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The much-anticipated post-pandemic return of “Cristofori’s Got Talent” ignited a wave of excitement, drawing in both loyal Cristoforians and eager members of the public alike! This year’s edition unfolded with an eclectic mix of performers, showcasing a spectrum of talents that spanned from soulful solo acts on piano, drum, violin, and guitar to dynamic group performances featuring bands, guitar ensembles, drum duos, electrifying drum ensembles, and captivating dance numbers. What truly set this year apart was the infusion of both Chinese and Western music and instruments, enriching the event with a tapestry of cultural diversity.

From April 10th to 14th, the RS Event Center Event Hall at Old Airport Road buzzed with anticipation as over 300 fabulous talents took to the stage for the Cristofori’s Got Talent Live Qualifying Round. Divided into four categories – Solo Children, Solo Teens, Solo Open, and Group Performance – participants left the audience spellbound with their exceptional skills and boundless creativity.

The performances unfolded as a dynamic tapestry of talent, with participants unleashing their prowess across a myriad of genres. From stirring renditions of iconic Eastern and Western pop and rock classics to enchanting melodies plucked from beloved film and Disney favorites, the stage pulsated with a kaleidoscope of musical expressions. Dance numbers, choreographed to the infectious beats of some of the greatest K-Pop hits, injected an extra dose of excitement into the auditions, leaving the audience cheering for more.

The Judges panel certainly had a tough job of selecting the best of the amazing talent that showed at the Cristofori’s Got Talent qualifying round. Participants meanwhile, supported each other with applause and kept high spirits as they awaited their turn to perform.

As the curtains descended on the qualifying auditions, the air was charged with anticipation for the impending announcement of the results. Keep your eyes on the Cristofori Music Facebook page for even more updates and other highlights from this unforgettable showcase of talent!

Congratulations to the Finalists!

Mark your calendars for the Grand Finals slated to unfold on May 25th, 2024, at the Rooftop Garden @ Junction 8 – Bishan. Join us there for what promises to be a Competition to remember, as we celebrate the culmination of this extraordinary journey of talent and creativity!

Kayserburg Music School has officially opened its doors with a Grand Opening Ceremony on 20th April 2024.

The festivities commenced at 10:30 am with captivating performances on guitar, piano, and violin, setting a vibrant tone for the day ahead. The event kicked off in style with a traditional Lion Dance and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, graced by esteemed guests including Mr. Leng Tshua (蔡能), Director for International Marketing at Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group, Kayserburg Artist & United Nations messenger for Sustainable Development Goals, and Goodwill Ambassador Paul Ye (叶子宸), and our very own Directors and Managers from Cristofori Music.

An exciting highlight of the day was the launch of the Fifth Amason Award Pop Piano International Competition 2024, with Cristofori Music announced as the official organizer. Additionally,Tan Jing Yang, a finalist of the Pearl River International Piano Competition 2022, was honored with a Diamond Award for his outstanding performance at the previous Amason Award International Piano Competition in 2022. 

Details for the 2024 Competition:

Singapore Division Qualifying Round: September 6-8, 2024

Regional Finals: October 5-6, 2024

International Grand Finals: November 2024 

Location: Guangzhou, China

Registration deadline: August 18, 2024

Throughout the celebration, guests were treated to captivating musical performances showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Kayserburg and Pearl River instruments, including the KA212 Grand Piano and the HA8000-GCB Acoustic Guitar.

The audience in attendance got a special treat as Kayserburg Artist & United Nations messenger for Sustainable Development Goals, and Goodwill Ambassador Paul Ye performed at the Kayserburg Music School Grand Opening on 20th April 2022 ahead of his Singapore Debut.

The festivities continued, with Direct Factory Sales at the Kayserburg Music School (KMS) Roadshow @ SMU at level B1 of the Li Ka Shing Library Building that showcased 30 brand new piano models available at exclusive discounted prices until 26th APRIL 2024. 

Kayserburg Music School’s vision to serve as a cultural bridge between Singapore and China was prominently highlighted during the event. With a commitment to providing a platform for aspiring musicians to showcase their talent on the global stage, the school aims to nurture and empower the next generation of music virtuosos.

We got an exclusive interview featuring Mr. Leng Tshua, the Overseas Marketing Director of Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group, and Kayserburg Artist Mr. Paul Ye who would make his Singapore Debut on 22nd April 2024. Stay tuned to catch those interviews!

