Eminence ~ View topic - Piano Stories III Impressions

Go to the official Eminence website!

Author

Message

< Event Discussion ~ Piano Stories III Impressions

owen_hwh

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:05 am

Not-So-Newbie Joined: 17 Feb 2006 Posts: 29 Location: Sydney, Australia

Hey boys n gals!

Ya know... For quite awhile I haven't been to any of these events, but this one really rocked... Alexey was really good, and Ayako and Yura were just as magnificent. Probably, like some of you said... the Melbourne one was a let down, but the Sydney one was totally awesome. The Cons. of Music that we used was in perfectly good condition and the acoustic sounds were well distributed. Piano was in good condition too. We were even treated to an encore of Tatakau Monotachi (Those Who Fight)! Which i think was a stellar performance.

Above all, I think Vamo Alla Flamenco was performed the best out of the lot. He had so much feel in the music, that whenever i rethink about it, it reminds me of the first time I played FF9, my first ever FF game of the series ^^ (and yes, i have played the rest after).

It was quite late after the performance, but those 3 were so charismatic and energetic they could sign autographs till late! Not to mention they were all still smiles then. All in all, a splendid performance for the night. Well done Alexey, Ayako, Hiro and the whole eminence team for a night to remember!

Last edited by owen_hwh on Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:26 pm; edited 1 time in total
_________________
This is my Spirit~Hear me Roar!
550) {this.width = 550;}" onmouseout="unpointercursor();" onmouseover="if(this.width == 550) {pointercursor();}"/>

karanj

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:21 am

Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Sydney

ah, only just discovered there's a forum here too Very Happy

Saw the 4 o'clock PSIII last night... have to say first I was impressed by the location alone! I thought the B-reserve seats would be all the way up the back, but instead we were front & centre =D

Thanks to all the Eminence staff & volunteers for handling things so smoothly - there were a lot of people there, and they did well to manage.

Anyway, the performance. Alexy did really well I thought to recreate the flow of the songs to a tee, and while there were a couple of misses, it was blown away by the rest. あやこさん、ひろさん、よくできた, and in the end it was worth every penny.

Now onto the less-great aspects (^_^;; ) so sorry! I was at Destiny in Melbourne last year (i've moved up to sydney since), the first time I went to a 'classical' concert, and I was highly impressed, but the piano solo... I guess I much prefer the ensemble peices. (I'll be looking forward to ANIF '06 for sure Razz

)

The complaints I have are directed towards the audience: the flash cameras were inexcusable. A couple of people next to me decided they could talk during the performance if they did it 'quietly', which was highly distracting. And finally, the Sydney audience has no idea of how to give an ovation at the end of the concert. Sure, at Destiny in Melbourne last year we probably over did it a bit ( Mr. Green

), but honestly, if you even get one encore performance, you clap a lot harder than they did last night.

I don't know, maybe the later crowd was better - I had to got to the earlier one because of prior commitments - but that did disappoint a little.

C'est la vie I guess.

topaz

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:37 am

Not-So-Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Sydney

all i know is, can someone introduce me to Ishikawa Ayako-san??? Smile

....oh yeah, the performance...it was SUPERB!!!

i went with my sister, who had zero knowledge when it comes to the music performed, and she had a great time too, she said she almost cried when she heard the 2nd song (One Summer's Day)

my fav moments were Vamo'alla Flamenco, FFVII Battle Theme, Suteki Da Ne & Ami, but overall, the whole show was incredible, had a great selection of tunes (PORCO ROSSO!!! my fav Miyazaki film and certainly the most underrated, i'm glad there's a song from it...Tina's Theme, Waltz de Chocobo, etc, i have to say it again, great selection)...i bought the cd afterwards and it's well worth my money, especially since the Ghibli & FF & other game soundtracks aren't sold in australia

to sum it up...thanks to the staff at eminence for organising such events...and thanks to Alexy, Hiroaki, Ayako for their incredible performances

but yeah...can someone like, set me up with Ishikawa-san????? Shocked

(i'm only being facetious but she IS really cute though)

topaz

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 8:44 am

Not-So-Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Sydney

karanj wrote:

The complaints I have are directed towards the audience: the flash cameras were inexcusable. A couple of people next to me decided they could talk during the performance if they did it 'quietly', which was highly distracting. And finally, the Sydney audience has no idea of how to give an ovation at the end of the concert. Sure, at Destiny in Melbourne last year we probably over did it a bit ( Mr. Green

if you thought this crowd was annoying, i suggest you never attend a hip hop concert Razz

but yeah i was in reserve B, and this girl near the front kept getting up then going back to her seat, i think she did it 3 times Confused

JUST SIT THE HELL DOWN, SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO THE PERFORMANCE!

