertheless, let’s not forget the unforgettable great master Emil Gilels.