Mikkel Myer Lee – Singapore’s Rising Piano Star
10-year-old Singaporean Piano Prodigy Makes History as the Youngest Pianist to Perform Both Chopin Concertos in a Concert and the Youngest Artiste Ever to be Sponsored by Bechstein in the 21st century Singapore, 27 March 2023 – Mikkel Myer Lee, a 10-year-old Singaporean piano prodigy, made history as the youngest pianist ever to perform both Chopin Piano Concerto No.1 and Chopin Piano Concerto No.2 at a public concert. His upcoming concert Mikkel Stars Chopin will be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 6 June 2023. He will be accompanied by The Asian Symphony Orchestra for the concert. Exhibiting virtuosity and emotional maturity beyond his years, he will also be the youngest artiste to be sponsored by Bechstein Music World in the 21st century. Director of Business Development of Bechstein Music World, Koh Lee Ching, said, “We are thrilled to support Mikkel in his journey and are excited to welcome him as the youngest artiste sponsored by Bechstein in this century. At only 10 years old, Mikkel has demonstrated an incredible mastery of the piano and is set to join the ranks of Bechstein’s list of legendary pianists in our archives. We were awestruck by Mikkel’s rendition of Chopin’s Concerto No.2 Op.21 that he performed at the Victoria Concert Hall last year as this concerto from the Romantic era demands expertise and emotional maturity typical of older and more accomplished pianists. With our support, we hope that Mikkel will be able to develop his phenomenal talent and achieve greater success in the years to come.” Born to parents who are not trained musically, Mikkel shocked his parents with his rare gift for music at the young age of six when he started playing piano pieces he heard over the internet. Endowed with perfect-pitch, Mikkel went on to clinch Gold in various international piano competitions. He represented Singapore and performed at Mozarteum in Salzburg (Austria) and Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (Netherlands). In 2022, Mikkel performed at two sold-out concerts at the Esplanade and the Victoria Concert Hall respectively. More details of his awards and appearances can be found in Annex B below. Mikkel Stars Chopin will mark a momentous milestone for Mikkel as he will be performing two highly complex pieces that are uncommon for his age, achieving a remarkable musical feat. More details on the concert can be found below: Mikkel Stars Chopin Date & Time Tuesday, 6 June 2023 at 7:30 pm Duration 90 mins including 20 mins intermission Venue Esplanade Concert Hall1 Esplanade Drive. Singapore 038981 Accompanied by The Asian Symphony OrchestraPresented by Symphonic Music (Asia) Ltd Conductor Dr Robert Casteels Official piano sponsor Bechstein Music World Check out Mikkel in action on his YouTube Channel! About Mikkel Myer Lee Mikkel Myer Lee was born to parents who are not trained musically. His parents learnt about his rare and unique gift when he heard him play piano pieces he heard over the internet when he was only six years old. In 2021, he started receiving formal music education from renowned Belgian-American pianist Tedd Joselson. Mikkel made history in February 2022 when he became the youngest ever to perform the complete cycle of Chopin 24 Preludes Op. 28 at a sold-out piano recital at the Esplanade – Theatres on The Bay. In July 2022, he performed Chopin Concerto No. 2 and Beethoven Concerto No.3 to another full house audience at the Victoria Concert Hall. Ticket prices range from $28 to $108. Get your tickets at https://sg.bookmyshow.com/e/MIKKELSC.