Panjay

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:02 am

Not-So-Newbie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 23 Location: NSW, Sydney

I went to the 7:30pm concert, but i had a rough time getting there. I left from liverpool at six, but the train stalled at auburn, it wouldnt move, no one would tell us what was happening, and the doors keept opening and closing. finally after 45 min, the operator tells us to get of the train, then we have to wait for another train.

I had to wait 45 minutes to get ejected from a train. i thought i was so gonig to miss the concert, especally when i ended up getting off at sant james [never been to the conservetorium of music Razz

] and then i went in the opposite direction to the venu Laughing

I was about to go home, when my friend said,"we are already hear, lets just go to it." Imagine my supprise when i turn up thirty to forty-five minutes late and the concert hadn't even started, "Glory to the Lord", and i was about to go home Laughing

Anyways, i loved most of the tracks, Final Fantasy being my fave game of all time along with Nobuo Uematsu. i especally loved 'Those that fight' and 'one summers day'.

Unfortunatly i fogot to bring money, and thus couldnt buy the cd, Crying or Very sad

, but since i didnt miss the concert, im quite contented.

I look forward to ANIF06, i promise not to get lost this time and will come exra early so that nothing gose wrong. Exclamation

Concinnity

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:21 am

Mega Forum Addict! Joined: 10 Aug 2005 Posts: 644

I'm sorry, but I can't really be bothered to type again what I have already done so on my blog...

---------------------------------------------------------

We waited a while before the show started and it did so, about 20 minutes late (4:20). It was an impressive line up: our photocopied programs showed this. Some of the noteworthy pieces in the first half include:

Cave's Nightmare: FFX-2 (It's also called something else, but my memory isn't serving me well)

Eyes On Me: FFVIII

Tina's Theme: FFVI

Princess Mononoke: Princess Mononoke

Always With Me: Spirited Away

Ending Theme: Final Fantasy X

And in the second half:

Those That Fight: FFVII (Also called something else)

Decisive Battle: FFX

Tifa's Theme: FFVII

Aerith's Theme: FFVII

Isn't It Beautiful?: FFX (Suteki Da Ne)

Melodies Of Life: FFIX

Ami: FFVIII

Two Of Us: Joe Hisaishi (composer)

Two Hearts Not Captured: FFIX

I've almost typed out the whole list of songs, which would imply that most of the concert was pleasant. Alexey Yemtsov was great. In my opinion, he was better than Stuart Wright (PSII). Unfortunately, his performances did contain many mistakes and at times I cringed. There were vital moments in pieces where you simply cannot make mistakes. However, though flawed, it was still very enjoyable listening to him playing. He chose 'Decisive Battle' for his encore piece: which definitely shows his talent. If I remember correctly, Stuart Wright played this terribly.

I particularly enjoyed Ayako Ishikawa's performances (she looked ravishing by the way [as said by Melbourne too]), especially the combination with Hiroaki Yura in Isn't Is Beautiful?. Absolutely breath-taking!

Overall, it was quite a pleasant night. Unfortunately, I don't think it influenced me enough (or did, but in the other direction) to buy the CD which was on sale that night for $25. Because of so many mistakes, I questioned whether there would be some on the CD, so to be safe, I didn't buy it. I had to make quick decisions because I was being swamped with people wanting to reach the merchandise desk. Instead, to my amazement, they had copies of ANIF2003 for $15, so I settled for that instead. I'm currently playing it as I'm typing this... it's an excellent choice of repertoire, but played horribly. However, it is a live recording and it is the 'first time' they've played: so I guess I need to cut them some slack (it's a good thing it only costs $15 Razz

).

I hope when ANIF2006 (July 7th [2nd July for Melbourne]) or Youmi's Recital (6th July [2nd July for Melbourne]) comes around, prices for ANIF 2004 would have dropped as well Razz

Another great concert delivered by Eminence!

