NATIONAL8 (Spotlight Weekly]

"Music Is Universal Communicator"

— Angelina Chang

ANGELINA CHANG, the award-winning pianist - is in Nepal to present a fund-raising concert for United Nations Women's Organization. Chang, who has displayed her talent in various corners of the world, spoke to SPOTLIGHT about her upcoming performance in Kathmandu. Excerpts:

What prompted you to come to Nepal for a fund-raising concert for United Nations Women's Organization?

I find United Nations Women's Organization (UNWO), a very important organization. As you may know there are many volunteers who work hard here in Nepal. I am impressed by many of the members whom I met. As you may realize that the future really lies in developing women. If you are helping in making women equal, you are also enhancing the progress towards the next generation. I do believe what they have been doing is extremely important. In fact, it is an honor to be associated with this fund-raising event because it will help to accomplish their tremendous efforts.

How did you learn to play piano?

It is a funny story. My parents are not musicians and they had no idea about it when I was young. It just happened suddenly when they were invited for dinner in a very distinguished event. Myself and my brother were also there. I was just four years old at that time but I was very mischievous and precocious. When every body else was having dinner, I went exploring around the house and all of a sudden I found myself in the music room. I was discovered by the lady of the house who was herself a composer. She asked me to play something in the piano. Later, the lady told my parents about my taste. Next day my parents bought me a piano. In a way, I got the exposure to music from very early age.

How popular is the piano in the western world?

Piano is very popular. Actually, all students of music in American universities are required to learn to play piano. The reason is there is a whole range of the orchestra in piano. Piano is the only instrument which has that facility. That is one reason I stuck with piano. Every one enjoys piano because you can get harmony as well as varieties from it. In violin, you have certain range and there is no variety.

Did you ever listen to Nepali music before coming to Nepal?

Well, I did listen little bit. But it was not until last night when I saw it live. It was a really wonderful experience for me to listen to tabla and sitar -- the magical rhythm that so many western composers have used as an inspiration. Even a French composer I work with, took a lot from Indian music for the rhythm. It was very fascinating to listen to it.

Are there any similarities between western and eastern music?

In some records I heard last night, there were some similarities between eastern music and American jazz. There were some resemblances.

Is this your maiden visit to Nepal?

Yes. I have visited other parts of the Asia but this is the first visit to Nepal. I am quite impressed with varieties of culture here. People are very wonderful and warm-hearted. As a tourist, I find this place very interesting.

What type of composition are going to play in your solo concert?

I am going to play varieties of music. There will be little bit of something for every body. There will be music from Beethoven from French composers and Spanish composers.

How do you feel to be playing western music by an easterner?

Music is something which is a universal communicator. It is not like language. Every body can hear and sense the rhythm. For me music is music no matter where you are. I was born in United States as an American born Chinese.

Can you play Chinese musical instruments?

Actually, I have tried to play some instruments. I also play eastern and western type of music. Music is music no matter which language you speak or which culture you are from. It is something which is appreciated all over the world.

How do you find the response of audiences when you play piano?

For myself, I am very happy to share my music with audiences that is how I communicate with them. You cannot just look at the book and figure out what kind of music it is. You have to hear it and sense it. That is the only way I can survive before audience.