Echoes of Silence – A Piano Recital By William Youn
On 11th June 2023, Singapore will be in for a treat as award-winning pianist William Youn makes his Singapore Debut with a recital dubbed “Echoes of Silence – A Peaceful, Quiet Place in the Busy City at the Singapore Conference Hall. Hailed by critics as a “true poet of the piano” with a “brilliant touch”, William Youn is an exceptional pianist. Born in Seoul, he studied music across Europe and the US. He also worked with legendary piano pedagogue Karl-Heinz Kämmerling and artists like Dmitri Bashkirov, who deeply inspired his playing. With an established international reputation, performing with renowned orchestras at prestigious halls and festivals is a norm for Youn. Besides being a soloist, he is passionate about chamber music and has collaborated with different musicians. Over the years, Youn released numerous CD recordings of works by Chopin, Mozart, Schumann, and more. His Mozart album also won the Pizzicato Supersonic Award. One of Youn’s most recent projects is the three-part recording of Schubert’s complete piano sonatas. This album was well-received, with Fono Forum praising the first two parts for their “flawless, perfectly realized naturalness”. “Schubert’s music is for lonely souls. It moves and consoles its listeners, building them up again in their darkest moments and inviting them to dance and dream, to go for long walks and to hope.” William Youn’s one-night-only debut recital features masterpieces from various composers. Combining virtuosic technique and subtle, emotionally sensitive playing, Youn will unleash his musical storytelling abilities by performing two classical period sonatas, a piano transcription, and several impressionistic pieces. Witness Youn as he brings the music alive by portraying contrasting moods and characters. With the rich and lyrical sounds produced by the C.Bechstein piano, the recital will be a delight for the ears. We are particularly excited about Youn’s renditions of the works of Franz Schubert, as he holds a soft spot in his heart for the composer’s works. He himself has said, “Schubert’s music is for lonely souls. It moves and consoles its listeners, building them up again in their darkest moments and inviting them to dance and dream, to go for long walks and to hope.” How apt for these hectic & turbulent times we live in now! Programme: F.SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No.4 in A minor, D.537 F.SCHUBERT/F.LISZT: Ständchen, D 889 M.RAVEL: “Une barque sur l’ocean” and “Alborada del gracioso” from Miroirs, M.43 F.SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No.20 in A Major, D.959 (Programme subject to change at the artist’s discretion) Several of William Youn’s performances can be found here: Schumann Humoreske, Op. 20: I. Einfach; Sehr rasch und leicht (Excerpt): Schumann Humoreske, Op. 20: VII. Zum Beschluß (Excerpt): Schubert: Piano Sonatas (Interview): DURATION Approximately 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. We are certainly looking forward to finding quiet moments in this busy city. This concert is part of a series of concerts in celebration of C. Bechstein’s 170th Anniversary. For more concerts and other events by C. Bechstein in Singapore, be sure to follow Bechstein Music World on Facebook & Instagram! Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. Readers of our Blog get an exclusive 20% off CAT 1 and CAT 2 tickets. Click here to get your discount code! About the Venue The Singapore Conference Hall is a music oasis that resides along the bustling city street of Shenton Way and is the home base for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, as well as Singapore’s largest European Piano showroom, Bechstein Music World.
Kotaro Fukuma to Debuts in Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall to Sold out Crowd
25th March 2023 – We had a very special treat witnessing Japanese pianist Kotaro Fukuma make his Singapore Debut at the Victoria Concert Hall. Renowned for his keen musicality, Fukuma brought out all the most wonderful nuances in his instrument for the night, a C. Bechstein D282 concert grand piano, generously provided by Bechstein Music World Singapore. His debut recital in Singapore presented piano transcriptions and pieces from the Baroque period to the 20th century, from Bach, Mozart and Schumann to Debussy, Ravel and Saint Saens. The first half of the program featured a selection of composers from Germany and Austria PAINTING WITH SOUND Kotaro Fukuma demonstrated masterful use of textures, keeping the listener on their toes. Each piece in his carefully curated program was executed with brilliance and finesse, colour, shape, clarity and refinement. His playing is interesting and playful with wonderfully executed contrasts & rhythmic articulation, and pure joy evidenced in his playing. His performance of Saint Saens’ Danse Macabre was commanding and captivating, even the youngest audience members stood intently watching Fukuma for every moment! He truly delivered on this performance – indeed a “mesmerising prince, touching our souls with his outstanding musicality, paired with the pure C. Bechstein sound.” Perfect combination. Post-concert was no less exciting, with a long queue at the Meet-and-greet session, photos, enthusiastic discussions, and smiles all around. Kotaro Fukuma is definitely a must-see performer. He is a delight to watch, and we look forward to his next performance in Singapore!
What Happens in a RSL Face-to-Face Exam?