------------------------------------------------------------

You've probably guessed by now that I was at the concert: the 4:00pm show. If anyone saw me, I was in a dark blue checkered button-up shirt, with a red one inside, with white trousers. I was wearing glasses and was sitting in the B reserve area in the 2nd row (front) in the centre, slightly to the right.

I tried saying 'hi' to 'Kenneth' (the photogropher), but all I got was a dirty look back lol... I think at times Hiro made eye contact with me as well... haha

Anyway, loved it! Can't wait for PS4 Smile

_________________
Concinnity

Concinnity

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 9:59 am

Mega Forum Addict! Joined: 10 Aug 2005 Posts: 644

karanj wrote:

And finally, the Sydney audience has no idea of how to give an ovation at the end of the concert. Sure, at Destiny in Melbourne last year we probably over did it a bit ( Mr. Green

Hmmm. Well, not to the extent you put it, but I was rather boggled about the applauses. I thought, especially after giving an encore, we would've given a standing ovation?

_________________
Concinnity

kkfc01

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:14 am

Forum Addict Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 159

i liked "one summer's day", "il porco rosso" and "two of us" the most

the "il porco rosso" was really nice...i wished it was on CD
i could only find one piano version on the internet
but not the version Alexey played last night

the only complaint i want to make is....DID U REALLY HAVE TO TEAR MY TICKET??????? my poor ticket!!!!! AHHHHH~~~~~~~~ Sad

can't u hole-punch it???? or make a really cute eminence stamp, and stamp it on the ticket as we go in??

JellyfisH

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:44 am

Eminence Staff Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 340 Location: sydney

ahahhahahhah... i just woke up, and i can declare that was the best 10hr sleep i've ever had in my entire life Very Happy

*ThOrU*

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 10:52 am

Regular Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 57 Location: Sydney

That was a great performance by Alexy. I swear there was emotion in his piece . I actually held my breath in many of the pieces cos is was so astounding. Nearly passed out.

Yeah... although a few mistakes they were all covered over really well. Professional stuff Alexy. Hiro and Ayako played exceptionally well and it blended in with the piano piece. Great performance everyone. And as usual the no tkaing pictures rule was broken. i nearly got blinded by the flashes but thankfully Alexy didn't. I can very much say that the Volunteers did an excellent job Wink

and ...

I'LL DEFINITELY BE THERE FOR THE UPCOMING 'ANIF06' and 'SAY' CONCERTS Very Happy

CCJc

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:04 am

Seriously Needs A Life! Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 1594

Totally agree with what you guys have said so far, whatever level of expertise he is at, his a professional.

Even though all people make mistakes, like they do, its always great to see them bounce right back and continue with the show!

Im not entirely fussed with whatever mistakes or however much emotions was displayed on the night, and I know for a fact that I can never reach with however much years of experience and talent that he has accumulated over the years. Whilst playing along side with Ayako and Hiro and fellow band members of Eminence

Its funny while reading this thread how very few people, although i can only think of one at this stage, wanted more physical emotions into playing an instrument.
You have to understand, however much physical expression he placed on that night, couldn't be critised for anymore improvement.

Im mean if you were sitting at the back of the A or B seats, you could only see the side of him!!!
Unlikely seeing the faces of Ayako and Hiro swaying, you cant expect an piano-nist to be standing up and swaying side to side
Wink

Overall I enjoyed the night, the only problem was the how the MC was conducted. Although i wouldnt mind volunteering for that haha XD Laughing

topaz wrote:

but yeah...can someone like, set me up with Ishikawa-san????? Shocked

(i'm only being facetious but she IS really cute though)

Everyone has their chances during autograph time =P

And I second banning flashing photos, ones that didnt make sounds =/
You had few volunteers walking around warning people, but that doesnt necessarily stop people afterwards =P

_________________
550) {this.width = 550;}" onmouseout="unpointercursor();" onmouseover="if(this.width == 550) {pointercursor();}"/>

*ThOrU*

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:16 am

Regular Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 57 Location: Sydney

One more thing...

Did anyone spot the special guest that Hiro was talking about?

