On 29 August 2026, Victoria Concert Hall was the setting for something truly special — the Asia Debut of Berlin-based pianist Roman Borisov, performing works by three of the greatest composers who ever wrote for the piano: Beethoven, Schumann, and Rachmaninoff.
The evening was organised by True Music Singapore as part of the European Sound Piano Concert series, and from the very first notes, it was clear this was going to be a night worth remembering.
Three Very Different Composers, One Remarkable Evening
The programme opened with Beethoven’s famous “Pathétique” Sonata — a piece you may well recognise, with its dramatic opening, singing middle movement, and spirited finale. Borisov brought all three movements to life with real clarity and purpose. Even if you were hearing it for the first time, it felt immediate and alive — never like a museum piece.
Next came Schumann’s Humoreske — a more personal, reflective work that shifts constantly between different moods. Think of it as a musical diary rather than a straightforward story — moving freely between joy, tenderness, and restlessness, sometimes within the same breath. It takes a very skilled pianist to hold all of that together, and Borisov did so with a naturalness that was genuinely impressive.
After the intermission, Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 2 brought the evening to its most powerful point. Rich, dramatic, and deeply emotional, it showed just how extraordinary the piano can sound in the right hands. The quieter passages were just as striking as the big climaxes — moments where the music seemed to breathe and glow.
The Piano
The instrument Borisov performed on was a C. Bechstein D282 Concert Grand — one of the finest pianos in the world. Its ability to move between thunderous power and the most delicate softness was remarkable throughout the evening, perfectly complimenting Roman’s skilful storytelling.
Three Encores and Still Going
By the end of the programme, the audience was captivated and Borisov clearly felt the connection too. He returned to the stage for three encores: Mendelssohn’s Song Without Words Op. 67 No. 2, Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in G minor Op. 23 No. 5, and Medtner’s Canzona Serenata Op. 38 No. 6. Even after the third, the applause showed no signs of stopping.
After the concert, Borisov stayed to meet the audience at a Meet and Greet — warm, approachable, and genuinely delighted to connect with Singapore music lovers for the very first time.
It was, in every sense, a delightful debut recital.
This event was presented by Bechstein Music World and organised by True Music Singapore, divisions of Cristofori Music Group. Follow Cristofori Music School on Facebook and Instagram for news on upcoming concerts and events.
