Classical pianist Richard Clayderman to perform in Sri Lanka

Richard Clayderman, the French classical pianist is set to perform in Sri Lanka at the Nelum Pokuna on 8 April. The concert is being organised by Hussain Shirufaz of Helix Krest Holdings Ltd. Event partners have been announced as Yamaha Music and Hotel Hilton Colombo whilst media sponsors are Legends, Yes FM and TV1. The event is managed by Beats International and the advertising partner is Cogent.

The best-selling record artist and concert performer has established for himself a status as the most successful French act to have ever forged for himself a success beyond that of any other French musician, globally.

Having recorded over 1,300 melodies and creating a new romantic style through a repertoire which combines his trademark originals with classics and pop standards, Clayderman has devoted much of his time performing concerts. 

As of 2006, his record sale numbers at approximately 150 million, and has achieved 267 gold and 70 platinum albums to his credit. He is popular in Asia and has been noted by the Guinness Book of World Records as ‘The most successful pianist in the world’.

Clayderman’s road to stardom was one of humility and a down to earth demeanour that earned him the respect of renowned pianists from France during his initial days. Eventually, Clayderman’s distinctive piano style helped him acquire superstar status globally. He was once even reviewed by a German journalist who declared, “He has arguably done more to popularise the piano around the world than anyone since Beethoven.” 

He has clocked up massive worldwide record sales of approximately 90 million, at the last count, and an incredible 267 Gold and 70 Platinum discs to his credit. However, ‘The Prince of Romance’ (as he was dubbed by Nancy Reagan) is not simply a recording artist. In fact, despite his natural shyness and reserve, he is completely in his element on stage; a Richard Clayderman live concert is a real ‘Spectacular’ that should not be missed.

“I love performing live on stage,” he says, “Since I receive the opportunity to gain direct contact with my audience. In concert, with my 10 musicians or a symphony orchestra, I like to mix different tempos, rhythms and styles to evoke all kinds of emotions.”

Clayderman’s international success has resulted in a punishing tour schedule which, in the past, has seen him play as many as 200 concerts in just 250 days spent outside France. In spite of this, he remains very much a family man.

The biggest price Clayderman feels he has to pay for his international stardom is the time he spends away from his family – a sacrifice he acknowledges they all go through but also accepts as part of his duty to his loyal fans. “My family is extremely important to me”, he often says, “They are what keep me going – my reason for living, apart from my music, of course.”

He also deemed his concert audience as an eclectic crowd; from parents with their young children, piano students, teenage piano lovers and grandparents. 

Initially, Clayderman never achieved a dream of becoming a solo artist but his first recording of ‘Ballade pour Adeline’ opened a doorway for him which eventually led to a career. “My dream was to become a pianist. I do not mean a solo performer but an accompanist, a session musician.  I could not imagine that could be a solo performer, as this would not have been realistic at the time,” he added.

Tickets will be available at Yamaha Music Centre, Hilton Colombo and Nelum Pokuna. For more information, contact: [email protected].