CCJc

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:24 am

Seriously Needs A Life! Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 1594

*ThOrU* wrote:

One more thing...

Did anyone spot the special guest that Hiro was talking about?

explain =P

_________________
550) {this.width = 550;}" onmouseout="unpointercursor();" onmouseover="if(this.width == 550) {pointercursor();}"/>

Pixelwarrior

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:28 am

Seasoned Veteran Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 407 Location: Deep within the caverns of my notes.

Wasn't the Special Guest that lady that was playing the violin next to Hiro...? I dunno.

Anyway, it was great last night, fantastic music! And Hiro cracked a few jokes... LOL. Didn't get a chance to ask Hiro if he REALLY plays World of Warcraft coz the line was kinda long...

I wish Alexey said something though... I mean pianists can talk, can't we? (Or maybe his english isn't very good...XD )

Well, it was great stuff, now I have to wait for ANiF 06.

PS. I WANT MY ANiF 05 CD!!!

Talangor

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 11:43 am

Regular Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 53 Location: Sydney

Hiro did mention a third special guest a while back...but *shrugs*

My thanks to Alexy for a lovely performance - his finger coordination was mesmerising
Also thanks to Hiro and Aya - all of you keep up the good work Smile

_________________
Never Alone...

mad1dude

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 12:05 pm

Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 502 Location: Sydney

Thanks for all the great feedback and comments so far. It is *YOUR* input that we value greatly, and helps us with the events we put on for you Very Happy

Just wanted to respond to a couple of things mentioned in this thread so far.

Firstly, the 'special guest' that Hiro would have mentioned is Youmi Kimura from Japan, who is the Oscar-winning and multi-award winning composer and singer of the theme song for 'Spirited Away'. She also composed and sang the theme song for 'Howls Moving Castle'. She will be coming here to perform as the special guest of Eminence in ANIF06 and the 'Spirited Away with Youmi' recitals (check the back of your programs from PS III for details!).

Okay, that's my blatant plug hehe

Secondly, while we try our best to encourage people not to take flash photos during performances, it is unfortunate that some people choose not to be respectful of both the performers and fellow audience members. Certainly, it can be said that flash photography is very distracting to the performers, let alone the audience, and it is a measure of Alexey's, Hiro's and Aya's professionalism that they weren't. It is regretful that, at least at the 4pm session, our initial reminder announcements over the PA for the switching off of mobile phones and no photography could not be heard clearly.

Finally, just to dispel any rumours or conjecture....yes, Hiro does play World of Warcraft....and a warning, don't get him started on it or you'll be there for a while hahaha Laughing

Thanks again for your attendance, you made the event a major success! Smile

_________________
Eminence staff during
Hillsong Conference 2007
ANIF07:Symphonic Games Edition (Sydney & Melb)
Playstation 3 media launch
Romeo x Juliet
Passion
Piano Stories IV
ANIF06/Spirited Away with Youmi
Piano Stories III

topaz

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:35 pm

Not-So-Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Sydney

CCJc wrote:

topaz wrote:

but yeah...can someone like, set me up with Ishikawa-san????? Shocked

(i'm only being facetious but she IS really cute though)

Everyone has their chances during autograph time =P

yeah, i managed to get a photo of her at the autograph table Twisted Evil

Concinnity

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 3:41 pm

Mega Forum Addict! Joined: 10 Aug 2005 Posts: 644

how about the dress huh? Laughing

_________________
Concinnity

bb haha

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:18 pm

Eminence Staff Joined: 10 Sep 2005 Posts: 493

um.. dont know what to say since i've said it all in aya, hiro and alexey's respective threads.....

PS3 was amazing, felt great to be surrounded by fellow music-loving-gaming/animeing fans. Alexey's performance was great, even with the mistakes! And for those who said that he puts no emotion in his performances, LISTEN, FEEL and FOCUS on the music and you will be able to notice the emotion alexey puts into the pieces when he performs!

I think that if he was playing the piano and showing emotion the same way hiro and aya show emotion on the violin, you'd probably be dissing him for looking stupid on the piano.

Also with flash photography, that person who took photos with flash during the later concert should be hurt, badly. Im sure it was annoying for the musicians and it was also annoying for the audience!!!

