Supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in China, Swiss Piano Seven put on another tour in China in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Swiss bilateral relationship.

Supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in China, Swiss Piano Seven put on another tour in China in honor of the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Swiss bilateral relationship. A show of seven pianos simultaneously played by seven performers, the Chinese audience was in for a treat of lively and energetic original Latin style fused jazz tones. The first show took place at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing. Tickets were completely sold out one night before the show. Exclusive guests who attended the performance included the Ambassador of Switzerland in China, H.E. Mr. Blaise Godet.

Established in 1986, Piano Seven has gained rich performing experience over the past 20 years. Started out merely as a fun experiment, when Swiss pianists François Lindemann and Sebastian Santa-Maria assembled seven pianists into one routine, they were pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive responses. The ensemble brings out each pianist's unique style while cleverly merging sounds created by all seven pianos. The distinctive arrangement represents a new musical concept as well as an adventurous attempt at new sounds.

According to François Lindemann, the primary founder of the ensemble, various musicians are invited to co-perform with the group every 3 to 4 years. Piano Seven's style is somewhat adjusted every so often, primarily based on Latin and Jazz. The group is most distinguished for performing piano pieces created originally by its own members. Recent additions of percussion and violin elements have also added diversity to their show.

Piano Seven's exceptional edition of 'Peachtree Blossom'was a huge hit when they visited China for the first time 13 years ago. Their one-of-a-kind handling of this familiar piece left audiences a taste of passion and exoticness. They are bringing the same number again this time round. Geneva-born Nicolas Levon Maret studied vibraphone and percussion at the Music Conservatory of Geneva and in New York. Dressed in white traditional Chinese attire, he claims to be the drummer as well as the rapper. As a special treat, he mixed in some fresh-learned Chinese lines into his supposed 'Chinese rapping' in addition to rapping in English. Levon was extremely excited about this China visit. He adores the Chinese culture and felt honored to be able to make it to China in time for the 60th anniversary of the Sino-Swiss bilateral relationship.

Trained in classical music form, Violinist Stéphanie Décaille is a winner of the Stresa International Competition for Young Musicians. As the only violinist of the group, she enjoys working with seven pianists very much. "Jazz gives me a sense of freedom that classical music is unable to bring. I can express myself in any way I want knowing that 7 pianos have got my back,' she said.

Putting together an extraordinary performance of 7 pianos was not an easy challenge that Chinese theaters had to face. According to the 'Labor Daily', Shanghai Oriental Art Center invited professional tuners to make sure of the sound effects. The SHOAC also went out of their way to assemble seven premium pianos for the show. Thanks to the active support from a local prominent piano shop, Piano Seven was able to put on the show as expected.

Majority of the Chinese audience is quite familiar with solo even duel piano performances, and the thrill brought about by seven pianos was fascinating to many music lovers. In addition to creating special lighting affects, the group was joined by video artists Daniel Wyss and Bastien Genoux for the Shanghai and Guangzhou performances. Piano Seven's enthusiastic and edgy performance was truly a sensational experience for the Chinese piano lovers and jazz fans.