Sapphire September 5, 2006

(Fusion & Sunset)

Hello Everyone,

We just want to update you on how the concert started and ended.

First we would like to give a BIG thank you to Maestro Ethan Dong, without whom this event would not have been possible. From all the hours that he put into the preparation for the concert and dealing with all the details for the hours of rehearsals with the Opus119 students who were on pianos, to details of putting together over 60 musicians, dancers and other preparation behind the scenes for the night of the performance …. Well if you were not there, then you missed one of the best performances of the year!

8:05 p.m. – Fog machines start working and preparing the stage for the opening number. The stage goes dark, and the narrator, Addison Witt, (one of the best in the USA) starts to tell the story. Then slowly Lyon starts to play with the orchestra, the stage become s red with all the beautiful colors from Lyon's uncle "VAFA" design, dancers are dancing to the music, the additional 8 pianos come in, the powerful “Fusion” brings the whole stage to life. What a scene it was!!! Then next song was “Sunset” with the beautiful sound of Lyon on the piano with Jeff on the Sax, along with the orchestra, breath taking!!! And then Foya appears behind the eleven foot red piano and starts to play “Awakening”. In addition to the orchestra, accompanying Foya on this piece was an ancient Chinese instrument called Gu Zheng. Following along the fairytale story Foya, starts to sing in Italian, Lyon playing the Melodica and Ethan on the piano, together with the orchestra, all join in together for Geordie.  Before you knew it we were at intermission… 

The second half started with Sheryl's speech and our 3 year old daughter Lenna playing the smallest red piano in the world!!! And it was followed by the beautiful song “Anya” that brought tears to the eyes of a lot of people. The show was moving at a speed that we wish we could slow down for it was all happening so fast. The next thing we knew it was 10:05 p.m. and the final song of the evening “Sapphire” began. It was absolutely magical.  After it finished, suddenly Maestro Ethan asked, “Would anybody like to hear one more song?” "Yes!" the audience replied. Lyon composed the song in Italy about 1 month ago and called it "Memory" for his beloved sister ANYA. He played the piano with Jeff Jorgenson on SAX and the night was unforgettable.

Daniel and James from MVT are working to finish the video that was directed by one of our best friends George Ayrouth (President of MVT).  He put two large screens on the sides of the stage and made it look like a Las Vegas show. Thank you to PEARL RIVER Pianos for providing us with the pianos.

Good news though, if you missed this one in September, you have another chance to see it on October 23, 2006 at the brand new Performing Art Center next to the Orange County Performing Arts. We look forward to seeing everyone on October 23rd for another spectacular evening of amazing music and magic. (Check back for more information soon)

Best regards, 

Sheryl & Tom Lazare