Delightful Evening of "Austrian Greetings" at BSB

On 12th January, we were treated to a delightful evening of poetry and song at The British School of Beijing, Shunyi in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy and Articulus. We had the pleasure of hosting Viennese soprano Monika Medek, accompanied by ChongHang Li, who presented a recital of lieder and piano solos.

From Left: Dr. Chong Hang Li, His Excellency Dr. Andreas Riecken the Austrian Ambassador, Mrs. Jayne Needham BSB Shunyi Principal, Ms. Monika Medek 

Ms. Medek, renowned for her performances in large-scale symphonic works worldwide, delivered a beautifully intimate rendition of selected Lieder by Schubert, Mahler and Wagner. Her performance was sensitively accompanied by Dr. Ching Hang Li. The Lied is a unique genre, and the artistry required to accompany this repertoire as an equal interpretive partner to the voice demands skilled musicianship. The chemistry between Ms. Medek and Dr. Li on stage was evident to all who enjoyed their artistic renditions of the repertoire.

We were honoured to welcome distinguished guests, including His Excellency Dr. Andreas Riecken, the Austrian Ambassador, accompanied by Mrs. Riecken, Dr. Ulf Hausbrandt, Vice consul of the of the Austrian Embassy ( Gesandter) and Mag. Christian Mandl, Cultural Attaché of the Austrian Embassy among others. 

A huge thanks to our partners at Articulus Music and the Austrian Cultural Outreach Ministry who collaborated with us and made this unique event available to our school community. Those who were privileged to have attended enjoyed an unforgettable evening of professional musicianship.

His Excellency Dr. Riecken, the Austrian Ambassador (1st right), Mrs. Riecken (2nd right)