We didnt pay money so that we could be distracted from the performance by people who can't follow simple instructions and don't have the respect for the performers not to take photos with the flash on.

on a happier note, congrats to the eminence staff and musicians who worked so hard to get the concerts together! ganbatte ne? =] thank you for the music, the fun, the experience and also for bringing together a bunch of friends who started off as strangers with only a love of anime music in common!! =)

p.s. did anyone hear the pencil drop when it was really quiet?

Pixelwarrior

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:28 pm

Seasoned Veteran Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 407 Location: Deep within the caverns of my notes.

That was a pencil? Seem too loud for a pencil, sounded more like some plastic thing drop.

bb haha

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:37 pm

Eminence Staff Joined: 10 Sep 2005 Posts: 493

it sounded like a pencil..... maybe it was a pen?.. a very hard, solid pen?

Concinnity

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:42 pm

Mega Forum Addict! Joined: 10 Aug 2005 Posts: 644

in the syd show, 4:00...

a mobile went off

coins dropped...... twice

a BAG... (?!)

_________________
Concinnity

Guest

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 4:57 pm

hehe

I thought the concert was gooood Very Happy

like this one best! out of all 3 Smile

Got best seat as well Wink

The lil mistakes.. didn't matter to me. 1% of lil mistakes that you can't sometimes recognise compared to 99% of absolute perfect music is.. well. Good enough for me.

Arhh Those who Fight or those that fight or tatakau mono tachi whatever or Fighting for gods sake...

is blooody good *dreammmmmy*
i was just going wtf is going on haha
*cough* oh and when it was played as encore in the later session i heard someone go "YES" haha.. that was funny :p

yes i did see the random red lights and i'm ike... damnit. if only i had a borw and arrow or something

bb haha

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:03 pm

Eminence Staff Joined: 10 Sep 2005 Posts: 493

hey kouri, is that seat gonna be for sale for the next concert? Wink

kkfc01

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:06 pm

Forum Addict Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 159

kouri wrote:

Got best seat as well Wink

yes...and be careful next time
u don't want to trip over a cord when coming on stage...

mad1dude

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:31 pm

Admin Joined: 02 Jan 2006 Posts: 502 Location: Sydney

Argh! Yes, I missed seeing the page turning forum admin in action! If only I was able to stay for the evening session as well. Such disappointment! Crying or Very sad

The acoustics of the hall are such that every subtle nuance of the performance could be heard (did anyone pickup the squeaking from Alexey's chair when he did move around a lot?), but unfortunately this also means that any 'extra' noise from the audience will also be amplified. I heard the coins drop also....why you need to shuffle coins during a performance is beyond me!

I do hope that the shutter noise from my camera and ken's camera didn't annoy anyone. I for one was very worried that it was going to be a major issue Embarassed

Anyway, please keep your feedback coming. We do appreciate your thoughts on any aspect of this event. Thanks Smile

bb haha

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:41 pm

Eminence Staff Joined: 10 Sep 2005 Posts: 493

gina's new title!!

page turning design team managing forum administrator!! o__O lol!

kkfc01

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 5:48 pm

Forum Addict Joined: 11 Aug 2005 Posts: 159

bb haha wrote:

gina's new title!!

page turning design team managing forum administrator!! o__O lol!

i got a better one...

Page-turning Manager Sino-Forum Administrator

or just PMS-FA

Twisted Evil

Pixelwarrior

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 6:46 pm

Seasoned Veteran Joined: 10 Feb 2006 Posts: 407 Location: Deep within the caverns of my notes.

Uh? You mean the page turner was Gina...?

Fado

Posted: Sun Apr 23, 2006 7:04 pm

Newbie Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 5 Location: The Hills, Sydney

*gasp*

Those Who Fight was played? The piano version!!?

*cries hystercially*

Now I'm really sad I missed it! I really hoped to hear that, but then I thought "they won't play it" so I just decided not to go.

I should be shot, really. And Aerith's theme too...

I resolve now to never miss another Eminence event, ever.

_________________
www.aussie-nintendo.com

All times are GMT + 9 Hours

View next topic View previous topic Page 2 of 4 Goto page Previous 1, 2, 3, 4 Next Eminence Forum Index ~ Event Discussion

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

eminenceonline.com || Powered by phpBB || Template by Mike Lothar