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Valentina Lisitsa's Music Party #ValentinaBristol
There ain't no party like a Valentina party! Chopin, Beethoven, a crowd-sourced programme, YouTube clips, a Classic FM live blog projected onto the back wall - it was all happening at the Bristol Proms.
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1. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
It's not a party without balloons! The stage is set, with our live blog projected on the wall, picking up tweets, Instagram pictures (and the odd gif) throughout the musical extravaganza. Photo: Andy Squire
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2. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Counting the votes live on stage to make sure it isn't rigged. And then actually rigging it anyway. It's an informal concert after all! Photo: Classic FM
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3. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
And because it's a party, the audience are allowed to chill out on the stage on sofas, getting up close and personal to the pianist. Photo: Andy Squire
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4. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Photo: Andy Squire
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5. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Every facet of the music reflected in Valentina Lisitsa's face - and projected on to the screen behind, to bring the music to life. Photo: Andy Squire
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6. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Zooming in on the pianist's hands as she performs Beethoven. Photo: Andy Squire
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7. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
The view from the stage: a huge projection of every note played by the pianist. Photo: Andy Squire
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8. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Sheer concentration from Valentina, helped by the noise-cancelling headphones so she's fully immersed in the music. Photo: Andy Squire
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9. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
The view from the pit, as the audience relax on the floor with a pint. Photo: Andy Squire
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10. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
"Hey, everyone, come for a party round mine! Now, excuse me while I sit down at the piano and play ALL THE CHOPIN." An intense moment as Valentina performs moody Chopin Etudes. Photo: Andy Squire
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11. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
It's not just about the party atmosphere though - when the music starts, the lights focus solely on Valentina and her mesmerising playing. Photo: Andy Squire
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12. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Intense concentration from Valentina Lisitsa, who even performed during the interval! Photo: Andy Squire
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13. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
You can see the camera to Valentina's right, capturing her hands and facial expressions as she performs. Photo: Andy Squire
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14. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
And because it's a party, random people can come on stage and play during the interval. Incredible. Photo: Classic FM
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15. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Looks like Valentina likes our live blog, projected on the wall throughout the concert. Photo: Classic FM
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16. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Beethoven and balloons, a perfect combination. Photo: Andy Squire
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17. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
It's a celebration! A celebration of music, that is. Photo: Andy Squire
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18. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Tom Morris explains the magic of the live blog between pieces. Photo: Classic FM
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19. Valentina Lisitsa at the Bristol Proms
Balloons! Photo: Classic FM
