Scales, arpeggios & octaves

Van Cliburn gold medalist whiz kid weighs in on Pussy Riot, Coldplay and music in his head

When one thinks of classical musicians from across the pond, one typically assumes that they come from a musical family whose métier extends back generations. After all, classical music is embedded in the history of so many European countries. It's in their blood — so it seems.

That's not the case for 27-year-old Vadym Kholodenko, the gold medal winner of the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, which was held in Fort Worth this summer. The Ukranian-born musician, encouraged by his parents, was enchanted by the art form from an early age. At 13 years old, he was already traveling the world performing solo recitals and headlining with symphony orchestras of repute. Today, Kholodenko lives in Moscow, where he's a student of Vera Gornostaeva at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

Society for the Performing Arts hosts the pianist for his Houston debut Saturday in a program that includes Mozart's Rondo in D Major, K. 485 and Rondo in A Minor, K. 511; Franz Liszt's Réminiscences de Don Juan (after Mozart); and Sergei Rachmaninov's Études-tableaux, Op. 39.

CultureMap chatted with Kholodenko via email from his abode in Moscow to learn a tad more about what makes this musical genius tick.

CultureMap: To prepare for the Van Cliburn competition, you practiced upward of 10 hours per day. Describe the kinds of things you do to be in tip top shape.

Vadym Kholodenko: It's usual practice time. I prepared as much as I usually do for a season concert. Also, I like to practice in old fashioned style — playing scales, arpeggios, octaves — that sort of thing.

CM: You composed your cadenza for Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21, which you played at the Cliburn, on the plane en route to Fort Worth. Without being able to sit at the piano, how did you do it? Do you hear music in your head?

VK: This is fun for all musicians. It's very demanding and interesting, though, it's not necessary to sit at the piano to be able to write three minutes of stylized music. I composed in my childhood, but abandoned this a long time ago. I'm not talented in composition, but I do I hear music in my head all the time.

CM: Who gave you your start in music? When did you know you wanted to be a pianist?

VK: My mother brought me to musical school. From the very beginning, I felt that music took a special place in my life. I don't remember the particular time when I realized I wanted to be a pianist because it was so natural for me.

CM: Recently, Russia has been scrutinized for human rights concerns that include gay rights and the treatment of Pussy Riot artists. Recently, Gergiev sided with Putin against the actions of Pussy Riot. What do you think about all this and what's your wish for Russia?

VK: Gergiev has his own point of view. If somebody would like to help gay people or Pussy Riot in Russia, he or she should do something about it. Boisterous Internet discussions about these topics is just useless speculation and shady PR. I wish luck and prosperity for Russia.

CM: Your daughter, Nika, is almost 3 years old. Will you encourage her to play music, perhaps play the piano?

VK: I will try to get her interested in music overall, but I won't try to force it. My parents never forced me to practice, and I am very grateful to them.

CM: When you aren't listening to classical music, what type of music do you enjoy?

VK: I listen to different styles of music. When you are on the road, it's impossible to listen to classical music. Classical music requires special surroundings and circumstances. My favorites bands are Radiohead, Coldplay and System of a Down.

___

The Society for the Performing Arts presents Vadym Kholodenko in recital on Saturday, 8 p.m., at Wortham Theater Center. Tickets start at $23 and can be purchased online or by calling 713-227-4772.

Society for the Performing Arts hosts Vadym Kholodenko for his Houston debut.

Photo by Ellen Appel The Van Cliburn Foundation

Society for the Performing Arts hosts Vadym Kholodenko for his Houston debut.

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These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

See 12-foot-tall monster trucks catch air at Monster Jam this weekend.

Now that we’re getting back to that dysfunctional, Houston winter weather where it’s in the 60’s and 70’s in January, we can get back to going outside and doing some fun things over the weekend.

We have a bevy of cool things in this week’s planner: boats, cars, fashion, theater, comedy, monster trucks, a freakin’ water circus. If you can’t find something to do in this week’s list, we have only one question — why not?

Thursday, January 30

Houston AutoBoative Show
For the fourth year, the Houston Auto Show and Houston Boat Show are teaming up to present the ultimate sea and land experience. Visitors will have access to the latest in automotive, boating, and outdoor sports technology, along with activities for the whole family. From cutting-edge electric cars to powerful trucks and luxurious sedans, this year’s Auto Show has something for everyone. 11 am (10 am Saturday and Sunday).

The Periwinkle Foundation presents Hops & Hot Tamales
Friends of The Periwinkle Foundation presents this fundraiser (and “friend raiser”) to thank current supporters and invite community members to learn more about the nonprofit. Guests will enjoy tamales and other goodies from El Patio, while sampling an array of local beers from Bad Astronaut Brewery Company. There will be games, brief presentations, and opportunities to engage with The Periwinkle Foundation staff, board members, long-term survivors, and patients impacted by the organization’s programs, all in a fun and casual atmosphere. 6 pm.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Fashion Fusion
Asian art meets contemporary couture at the ninth edition of the annual fashion competition at the MFAH. Open to aspiring designers in the Fashion Design program at Houston Community College, Fashion Fusion challenges students to create original garments in response to art on display in the museum’s galleries. The aspiring designers will showcase garments addressing the theme, Arts of Asia, based on the MFAH collections of Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and Korean art. Winning garments will be displayed at The Galleria and the MFAH. 7 pm.

