ELEMENTS ｜ELEMENTS Collaborates with French May Arts Festival to Host a Piano Marathon Aiming to Set a New Guinness World RecordTM “Most Musicians to Play The Same Piano in Relay”

Description

 There are melodies which still strike a chord in our hearts even after a hundred years. For this year’s edition of French May Arts Festival, ELEMENTS is poised to set a new Guinness World RecordTM “Most Musicians to Play The Same Piano in Relay” for a piano relay, with over 100 professional and amateur pianists from across Hong Kong getting ready to play legendary French composer Erik Satie’s “Vexations” 840 times in an unprecedented piano marathon. Come and be part of this momentous occasion as you immerse yourself in an exceptional sensory delight! 

14-plus-hour Piano Marathon at ELEMENTS

True to the ‘ART IN MTR’ vision, ELEMENTS is proud to present a one-of-a-kind art happening on 5 May. A piano marathon will bring together an enthusiastic line-up of local pianists for a piano recital spanning at least 14 hours starting at 7 am. Each pianist will showcase their unique artistic take on French composer Erik Satie’s “Vexations”, playing on the same piano in relay for 840 times. This momentous relay will not only reveal the full emotional depth of the piece, it also has a chance to set a new Guinness World RecordTM“Most Musicians to Play The Same Piano in Relay”  – an artistic feat that pays homage to Erik Satie with an unbroken flow of music.

Over 160 Pianists Join Hands to Attempt a Musical Feat             

The event is organised under the auspices of the French May Arts Festival and International Association of Collaborative Musicians (IACM). Over 160 local pianists have been invited to make history at ELEMENTS, including: veteran pianist Raymond Young; Julie Kuok; Robin Zebaida; Nancy Loo and her apprentice Cedric Chan; Winner of the Schubert International Piano Competition in Germany, Shum Kinwai; Concertmaster of the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, Amelia Chan; IACM co-founders Alan Chu and Johnny Pun; Artist Lily Hong; and members of the Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of Hong Kong (MYO), teachers and students from multiple universities, secondary and primary schools, along with talented pianists from Macau and Zhuhai. Join us at ELEMENTS as these talented musicians perform together on stage in a magnificent crossroads of art, culture and community.

Vexations: Chef-d'Oeuvre of French Composer Erik Satie

The piano marathon will feature a piece taken from the repertoire of French composer Erik Satie, best known for works such as “Gymnopédies & Gnossiennes” and “Je te veux”. A pioneer of minimalism, Satie had a talent for crafting unforgettable melodies using simple notes. “Vexations”, composed in 1893, is considered one of the most enigmatic piano compositions in music history. The score, which consists of just a single page, includes a cryptic note from Satie himself: “It is necessary to repeat this theme 840 times to grasp its true meaning.” This unconventional directive turns the composition into a study of time and repetition, inviting listeners to discover new layers of beauty within its recurring motifs.

A Sensory Journey into French Arts

To bring the French art of living to life, ELEMENTS is proudly partnering with a stellar cast of F&B merchants to offer French-style refreshments and other privileges during a designated time slot* so visitors can enjoy a feast for the senses as they listen to this unique piano recital. Participating merchants and featured delights include one of the city’s best French cafés Le Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon (macarons and dining coupons^), famous French pâtisserie La Maison du Chocolat (cookies and financiers), as well ANJU Modern Korean, CAFE DECO PIZZERIA and Stormies buy-one-get-one-free coupons^ for designated French wine. What’s more, visitors who follow ELEMENTS on Instagram (@elementshk) will receive a complimentary serving of exquisite pastries#. Be part of the artistic feat at ELEMENTS and immerse yourself in the French art of life! 

* Designated time slot refers to the period between 12 pm to 4 pm.

^ Subject to terms and conditions stipulated by participating F&B merchants. Please refer to individual merchants for details.

# Each person is eligible for one set of exquisite pastries only. Please ask the on-site staff for details. Available in limited quantities on a first come, first served basis while stock lasts.