We wish continued success to Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group and Kayserburg Music School!

Embark on a captivating musical journey with renowned pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy as he presents a diverse and enchanting program in Singapore! The recital begins with Mozart’s A minor sonata, showcasing the composer’s signature elegance and melodic mastery. Following this, Rachmaninoff’s Corelli Variations will mesmerise with rich romantic textures, weaving a tapestry of emotion around the familiar ‘La Folía’ theme.

The second half of the evening will be dedicated to Chopin’s 24 Preludes, a collection of miniature gems exploring a range of sentiments. Rashkovskiy’s performance promises to be a tour de force, demanding both technical brilliance and profound musical expression.

Event Details:
Date: 5th July 2024, 8pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place #01-02, Singapore 179558

Ticket Sales Open from 1st May 2024 on Ticketmaster

About the artist: 

Russian pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age, debuting at eight years old with the Irkutsk Chamber Music Orchestra. Throughout his remarkable career, Rashkovskiy has earned many accolades from prestigious international competitions, like the Long-J. Thibaud Competition and Hamamatsu International Piano Competition.

From Novosibirsk to Hannover and Paris, Rashkovskiy pursued his musical education, studying under esteemed mentors like Mary Lebenzon. His piano artistry continues to captivate audiences at iconic concert stages worldwide, where he gives solo recitals or collaborates with renowned orchestras, including the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Mariinsky Orchestra.

Beyond his solo career, Rashkovskiy has been a highly sought-after chamber musician, sharing the stage with artists like Gary Hoffman and Bomsori Kim. Since 2015, he has been committed to imparting his knowledge and musical passion as a guest professor at Sungshin Women’s University in Seoul.

This event is presented by Bechstein Music World. Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram Pages for the latest updates on more concerts for 2024.

Are you ready to embark on a musical journey or take your skills to the next level? Look no further than Cristofori Music School, where we’re thrilled to introduce a range of irresistible offers and promotions for both new and existing students. Whether you’re dreaming of mastering the piano, guitar, drums, or violin, now is the perfect time to dive in and make music with us!

Special Offers for NEW Students

New Piano Student Enrolment: Free Piano Rental

Calling all aspiring pianists! From 29th March to 30th April 2024, we’re offering FREE piano rental to the first 100 new piano students who register with us. Here’s what you can expect:

Choose from our premium selection of pianos from Cristofori and Pearl River brands, and enjoy free piano rental for up to 1 year, with accessories included. Benefit from a 12-month piano guarantee for added peace of mind. Terms and conditions apply.

Special Enrollment Days: Free $100 Dairy Farm Voucher

Mark your calendars for 29th March and 10th April 2024 – our special enrollment days! New students who sign up for regular music lessons at any Cristofori School.

New students signing up for regular lessons at the Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) @ Holland Village, and Kayserburg Music School on these dates will receive a complimentary $100 *Dairy Farm voucher when they enrol anytime between 29th March to 30th April 2024. 

Eligible Courses include: Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drum, and I Can Play. Don’t miss this chance to kickstart your musical journey while enjoying fantastic savings!

*Dairy Farm Gift Vouchers can be used at Giant, Cold Storage, Market Place, 7-Eleven and Guardian

Exclusive Offers for Existing Cristofori Students 

Free $200 TANGS Gift Card

For our loyal Cristofori Music School students, we’re offering a fabulous incentive! Pay 1-year 2024 school fees upfront and receive a complimentary $200 TANGS gift card. It’s an offer you won’t want to miss. Terms and conditions apply.

Buy Brand New Ritmuller RS122 Piano: Free 3 Months School Fees

Ready to invest in your musical future? Purchase a Ritmuller RS122 Upright Piano and enjoy three months of FREE school fees! This exclusive offer is available to current Cristofori Music School piano students, as we aim to providing unparalleled value and support as you pursue your passion for music.

Don’t let these incredible offers pass you by – seize the opportunity to make music with Cristofori Music School today! For more information and to enroll, visit us at any Cristofori Music School outlet, or contact our friendly team. Let’s make beautiful music together!

Welcome to the vibrant new home of Cristofori at Anchorvale Community Club! We are thrilled to announce the soft opening of our latest outlet on 29th March 2024, marking a new chapter in our musical journey.