It’s been a while since we were last able to see our RSL examiners in person! Since our last in-person encounter with the examiners was way back in March 2020, we need a refresher on how the exams are going to be with our examiners in Singapore, so read on to see what it will be like to be face to face with your examiner again. Before Your Exam Day
Kotaro Fukuma to Debut in Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall in March 2023
Singapore is full of exciting events this quarter, and the upcoming performance by Japanese pianist Kotaro Fukuma is sure to be a great addition to the scene! Born in Tokyo, Kotaro Fukuma has displayed limitless potential, clinching prestigious awards in international competitions. His career flourished after winning the First Prize and the Chopin Prize at the 15th Cleveland International Piano Competition at the age of 20. Currently, he tours five continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, North and South America. Since Kotaro studied music in France and has mentors like Mitsuko Uchida, Richard Goode, Maria Joao Pires, he presents highly refined music. Kotaro performs in major concert venues, and works with the world’s finest orchestras and conductors. Furthermore, he has released eighteen commercial CDs (several released by renowned labels like Naxos) and often appears in music magazines like Gramophone. Kotaro Fukuma’s debut recital presents piano transcriptions and pieces from the Baroque period to the 20th century. Join him in exploring your most beloved classical repertoire while savouring the refreshing melodies produced by the C.Bechstein piano. Then, delve deep into Kotaro’s world of impressionistic French music as he paints images through different colours and textures to give audiences a captivating listening experience. Like a mesmerising prince, Kotaro will touch your soul with his outstanding musicality, paired with the pure C. Bechstein sound. Strap in for a splendid evening of serenade music that inspires and leaves an unforgettable impression, at least for some time. Catch him LIVE at 8pm on 24th March for his Singapore Debut in partnership with Bechstein Music World Singapore at the prestigious Victoria Concert Hall for “夜の音楽 NACHTMUSIK: A Night of Serenade Music by KOTARO FUKUMA”
Musicale 2022 – A Journey Through Time, and Reconnecting with our Community
2022 marks the first year that Cristofori is able to finally host once again the GRAND Students Recital for our year-end Musicale concert. The annual Musicale Concert and Cristofori Star Student Awards has been a long standing tradition for Cristofori Music School as a way to show our appreciation for the efforts of our dear students. Over the past 2 years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and numerous restrictions to gatherings and performances, our previous Musicale celebrations were majorly scaled back and limited to a simple awarding ceremony. Now in 2022, we were finally able to return to our grand celebration with a BANG. This year’s theme was “ Journey Through Time 穿越时空之旅 ” – calling to us to envision a journey from past to future, having stood together to emerge stronger after a Global Pandemic, we recall memories of playing music together, and appreciate the time we have together; we recall predecessors, and at the same time, look toward a future where we can return to a state of togetherness. COVID-19 had taken away opportunities to gather our students together, but this year, we take back our way of life and stand in hopefulness, to realize our vision to overcome this pandemic and stand together for a brighter future, to continue to build our heritage and legacy of music, passion, life and to bring music to every heart and home. The Musicale Concert 2022 was held on Friday, the 2nd of December at the Festive Arts Theatre at Our Tampines Hub, a 400 seat theatre in the heart of Tampines. The program featured collaborative performances by our Cristofori Music School students and teachers, and the much anticipated Star Student Awards recognising the efforts and hard work of students as nominated by their teachers. It was truly a special treat seeing some of the school’s best perform for a sold out audience, with pieces from beloved movies and series, as well as some well loved classical pieces. We definitely felt a sense of community being with our students and families together in celebration again. Congratulations to all the performers for their amazing work, and thank you to the parents, staff and crew without whom this event would not be possible!
