In the aftermath of China’s recent tragedy, the world’s spotlight highlighted China as a compassionate and responsive nation, yet positively leading the world into the future.

Larsen rose as a significant cultural ambassador last week, hosting the first step in a trailblazing effort: introducing a new movement in classical music to China’s thirty million pianists.

He performed at the Asian premiers, of his new magnum opus, Fantasia Suite, first in Beijing, then in Shanghai, both sponsored by Hines.

The events we attended by cultural glitterati from captains of industry such as heads of Coca-cola and Bowing for Asia, to leading pianists, singers, film stars, and producers.

Larsen’s new music created an immediate success which explains its endorsement by such institutions worldwide from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London to prominent music patrons in music centers around the world.

“Larsen captures the summation of our culture in music, while exploding into another dimension of creativity. Fantasia Suite is the future of music”, states Andrea Van de Kamp, Chairman Emeritus of the Music Center of Los Angeles.

Fantasia Suite’s Asian premier in Beijing was initially postponed to observe China’s three day mourning. The juxtaposition of rescheduling meant Larsen faced a three day marathon touring in Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou consecutively.

The tour began in the Great Hall, Embassy House Beijing, the flagship to Hines in Asia. Embassy House is the leading building in its class for all of Asia and Hines is the largest American real estate firm in China.

China’s economic boom is going hand-in-hand with its cultural boom. China’s rising middle class means 70% of all households in the major cities now have pianos. China’s “piano mania” means 50% of competition prize winners internationally are Chinese.

So, is Larsen “bringing coal to New Castle”? No, the opposite. By feeding this new music to China’s upcoming talent, Fantasia Suite is guaranteed a position on the world stage for generations to come. It is China’s youth that are most likely to write this music’s legacy into history.

Larsen’s Asian tour is a fine example of the mutually beneficial relationship between art and commerce. Fantasia Suite presents a multitude of opportunities both in sponsorship in investment. Fantasia Suite is preparing for regular touring in Asia with concerts, master classes, and competitions. The Fantasia Suite team is now seeking broader international sponsorship to propagate this new movement into other territories.

2009 Tour of Asia

Following the May 2008 success of Fantasia Suite in China, a five city tour is in development. The 2009 tour is projected to include Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, bringing major concerts, presentations, and master classes to China’s thirty million pianists.