The festivities kicked off with an exciting housewarming celebration, inviting the community to explore our new space and join in the fun. Guests were treated to an open house experience, complete with free-flow popcorn and cotton candy, engaging musical games, captivating performances, and much more.

Situated against the picturesque backdrop of Sengkang Riverside Park, our new outlet offers breathtaking views and easy accessibility. With the school located on the ground level, cyclists can pedal their way to our doorstep, enjoying a scenic ride along the way (but remember to cycle responsibly!).

At Cristofori, we believe in making music education accessible to all. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, our courses cater to all ages and skill levels. From piano and violin to ukulele, guitar, and drums, there’s something for everyone. For our youngest learners aged 3.5 to 5 years old, our I Can Play program provides the perfect introduction to the world of music.

Join us at Anchorvale Community Club and embark on a musical journey like never before. We can’t wait to make music with you!

On 18th March 2024 a full house of 110 teachers and learners got to experience the magic of the all-but-lost art of Improvisation in Classical Music as demonstrated by some of the world’s greatest composers.

While contemporary music showcases improvisational expertise primarily in genres like jazz and contemporary music, with notable figures such as Jacob Collier, John Tilbury, Peter Michael Hamel, and John Wolf Brennan, improvisational composers within the Classical sphere, notably John Cage and Roman Haubenstock-Ramati, employ more experimental styles. They often utilize graphic notation to convey their compositions in “written” form rather than standard notation – quite a far cry from the improvisations of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The tradition of improvisation in classical music dates back centuries, where composers frequently improvised preludes before performing their main pieces (we also learned that prior to Franz Liszt’s invention of the modern solo piano recital, piano recitals resembled what we typically arrange as student recitals, featuring multiple performers). Notably, Johann Sebastian Bach was renowned for his ability to improvise complex musical passages, influencing a lineage of improvisers that includes his son Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Carl Czerny, and Franz Liszt. Despite its historical significance, improvisation gradually waned in classical music education during the twentieth century, with few exceptions such as liturgical improvisation on the organ. Nevertheless, contemporary classical performers like Gabriela Montero, Galina Vracheva, Friedrich Gulda, Dinu Lipatti, and Robert Levin continue to incorporate improvisation into their concerts.

On Montero, and Levin in particular, Phil Best in a guest article on www.crosseyedpianist.com writes “The wonderful Gabriela Montero is an example of a well-known pianist who regularly improvises, usually creating a pastiche of a great composer’s style and Robert Levin is renowned for making improvisation an integral part of Mozart’s piano music, improvising cadenzas on the spot and fleshing out the barebones writing that is often encountered in slow movements.”

Reintegrating Improvisation into modern piano teaching – Though expected of musicians in past eras, improvisation was considered an expert level skill usually taught at an advanced stage of musical education, and is not something introduced to beginners (which has perhaps contributed to the decline of this skill in modern classical music education). Prof. Patzlaff challenges this notion, and advocates for teachers to explore this with young children and adult beginners early on. In his view, Improvisation, like learning a language, requires learning grammar, and practice – warm ups and exercises, best learnt with a teacher at the start, Prof. recommends the teacher improvise some accompaniment for the student to provide a safer, supported environment where they feel more at ease to try things. Other possibilities to start with could be Preluding (perhaps with a more advanced student), Ornamentation, Free Improvisation, Improvisation with Intervals, and Small variations with the score.

Throughout the day, amidst his sharing of knowledge and experiences from over a decade of teaching improvisation to students, Professor shared with participants the exercises he does with his students utilising various tools and methods such as modifying existing pieces (a line, a motif, or chordal movement) or perhaps re-harmonising it for more advanced students, or changing the articulation, tempo, etc.,  using “constant structures” and moving them around they instrument, utilising modal scales, improvising off visual representations (graphic scores, storyboards, taking inspiration from existing artwork or creating their own to work with, etc.), and teachers participated, with some very interesting and colorful results from different approaches to a graphic score, to having a “musical conversation”, to running free on a set chord sequence. 