Friday, January 31

A.D. Players presents The Foreigner
This uproarious comedy by Larry Shue is one of the funniest shows to ever hit the American stage. Froggy, a British demolition expert who occasionally runs training sessions at a nearby army base in the deep hills of Georgia, brings his friend Charlie, a pathologically shy Englishman who has just learned of his wife's newest infidelity, to a friendly lodge for a period of rest and relaxation. But some folks in these parts of Georgia don't take too kindly to foreigners. Through Sunday, February 23. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 7:30 pm Sunday).

Cirque Italia Water Circus
Cirque Italia will present their new production, a story about Rafael, a farm boy swept away by a tornado who lands in the heart of the city's chaos. On the comedic escapade, Rafael the Clown seamlessly transitions from farm life to the dazzling lights of the city, weaving humor into both worlds. As he navigates the city, he encounters many personalities, reflecting the diverse facets of urban life. Attractions include a trampoline wall, the Rolla Bolla, a rope act, juggling, and more. 7:30 pm (1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 1:30 pm Sunday).

Houston Grand Opera presents West Side Story
From the moment Maria and Tony step onto the dance floor, their intense chemistry sends sparks flying, igniting a romance destined for tragedy. Transporting Shakespeare’s story of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet to a New York setting, West Side Story is the creation of composer Leonard Bernstein, lyricist Stephen Sondheim, choreographer Jerome Robbins, and playwright Arthur Laurents. Through Saturday, February 15. 7:30 pm (2 pm Sunday).

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash
With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice, and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original Man In Black revitalizes the true character and spirit of Johnny Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons. The show features Barker in character throughout the entire evening, taking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk The Line," "A Boy Named Sue," "Hurt," and "Ring of Fire," complete with a full backing band. 8:30 pm.

Saturday, February 1

Kumail Nanjiani: Doing This Again
Kumail Nanjiani comes to Houston as he returns to his roots in stand-up comedy. Nanjiani has a rich history in comedy, as he's best known for his role on the HBO series Silicon Valley. In recent years, he's appeared in the lead role on Hulu's Welcome to Chippendales and was nominated for an Oscar alongside his wife, Emily V. Gordon, for co-writing The Big Sick. Despite his success on screen, stand-up has always been a true passion. Now, he's ready to bring his sharp observations and unique comedic voice back to live audiences. 7 pm.

Monster Jam
Monster Jam will be an adrenaline-charged weekend featuring heated rivalries, high-flying stunts, and fierce head-to-head battles. It will feature Monster Jam trucks like the legendary Grave Digger, Megalodon, El Toro Loco (which will be on display this Thursday afternoon at Northern Tool + Equipment), Zombie, and more in freestyle, skills, and racing competitions. They will also have pit parties and driver meet-and-greets after the event. 7 pm (3 pm Sunday).

Katt Williams: Heaven on Earth Tour
Ever since he gave an endlessly tea-spilling interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast last year (which currently has 88 million views on YouTube), Katt Williams has now gotten a rep for being one of the most outspoken, provocative comics out there. Even GQ recently declared he’s responsible for the sordid celebrity scandals (Diddy, anyone?) that have surfaced. Nevertheless, Williams continues to be a pimpalicious comedian, and he’ll be performing two shows in Houston this weekend. 8 pm (7 pm Sunday).

Sunday, February 2

Maven at Thompson presents Beats & Brews
Over at the Thompson Houston Hotel, coffee shop and cafe Maven is hosting its first Beats & Brews event, combining laid-back DJ sets in a cozy coffee shop atmosphere. Guests can unwind, recharge, and connect over expertly crafted coffees and indulgent bites, while enjoying beats by popular Houston DJ Christopher Reid (aka DJ Saynt Chris). Known for their premium coffee and cocktails, Maven’s Beats & Brews is the latest in their ongoing efforts to create dynamic, community-driven moments through curated events, pop-ups, and lifestyle experiences. Noon.

ReelAbilities Houston presents ReelArt opening reception
At ReelArt, visitors can see the world through the eyes of artists from Celebration Company, an entrepreneurial employment program for adults with disabilities, and featured artist Keith Wasserman. The artists work with a variety of mediums, such as painting, photography, and glass fusion. This wide range of mediums allows the artists multiple ways to excel at expressing themselves. To view the art virtually or to purchase products, go here. 1 pm.

River Oaks Theatre presents Cinemaniacs: The Manchurian Candidate
Local pop-culture critic/writer Chris Vognar (Rolling Stone, New York Times, etc.) closes out his Paranoia, the Destroyer: American Political Thrillers film series he programmed over at River Oaks Theatre this weekend. The final film will be John Frankenheimer’s psycho-thriller/neo-noir/downright-bananas Cold War satire from 1962, based on Richard Condon’s novel, starring Frank Sinatra, Lawrence Harvey, Janet Leigh, and Angela Lansbury as one bad mother. Vognar will introduce the film and host a post-screening talkback. 6 pm.

Bebop Bounty Big Band: Cowboy BebopLive Tour
Folks who grew up watching the Cartoon Network’s Toonami block will definitely love this. Cowboy Bebop Live is an experience highlighting the story of the anime Cowboy Bebop on the big screen with live music by the Bebop Bounty Big Band. The 14-piece jazz ensemble features world-class musicians, with members from the Jazz Orchestra at Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando Jazz Orchestra, and Disney’s Main Street Philharmonic. 7 pm.

Photo courtesy of Feld Entertainment

See 12-foot-tall monster trucks catch air at Monster Jam this weekend.

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