Jason Bae Piano Recital
Globe Theatre
Wednesday, June 23
Reviewed by Roger Buchanan
When I was asked to review this concert I took one look at the publicity photo and concluded I would be reviewing a teenage pianist.
It turns out he graduated from Westlake Boys' High in 2008, putting him in his early 30s! On stage, though, he still looks a youthful 18. Born in South Korea, Jason Bae delivered his first concerto performance with the Auckland Symphony at age 12.
After initial training in New Zealand he received tuition in England and Europe as a concert pianist and conductor and has subsequently performed in numerous countries.
Bae has an affinity with French music having spent time in Paris as a conductor and pianist. This concert, hosted by Palmerston North's Alliance Française was, unsurprisingly, a tribute to French piano repertoire. I could be forgiven for anticipating at least one work by France's most ubiquitous composer, Debussy.