The day closed out with Professor Patzlaff taking a few pieces suggested by the audience, and improvising around them. As he mentioned he always does at his lecture-recitals, he was “completely unprepared, except for having a quick look at the list on the plane (to Singapore)”, with varying, sometimes surprising results (sometimes surprising even himself – he did improvise after all!):

After each piece, the Professor took a little time to explain his approach to his improvisation of each one, and which tools he found himself using. A Brahms Intermezzo improvised on the theme, still in a similar style; Fur Elise (Beethoven) re-harmonised around its most recognisable motif (very harmonically and rhythmically interesting!), Nocturne Op. 37 in Gm (Chopin) in Jazz style, Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart) deconstructed and put back together in varying styles (including tango!), and Canon in D (Pachelbel) in the styles of Scott Joplin and Maurice Ravel to name just a few of the fantastic improvisations the Professor was able to conjure on the spot.

The main takeaway we get from the Lecture Recital Workshop is to really give students freedom to experiment and to make mistakes. Improvisation is very personal to every individual, and each student should be given a chance to discover their unique voice and artistic expression.

The Teaching Improvisation in Classical Music Lecture Recital Workshop with Professor Laurens Patzlaff was organized and presented by Bechstein Music World Singapore. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram for more news on upcoming events, concerts and workshops in 2024!

At CMS, we believe that attending pre-concert talks enriches the concert experience for everyone, offering invaluable insights into a performer’s interpretive choices, as well as a valuable opportunity to learn more about music. On 8th March, 2024, we had the privilege of attending a captivating pre-concert talk by Professor Yen Chun-Chieh that shed light on his repertoire and the artistic journey he would take us on at his Concert (which sold out the Victoria Concert Hall) that would take place the next day, 9th March.

Professor Yen, a distinguished pianist and educator, effortlessly conveyed his thoughts, ideas, and the stories behind his concert repertoire. His eloquence was matched only by his sense of humor, evident in his interactions with the audience. As a full-time Associate Professor at Taiwan Normal University, his dedication to education was palpable throughout the session.

Delving into the intricacies of his selected pieces, Professor Yen highlighted their nuances, connections to the composers’ lives, and historical contexts. It was as if he was conversing with a group of friends, effortlessly sharing his wealth of knowledge and personal reflections.

During the Q&A session, one question resonated deeply: how can students aspire to become professors like him? Professor Yen acknowledged the challenges posed by technology and short attention spans owing to the rise of short form content (reels, TikTok, Youtube Shorts, etc.), emphasizing the importance of focus and dedication. He spoke passionately about the potential impact of AI and augmented reality on musicianship, urging young musicians to embrace the art of live performance amidst an increasingly digitized reality.

Professor Yen’s pre-concert talk was more than just a glimpse into his artistry; it was a testament to his commitment to inspiring future generations of musicians. As we navigate an ever-evolving musical landscape, his words serve as a guiding light for aspiring musicians worldwide.

This concert enrichment talk was organised and presented by Bechstein Music World. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram Pages for the latest updates on more concerts and other events for 2024!

Renowned Taiwanese pianist Yen Chun-chieh captivated a full house at Victoria Concert Hall on 9th March 2024 with his remarkable performance, marking a memorable debut in Singapore.

Despite minor imperfections, Yen showcased his exceptional technique, particularly evident in his captivating rendition of Volodos-Mozart’s Turkish March during his encore. His performance on the exquisite Bechstein piano further accentuated his charismatic and expressive playing.

As an interpreter, Yen’s emotive approach was evident, though at times it may have overshadowed subtleties of some pieces in his repertoire. His rendition of Chopin’s works leaned towards a slightly more dramatic style, with the Barcarolle evoking a sense of theatricality rather than the serene beauty of Venice (as may have been originally intended), but, one may argue that this actually helps to evoke more of the vibrancy and colourful characteristics of the city, with its vibrant architecture, picturesque canals, and lively atmosphere.

Yen truly excelled in Ravel’s aquatic-themed compositions, displaying a mastery of the intricate piano writing and bringing out the brilliance of the vivid cascade of arpeggios in Jeux d’Eau and the ethereal atmosphere of Ondine.

While his performance of Carnaval was lively and enjoyable, there were occasional lapses in execution, but despite these minor setbacks, Yen’s performance was met with enthusiastic applause. The audience was treated to a whopping four encores: including a very lovely Franz Liszt’s Liebestraum No.3, a beautifully rendered November from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, Trenet-Weissenberg’s En Avril à Paris, and lastly a very animated and virtuosic Volodos’ Concert Paraphrase on Mozart’s “Turkish March”.

Overall, Yen Chun-chieh’s performance left a lasting impression, and we certainly look forward to seeing him again in Singapore for another captivating recital in the future.

