Technological innovation and creativity unite in a stunning musical showcase from acclaimed pianist Joja Wendt.
This is an excerpt from Lifestyle Asia’s April 2023 Issue.
Tools don’t make the artist, but it’s still crucial to choose the right ones for the job. Top quality tools can not only bring out the best in an artist’s work, but also enhance their creative process. This is why Steinway & Sons—a prestigious German piano company—has earned its wide-acclaim. The brand has been making expertly-crafted instruments since 1853 and is dedicated to building “the best piano possible.”
To highlight the quality of their work, Steinway & Sons recently collaborated with Audi in a concert event featuring their latest innovation, the Spirio | r piano. Taking place on the evening of March 6 at PGA Cars Studio in San Juan, the show starred Joja Wendt—a renowned pianist who’s performed all over the world, from Singapore to New York’s Carnegie Hall.
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Leaders from Steinway & Sons and PGA Cars were present, alongside the VIP clients of both brands, all of whom were enthralled by Wendt’s talent. It was a show made for music and car enthusiasts alike, as Wendt played the Spirio | r beside the e-tron GT, Audi’s 100% electric car with an extraordinary amount of mileage.
The program—hosted by popular Filipino performance artist Cris Villonco—opened with remarks from Lucerne Group’s managing director Ivan Yao, Audi Philippines’ managing director Christopher Chan, and Steinway & Son Singapore’s general manager Celine Goh.
Guests were also treated to mouth-watering canapes, champagne, wine, and desserts courtesy of Antonio’s at PGA Cars.
A CONCERT TO REMEMBER
Trained in the Netherlands and New York, Joja Wendt has played with rock and roll legends like Chuck Berry and Joe Cocker. He draws inspiration from a variety of musical genres like pop and jazz, blending them with classical influences to create unique compositions. As such, he’s known for redefining the idea of a conventional piano concert.
Wendt started the special show with a piece he composed just for the event, where he used a variety of piano techniques like strong chords. He then performed a piece from American jazz artist Art Tatum—a peppy, fast-paced, and complex tune played with his signature showmanship.
This was followed by a “boogie-woogie” improvisation piece, a thrilling cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” and covers of The Beatles’ “Yesterday” and “Hey Jude” which were accompanied by Cris Villonco’s soaring vocals.
Wendt’s prowess was further demonstrated by his playful and daring tricks, injected with good-natured humor that always had the crowd chuckling. Some examples included playing a piece with one hand while drinking a glass of water, and tipping his chair to the side while only playing on one corner of the piano.
Read more by purchasing a copy of the Lifestyle Asia April 2023 magazine via SariSari.shopping or select newsstands in National Bookstore and Fully Booked. Subscribe to the E-Magazine via Readly, Magzter, and Press Reader.
Photos courtesy of Audi Philippines and Steinway & Sons.
