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WOMEN OF FAZIOLI ☆ Folio.YVR ☆ Issue 26 July 2024 ☆ Luxury Lifestyle Magazine
Since January 2023, we have had the pleasure of hosting the Showcase Pianos Presents series in partnership with local music enthusiast and luxury purveyor Manuel Bernaschek.
This sponsored series provides a unique opportunity to hear the stories of the notable pianists and performers who have visited our beautiful city and spent time with one of the exquisite Fazioli pianos in the downtown core.
Today, we are proud to present four accomplished women who have been showcased and are to be celebrated for their talent, dedication, and perseverance in a world that often underestimates them.
Chloe Flower
An accomplished pianist, composer, and producer, Chloe Flower is making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of classical and pop music, which she coined "POPSICAL."
Her self-titled debut album, released in 2021, introduced this innovative sound, combining sweet melodies, epic strings, and hip-hop beats, leaving fans eager for more.
In addition to her musical endeavours, Chloe is a passionate advocate against human trafficking and a vocal supporter of inclusive music education.
In October 2022, she received The Last Girl's Impact Award for her significant contributions to anti-human trafficking efforts. Her unwavering commitment to these causes is genuinely commendable.
Chloe has become a prominent figure in the music and fashion industries through her exceptional musical talent and captivating style.
Her musical prowess has been consistently showcased, from her show-stopping performance with Cardi B at the 2019 Grammy Awards to unexpected appearances at sold-out concerts alongside artists like Meek Mill.
In addition to her music, Flower has performed at the Golden Globes Awards, co-produced and composed for notable artists, and created original compositions for various projects, including Céline Dion, Johnny Mathis, Misty Copeland, and Kevin Hart.
Beyond her musical achievements, Chloe Flower holds titles such as visionary, activist, and fashion influencer, leaving a remarkable impact on both the music and philanthropic realms.
Rachel Naomi Kudo
Rachel's musical journey is a unique blend of cultures and experiences.
Born in Washington, DC, to Japanese-Korean parents, she began her studies with Emilio del Rosario at the Music Institute of Chicago.
Her childhood in Japan, her return to Chicago to pursue a musical life, her participation in chamber music and high school orchestra, her appearance on 'From the Top' on NPR, and her studies with Kum-Sing Lee in Vancouver, all contribute to the rich tapestry of her musical career.
Her advice for young pianists is a testament to this belief. "As for my advice for young pianists, it's essential to find a balance between discipline and passion. You should practice regularly and hone your skills, but you also need to stay connected to the joy and inspiration that drew you to music in the first place. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things, and always stay true to your unique voice and perspective."
"Music is a lifelong journey!"
Rachel's belief in the transformative power of music is unwavering. She is committed to sharing this power with the broadest possible audience to foster cultural engagement and human connection.
Manuel Bernaschek, founder and owner of Showcase Pianos, felt the choice to invite Rachel to play at the launch event (December 2023) was exquisite and fitting.
"The amazing thing about Rachel Naomi Kudo is that she didn't come to just 'play the pieces,' Rachel truly delivered a top-quality performance, which was the perfect complement to the stunning setting and wonderful acoustics of Kengo Kuma's building in the Alberni development."
Rachel has announced her 2025 schedule and will be performing in Italy and Switzerland, and sitting on the jury of the 11th National Chopin Piano Competition in Miami, Florida.
Hedy Chan
From a tender age, the award-winning Hong Kong Soprano Hedy Chan has been unwavering in her dedication to reaching the pinnacle of vocal performance. Her relentless pursuit of her grandiose dreams is a testament to her unyielding commitment to her craft.
During her childhood, Hedy possessed an unwavering passion for captivating stories, whether found in books, theatres, or movies. However, nothing could compare to the raw power of a story presented by real-life performers accompanied by a live orchestra.
She shares, "Opera, with its amalgamation of human expression and symphonic harmony, eternally holds a special place in my heart."
"Nevertheless, as I matured, my dreams took a slight turn. At present, all I desire is the opportunity to sing and act for as long as my heart beats. It is what breathes life into my existence."
Hedy holds a Master of Performance degree from the Royal College of Music in London and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
She studied and trained under the tutelage of renowned Soprano Nancy Yuen and Mezzo-soprano Sally Burgess. She also received the Cecil Leong Undergraduate Scholarship, the Michael Rippon Memorial Scholarship and the Hong Kong Welsh Male Choir Scholarship.
"I feel incredibly blessed to pursue my passion, connect with extraordinary individuals, and embark on adventures that allow me to explore the wonders of our world."
Celine Paolini
The captivating story of Celine takes us on a journey through a world of music and artistry Born in Vancouver and raised in Montreal to Taiwanese parents, Celine's passion for music began at an early age.
Her classical training as a pianist soon propelled her to the international stage, where she graced esteemed venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and the Benaroya Hall in Seattle, all before the age of 18.
Having been nurtured under the guidance of renowned piano teachers such as Lorraine Ambrose and Suzanne Goyette and having studied at esteemed institutions such as the Vancouver Academy of Music, Lynn University, and the Conservatory of Music of Montreal, Celine's artistry is grounded in a rich foundation of musical education.
Collaboration is at the heart of Celine's musical pursuits. She has worked seamlessly with various artists and musicians, from international opera singers to classical instrumentalists.
This spirit extends beyond performance; she actively engages in music production and songwriting. Notably, Celine has collaborated with her brother, a professional cellist currently immersed in the study of music in Florida.
Celine's love for the stage is more than just a passion; it is a calling. Her desire to share her musical creations with a broader audience is evident in her social media presence.
From captivating piano performances that gained attention for their soul-stirring renditions and compositions to her notable presence on social media, Celine has entranced audiences with her enchanting melodies and travels. Her love for the stage is palpable, and it fuels her musical journey.
In the next five years, Celine plans to go far with her musical endeavours as a pianist and composer/producer. Her dream is to work with film and TV show soundtracks, and as such has released her first orchestral/ instrumental album with Daniella Mass, renowned opera singer/producer and good friend.
During her stay in Vancouver, Celine enjoyed many photoshoots at the various Fazioli's in the city that Westbank commissioned for multiple properties.
She also visited many beautiful outdoor spaces and dined at the award-winning Anh & Chi Restaurant.
When asked which Fazioli she preferred, Celine replied, "I would have to say the Butterfly Fazioli! I had the privilege of practicing on it for a few hours when I landed in Vancouver and immediately fell in love with it. I have to admit I have a special place in my heart for white pianos, and the elegant grooves that make up the Butterfly Fazioli are just the cherry on top!"
Celine's passion for the Fazioli does not stop there. "Do not get me wrong, though; I absolutely adore the other Faziolis... but the touch and tone of the Butterfly Fazioli when I play are just exquisite. I find it to be more on the mellow/warm side, and anyone who listens to my compositions and my preferred repertoire would know that I usually play more slow romantic pieces, which aligns perfectly with this piano."
Celine's songwriting prowess spans melancholic pop tracks to soothing instrumentals.
She tells stories that resonate with emotion, captivating listeners and transcending the boundaries of genre.
As she continues to evolve as an artist, she is poised to enchant the world with her musical tapestry, leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.