This concert was presented by Bechstein Music World. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram Pages for the latest updates on more concerts for 2024.

Chinese concert pianist and Kayserburg Artist, Paul Ye, hailed for his formidable technical mastery and profound musical sensitivity stands among the most compelling artists of this generation. 

Born into a musical lineage, Ye has been hailed by critics for his poetic pianism, earning him the title “Poet of Piano.” His debut album “The Chopin Prodigy”, released in 2004, has propelled Ye’s 15 other albums and has surpassed more than 60 millions streams worldwide.

Mark your calendars, because this April, Paul Ye is set to dazzle at his Singapore Debut Recital to be held at the Victoria Concert Hall!

Event Details: Paul Ye Piano Recital

Date: 22 April 2024, Monday 8:00p.m.

Venue: Victoria Concert Hall

Tickets $18 / $38 / $58

Get your tickets here!

Paul Ye’s piano recital navigates between the classical vigour of Beethoven and Chopin’s pieces, and the evocative sounds of twentieth-century Chinese piano masterpieces in a harmonious dialogue between East and West, demonstrating the universal language of music.

From the captivating realm of Beethoven’s ‘Appassionata,’ a masterpiece hailed as one of his greatest and most technically challenging piano sonatas, to the timeless works of Chopin, where Paul Ye will showcase his versatility, setting the stage for an exploration of Chopin’s varied and profound musical expressions.

In this program, Paul Ye presents distinguished Chinese compositions such as “Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” “Ode to the Yellow River,” and “My Motherland,” where the resonance of traditional melodies weaves through the notes. This recital will not only entertain, but also serve as a bridge between two rich musical traditions, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts of all who embark on this cultural odyssey. 

Programme:

L.V. BEETHOVEN:
Piano Sonata No. 23 in F Minor, Op. 57 “Appassionata”

王建中 WANG JIANZHONG :
Birds paying homage to the Phoenix 《百鸟朝凤》

冼星海 XIAN XINGHAI:
Ode to The Yellow River《黄河颂 》

刘炽 LIU CHI:
My Motherland  《我的祖国》

CHOPIN:
Waltz No. 1 in E-Flat, Op. 18
Waltz in A-Flat, Op. 34, No. 1
Barcarolle in F Sharp, Op. 60
Scherzo No.2 In B Flat Minor, Op.31
Scherzo No.3 In C Sharp Minor, Op.39
Andante Spianato Et Grande Polonaise Brillante,Op.22

(Programme subject to change at the artist’s discretion)

Total Program Duration: Approx. 95 minutes
Excluding 15 minutes intermission.

This recital is part of the Kayserburg Singapore Concert Series 2024.

About the Artist:

Paul Ye  (叶子宸)

Winner of 2008 Ettlingen International Piano Competition, Paul Ye became the second Chinese to take these honours since Lang Lang in 1994.  Ye entered the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf at just 12 years old and was also the youngest Chinese to perform at the Golden Hall of Musikverein in Vienna. Shortly thereafter, Ye embarked on a remarkable journey, performing with major orchestras and appearing at many leading concert halls in nearly 100 concerts across Germany, Italy, France, Poland, and other countries in Europe. 

Besides his pianistic accomplishments, Ye has contributed his efforts in the fields of conservation, environments and social change. He is a United Nations messenger for Sustainable Development Goals and was also appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for Yongtai prefecture, Fuzhou China（永泰县,  福州市) in 2023.

Ye performed for 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu and the 19th Asian Games held at Hangzhou with global live coverage by CCTV (China Central TV Station). 

About Kayserburg Music School:

Since becoming the World’s No. 1 piano maker in 2003, the Pearl River-Kayserburg Piano Group has relentlessly embraced new technology and innovation leading the way in bringing classical music into the 21st century. The Pearl River-Kayserburg Gallery in Singapore is a home for musicians from all over the world, with the gallery serving as a platform, allowing their music to resonate through concerts and performances, enriching the cultural tapestry of Singapore. 

Kayserburg Music School serves as the bridge connecting China and Singapore, championing music education at the forefront of technology. Through live performances, the school strives to cultivate a young audience, fostering a passion for music and innovation.

Visit Kayserburg Music School at 70 Stamford Rd, #B1-46 SMU Li Ka Shing Library Building, Singapore 178901, or contact 6951 0632, or WhatsApp 8766 0632