Bridging East & West – Reflections on the Unifying Power of Music with Song Ziliang
11th December 2022 – We had the honour of attending an intimate recital session by Song Ziliang, an International Pianist and Educator at the Bechstein Music World Recital Hall. Song Ziliang was described in the Straits Times as ‘brimming with talent and conviction’ and ‘grandly good’ following sold-out concerts and recitals. Ziliang graduated from the Royal College of Music, London with a Masters of Music in Performance (Distinction) under the tutelage of Gordon Fergus-Thompson. He has also studied at the Moscow Conservatory with Mikhail Petukhov. His studies in Russia and the UK were sponsored by the Trailblazer Foundation. Currently a music educator, Ziliang contributes to the development of the arts through annual performances and commissioning musical works based on Singaporean themes, such as the Laksa Cantata by Chen Zhangyi. With a hope to foster greater inclusivity within our communities, Ziliang continues to perform on the piano, curating programmes that explore parallels across different cultures. In his recital program on the 11th of December, Ziliang chose a number of pieces from composers whose music is closely linked to the Bechstein piano. Incidentally, some of these pieces are also close to his heart Ren Guang – Wang Jianzhong 彩云追月 Colourful Clouds Chasing The Moon The next three pieces, all in the key of D-flat, were played in succession. Interestingly, Ziliang points out, composers from East and West chose the key of D-flat to express their interpretations of moonlight. Perhaps our cultures are not so different after all. Lu Wencheng – Chen Peixun 平湖秋月 Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake Claude Debussy Clair de Lune Franz Liszt Étude No. 3, Un sospiro from Three Concert Études S.144 Following the succession of 3 pieces, Ziliang remarked a quote from Claude Debussy saying that his (Debussy’s) music sounded best on a Bechstein grand. Indeed every dynamic shift and delicacy was crystal clear on the Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano that Ziliang played that afternoon. He even commented on a review of the recent concert by Sir Stephen Hough playing on the same model of piano (which we also had the honor of attending earlier this year) that said, the author heard nuances in the music that he had never heard before on any other piano. Bechstein pianos are truly a marvel of piano craftsmanship! The program then went on to explore a genre of the Romantic era that was a feature in the period that the Bechstein piano was born with the Chopin Etude and Ballade, and then closed with a piece that was premiered on a Bechstein piano. Frederic Chopin Etude in E minor, Op 25. No. 5 Ballade in G minor, Op. 23 Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor All in all, this was a beautifully curated program executed wonderfully on a beautiful instrument that brings past tradition into a bright future! We certainly look forward to Song Ziliang’s next recital. Want to see what else we’re up to? Check out our Blog Page, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @rockschoolsingapore and @rs_event_center
Things You Might Not Have Known about Yunchan Lim
Following Yunchan Lim’s recent performances in Singapore (we’re still amazed, by the way!), we went down the rabbit-hole and found a special interview with the youngest ever winner of the Van Cliburn International Competition by EPTA UK Trustee Yulia Chaplina (herself an accomplished pianist, having won 7 international piano competitions including the Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians). We would love to share some of our favourite parts with you via some trivia about Yunchan Lim. Yunchan Lim almost couldn’t participate in the Van Cliburn Competition! He said, “The most worrisome part was that I might not be able to participate in the competition due to Covid-19 before I went to the US, because three days before I left the country I was so sick that I couldn’t do anything because I suddenly had a cold. But it suddenly got better a day later, and the Covid test was negative, so I was able to participate in the end.” What a lucky break! He has been working with his teacher Minsoo Sohn since he was 13 years old. One of the most important things Yunchan Lim has learned from his teacher is that “Improvisation on stage is very important. You can change the music freely depending on your condition at that time, not as you practise. It is one of the basics every pianist should have and I think it is very important.” Improvisation is a skill that is encouraged and features in the Rockschool Contemporary Piano, and the RSL Classical Piano syllabus too if you’d like to check it out. Visit us at any of our office locations for a closer look! Yunchan Lim has been learning the piano since he was 7 years old. Yunchan said it was not an easy journey. He had to travel far away to his piano lessons, and it involved a lot of time and practice. “There were many things that I could not handle at my age since i was young” He has dreamed of becoming a pianist since he was 8. “I never thought I’d be a pianist. But I wanted to be a pianist, and I prayed every single day since I was 8 years old.” He plays a lot of scales Yunchan says, “Unlike a genius pianist, I’m not born with anything. I practised scales without skipping a single day!” He practices 6 hours a day – at least! And that’s after his studies with his teacher Minsoo Sohn. “I practise to bring the music out of my mind into reality”. His favourite part of practising is… “When music finally recognises my heart and expresses it in real life as I want.” If that doesn’t endear this young pianist to the world, we don’t know what will. We will eagerly look forward to Yunchan Lim’s next endeavours in the Music World. The full article was published in Piano Professional Issue 59 September 2022 and can be accessed here. Want to see what else we’re up to? Check out our Blog Page, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @rockschoolsingapore and @rs_event_center
