On Friday, 22nd November 2024, the Sun Mao Arts Center at Shenton Way was transformed into a haven of musical storytelling.  The recital, titled Metamorphosis, offered a rich exploration of music’s evolving tapestry, featuring performances by the talented teachers of the Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA). With the Petrof P237 Monsoon Grand Piano at its heart, this concert embodied both artistic excellence and a celebration of the transformation and evolution of music across genres and eras, embodying the Sound of Europe.

 

Based at One Holland Village, Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts strives to push the boundaries of musical education and performance, fostering creativity and connection through meaningful events like this. The evening’s programme showcased a harmonious blend of Baroque refinement, Romantic lyricism, and contemporary flair.

The recital opened with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 Prelude in G Major, interpreted on guitar by Teacher Jax. This was followed by a rendition of Bach’s Invention No. 13 in A Minor on piano by Teacher Patricia. Mozart’s elegance then took center stage with performances of Piano Sonata No. 16 in C Major, K. 545 and Piano Sonata No. 11 in A Major, K. 331 (“Alla Turca”) by Teacher Silvia. The first half concluded with an emotional journey through Francisco Tárrega’s Lágrima and Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp Minor, Op. 66, culminating in the dreamy lyricism of Liszt’s Liebestraum and the lively imagery of Ren Guang’s Silver Clouds Chasing the Moon.

The second half brought a vibrant shift in mood, starting with Richard Rodgers’ beloved My Favorite Things, followed by Teacher Silvia’s performance of Scott Joplin’s Maple Leaf Rag. Edward and Silvia’s respective interpretations of Yoko Kanno’s Flowers Will Bloom and Katsuo Ohno’s Detective Conan Main Theme added a nostalgic yet modern touch. Guitarist Jax’s performance of Yin Biao’s King of the Birds enchanted with its melodic narrative.

The evening’s grand finale celebrated collaboration and innovation through Yoasobi’s dynamic piano four-hand arrangements, including Halzion, Tracing a Dream, and Racing into the Night, as well as RGB, The Swallow, and Monster, performed by Teachers Silvia and Patricia, and Ms. Jaclyn.

Throughout the recital, the Petrof P237 Monsoon Grand Piano proved to be an indispensable partner in bringing these diverse works to life. Renowned for its superior craftsmanship, the piano exuded a solid European tranquility, embodying understated elegance and noble temperament. Yet, it also revealed a spirited personality, with moments of fiery energy and a humanistic charm that enriched the evening’s performances.

This enchanting event was not only a testament to the dedication of Cristofori’s educators but also a celebration of music’s boundless capacity to connect and transform.

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