Review | Pianist Mao Fujita delivers a technical masterclass alongside HK Phil in poignant concert
Fujita balanced grandiosity and introspection in an authoritative, emotionally aware performance in the wake of the Tai Po fire
From this sombre stillness, 27-year-old pianist Mao Fujita emerged on stage to confront Rachmaninov’s monumental Piano Concerto No 3.
His diminutive frame and gentle disposition made him seem an unlikely vessel for the concerto’s formidable physical and emotional demands.
He introduced the primary theme not as a bold statement, but by weaving it into the light orchestral accompaniment – a conscious choice to withhold its significance and allow the melody to emerge through repetition on its own terms.
His execution displayed exactness and a near-weightless touch, yet exuded a broader, profound understanding of the score. We were witnessing a unique interpretation of this cornerstone of the repertoire.