Asi Matathias (left) and Victor Stanislavsky are playing touching music. [Photo by Sun Junjun]

Soul-stirring music filled the Small Theater of Zhongshan Culture & Art Center on the evening of July 9. From Antonio Vitali's Chaconne in G minor to Camille Saint-Saëns' Violin Sonata in D minor, Israeli violinist Asi Matathias and pianist Victor Stanislavsky narrated the national misery and profound culture of their country with affectionate performance at the "Art Salon on Tuesday".

Asi began learning violin from Israeli master Chaim Taub since he was 6 years old. He was appreciated by music master Zubin Mehta for his premiere at the age of 14. For years, Asi has been taught by Pinchas Zukerman, a world-class conductor and one of the Top 10 Contemporary Violinists. In 2017, Asi became the recipient of the best-known "Salon De Virtuosi" career award in New York.

Speaking of the influence from his mentor, Asi said in the interview that Zukerman has taught him not only art and music, but also the insatiable spirit of pursuing the best. "Musicians can enjoy themselves in every show, but they still need to make progress, reflect and practice for a better show next time."

Like Asi Matathias, pianist Victor Stanislavsky was also a talent teenager. He won the first prize at the Aviv Competition, Israel's most important international piano competition. Since 2000, he has been awarded the America-Israel Cultural Foundation Scholarship and the title of "Outstanding Musician".

"This is my second show in China, the fifth for Victor," Asi Matathias said. "The China tour will last for almost a month. During this period, we can deeply communicate and exchange with music lovers and children learning music in different regions of China."