Maestro promotes classical music to public
By Xu Wei |
May 4, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
FOR 30 years Cao Peng conducted the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and at the age of 87 the distinguished maestro is still active in promoting classical music and charitable work.
As the first conductor of Shanghai's Weekly Radio Concert 30 years ago, Cao took part in a radio program on April 25, answering listeners' questions, and sharing his experience and ideas about music education and promoting classical music.
He has conducted free concerts for autistic children - ongoing work - and every year he conducts low-cost concerts for children and the general public; at these events he describes the compositions. During summer and winter vacations, he joins music training camps for city high school and college students.
He has led the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra on overseas tours and judged numerous international competitions. Cao is known for his technical proficiency and flamboyant style.
Today Cao is artistic director of Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra and guest professor at Shanghai University.
Born into an influential family in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, Cao displayed music talent at a young age. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory of Music under renowned professor Leo Ginsburg.
In 1961, Cao was appointed conductor of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 30 years. Cao speaks with Shanghai Daily.
Q: What makes a good musician?
A: Talent is very important. First, he should have good musical sense and learning abilities. However, hard work weighs much more than pure talent. Take me. I was lucky my talent was discovered early by teachers. At that time, there was only one piano in Jiangyin and I was the only child with a key to play the piano. My years in Moscow were busy as I was hungry for knowledge. I learned different instruments on my own. My homework piled up like a mountain but I enjoyed it.
Q: What are China's major shortcomings in promoting classical music?
A: Today many children and retired people are learning piano and other instruments. That is a good sign. But besides the Weekly Radio Concert, there are few concerts aimed at a large general population. It is always much harder to prepare a concert for ordinary people who may have no idea about classical music. Music transcends age and social status. We should seek a good, sustainable way to help people understand its beauty.
When I visited the United States, I was very impressed by efforts to promote classical music to children and students. Every year the National Symphony Orchestra stages eight "popularization" concerts, each with a full and easy-to-understand introduction.
Q: Please describe your progress in performances for autistic children.
A: Ever since establishing the Cao Peng Music Center six years ago, my daughter and I have been presenting free music salons for autistic children in Shanghai on weekends. These children need full-time supervision and can't be left alone. However, after attending salons, some children demonstrate special talent in music and instruments. I'm almost moved to tears when they hug me and call me "Grandpa Cao." Some children collaborated with me in several performances. They did a good job and all our efforts really paid off.
Q: You have two outstanding daughters (The elder is a music teacher in Japan where she promotes China-Japan musical exchanges. The younger is a noted violinist who spent much of her career in the United States.) Describe your parenting.
A: As the Chinese say, the strict teacher has the outstanding disciple. I am strict with my children, but that doesn't mean I'm tough. Children need an enormous amount of love and care. You should be patient and ready to encourage them. I'm happy my daughters are helping people in need.
Q: You're very energetic. What's your secret?
A: A person's life attitude largely determines his physical state. I like talking with young people whose fresh ideas and energy inspire me. I never eat too much. Tai chi and cycling are my favorite exercises.
Q: What are your plans?
A: There's not enough time. As a conductor, college teacher and director, I work till midnight every day. I most want to write a book or memoir.
As the first conductor of Shanghai's Weekly Radio Concert 30 years ago, Cao took part in a radio program on April 25, answering listeners' questions, and sharing his experience and ideas about music education and promoting classical music.
He has conducted free concerts for autistic children - ongoing work - and every year he conducts low-cost concerts for children and the general public; at these events he describes the compositions. During summer and winter vacations, he joins music training camps for city high school and college students.
He has led the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra on overseas tours and judged numerous international competitions. Cao is known for his technical proficiency and flamboyant style.
Today Cao is artistic director of Shanghai City Symphony Orchestra and guest professor at Shanghai University.
Born into an influential family in Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, Cao displayed music talent at a young age. He studied at the Moscow Conservatory of Music under renowned professor Leo Ginsburg.
In 1961, Cao was appointed conductor of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, a position he held for 30 years. Cao speaks with Shanghai Daily.
Q: What makes a good musician?
A: Talent is very important. First, he should have good musical sense and learning abilities. However, hard work weighs much more than pure talent. Take me. I was lucky my talent was discovered early by teachers. At that time, there was only one piano in Jiangyin and I was the only child with a key to play the piano. My years in Moscow were busy as I was hungry for knowledge. I learned different instruments on my own. My homework piled up like a mountain but I enjoyed it.
Q: What are China's major shortcomings in promoting classical music?
A: Today many children and retired people are learning piano and other instruments. That is a good sign. But besides the Weekly Radio Concert, there are few concerts aimed at a large general population. It is always much harder to prepare a concert for ordinary people who may have no idea about classical music. Music transcends age and social status. We should seek a good, sustainable way to help people understand its beauty.
When I visited the United States, I was very impressed by efforts to promote classical music to children and students. Every year the National Symphony Orchestra stages eight "popularization" concerts, each with a full and easy-to-understand introduction.
Q: Please describe your progress in performances for autistic children.
A: Ever since establishing the Cao Peng Music Center six years ago, my daughter and I have been presenting free music salons for autistic children in Shanghai on weekends. These children need full-time supervision and can't be left alone. However, after attending salons, some children demonstrate special talent in music and instruments. I'm almost moved to tears when they hug me and call me "Grandpa Cao." Some children collaborated with me in several performances. They did a good job and all our efforts really paid off.
Q: You have two outstanding daughters (The elder is a music teacher in Japan where she promotes China-Japan musical exchanges. The younger is a noted violinist who spent much of her career in the United States.) Describe your parenting.
A: As the Chinese say, the strict teacher has the outstanding disciple. I am strict with my children, but that doesn't mean I'm tough. Children need an enormous amount of love and care. You should be patient and ready to encourage them. I'm happy my daughters are helping people in need.
Q: You're very energetic. What's your secret?
A: A person's life attitude largely determines his physical state. I like talking with young people whose fresh ideas and energy inspire me. I never eat too much. Tai chi and cycling are my favorite exercises.
Q: What are your plans?
A: There's not enough time. As a conductor, college teacher and director, I work till midnight every day. I most want to write a book or memoir.
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