Musical Excellence and a Rising Star – Martha Argerich & Friends Live in Singapore 2022
Over the course of three nights from 7th to 9th November, Martha Argerich shared the stage with friends and family in chamber music with the Orchestra of the Music Makers. A Legend in the Flesh Seeing a living legend perform live in person was such a surreal experience for a sold out crowd at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Watching Martha Argerich and 3 generations of her family, along with special guests and new blood in the Classical Music World performing together truly brings home the value of music in uniting and bringing people together. South Korean pianist and youngest ever Gold Medalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition – Yunchan Lim takes the stage under the watchful eye of living legend Martha Argerich (top left corner). Keeping with her longtime commitment to championing the future of classical music, Argerich triumphantly presented the next generation of young pianists in her festival, including her 14-year-old grandson David Chen, and most notably the newly-crowned Van Cliburn Competition winner Yunchan Lim. Conductor and pianist Darío Alejandro Ntaca masterfully conducted the Orchestra of the Music Makers for the concert series. Witnessing a Rising Star Rising Star – 18 year old pianist Yunchan Lim on the C. Bechstein D282. A very special highlight for the concert series came on closing night, 9th November 2022. Rounding out the festival was a powerful performance of Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto (Piano Concerto No.5 in E-Flat Major) by rising star of the classical piano world Yunchan Lim. Lim played on a superb instrument, a C. Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano generously provided by Bechstein Music World Singapore. One with the Orchestra – pianist Yunchan Lim fully immerses himself into the music with the Orchestra of the Music Makers. Yunchan Lim has become known for his unique approach to interpreting and immersing himself in the music. Because of this vision, Lim truly brought the grandeur of the Emperor Concerto to life, expertly melding and weaving in with the orchestra. In an interview after the Cliburn Competition Final, he said, “While (I was) playing, I first opened my heart to the orchestra members, and they tuned in to me.” This was indeed evidenced in his performance on closing night at the Martha Argerich and Friends series. Absolutely a musician living for the music, and thus a treasure to the world. We are so excited to see where his budding career in Classical Music takes him. Kudos and congratulations are in order for Altenburg Arts efforts in organising this spectacular festival – truly one to be remembered in the years to come! For more updates and information, visit the official Instagram, and our facebook! Check out what else we’ve been up to by visiting our Blog.
Yellow River Piano Concerto – Haiou Zhang and C.Bechstein Pianos Grace the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg to Mark the 50 Years of China-Germany Diplomatic Relations
“Everything in Flow” was the title of the concert held on 10th October 2022 that internationally-acclaimed pianist Haiou Zhang gave together with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra in the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, one of Germany’s greatest concert halls, seating 2,100 whereby the performers are in the center of the hall surrounded by the audience in the vineyard style arrangement. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Germany. Chinese pianist Haiou Zhang, who now lives in Germany, put together a programme together with the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra that couldn’t be more symbolic. Schumann’s “Rhenish” Symphony celebrates the great German river with infectious Romantic verve, full of joie de vivre and flowing melodies. Premiering at this venue and in contrast to the Schumann, “The Yellow River” piano concerto, based on the cantata of the same name by the Chinese composer Xian Xinghai, stands for Chinese independence, and was written in 1968/69 as a collective composition in the spirit of positive socialism. The Mozart piano concerto forms a connecting link between the two worlds, for Mozart embodies the direct, cross-border power of music more strongly than almost any other composer. Haiou Zhang and the Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra played to a sold-out house and received standing ovations after the performance. Read more about this amazing performance on the C. Bechstein official website, and on Haiou Zhang’s official Facebook.
