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On the 5th of July, 2024, we had the pleasure of attending a piano recital by the renowned pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy at the Victoria Concert Hall. The evening promised an array of masterful pieces, and it did not disappoint. Rashkovskiy’s execution was precise, and his resolute directness brought a refreshing and unique dimension to the performance. We were utterly captivated throughout the entire program.

This concert was organized by Bechstein Music World Singapore, who generously provided the C. Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano for the evening. Their showroom and studios in Shenton Way served as the rehearsal space for Ilya Rashkovskiy in preparation for this recital.

Mozart: Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K310

The recital opened with Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor, K310. The first movement, Allegro maestoso, began with a sense of turbulence and intensity; the scalic lines conveyed a dramatic urgency that heightened the intricate textures. However, the second movement, Andante cantabile con espressione, was a contrasting delight. Rashkovskiy brought out the clarity and elegance that one expects from Mozart, making the cantabile sections sing beautifully.

Rachmaninov: Corelli Variations, Op. 42

Next, Rashkovskiy tackled Rachmaninov’s Corelli Variations, Op. 42. His interpretation was straightforward and unadorned, yet thoroughly captivating. Rashkovskiy’s no-nonsense approach to the piece, free from hesitation or unnecessary embellishments, brought out the raw beauty and complexity of Rachmaninov’s work. It was an invigorating performance.

Chopin: Preludes

The Chopin Preludes were a rollercoaster of emotions, seamlessly transitioning between tranquility and turbulence, serenity and frenzy. There were moments of unexpected intensity that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Rashkovskiy’s playing was both engaging and exciting, capturing the essence of Chopin’s dualities.

Encores

To the audience’s delight, Rashkovskiy returned for three encores.

Brahms: Six Piano Pieces, Op. 118, Intermezzo in A Major – This piece was a serene and beautiful selection, performed with a delicate touch that highlighted Brahms’ lyrical melodies.

Rachmaninov: Moments Musicaux, Op. 16, No. 4 in E Minor – Another Rachmaninov piece, which showcased Rashkovskiy’s ability to blend intensity with expressive nuance.

Debussy: La fille aux cheveux de lin – Rashkovskiy’s interpretation was particularly refreshing, marked by a restrained and masterful approach that eschewed excessive dramatization. His delicate touch brought out the impressionistic beauty of Debussy’s music in a way that felt both sincere and refined.

The evening was nothing short of exhilarating and unforgettable, leaving us in awe of Rashkovskiy’s unparalleled artistry. His performance was both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. His ability to navigate through the varied textures and emotions of each piece with a more restrained and masterful touch made for a particularly refreshing experience, displaying his vast range and skill – truly a modern-day virtuoso! We eagerly await the next opportunity to see Ilya Rashkovskiy perform in Singapore.

About Ilya Rashkovskiy

Ilya Rashkovskiy, born in 1984 in Irkutsk, Russia, is an internationally acclaimed pianist known for his exceptional technique and expressive interpretations. Endorsed by the legendary pianist Denis Matsuev, Rashkovskiy has won numerous prestigious competitions, including the Hong Kong International Piano Competition and the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition. He has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, captivating audiences with his profound musicality. Rashkovskiy’s recordings and performances solidify his reputation as one of the most sought-after pianists of his generation.

We are truly grateful to Bechstein Music World Singapore for organizing the event. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook and Instagram Pages for the latest updates on more concerts and other events for 2024!

Inspired to showcase your pianistic talents? Share it with the world at the Fifth Amason Award Pop Piano Competition 2024! 

Music theory, regarded as the grammar of music, forms the foundation for understanding the structure, elements, and processes involved in creating and interpreting music. Learning music theory is crucial for musicians, composers, and enthusiasts alike, as it provides the tools to decode the intricate language of music. This article delves into the significance of music theory education and explores the innovative upcoming Classical Music Theory syllabus by RSL Awards.

Why Learn Music Theory?

• Enhanced Musical Understanding: Music theory offers insight into the mechanics of music, including harmony, melody, rhythm, and form. This understanding enables musicians to appreciate and analyze compositions with greater depth, fostering a more profound connection to the music.
• Improved Performance Skills: Musicians with a solid grasp of music theory can interpret scores more accurately, anticipate harmonic changes, and understand the underlying structure of the pieces they perform. This knowledge translates into more confident and expressive performances.
• Creative Composition: For composers, music theory is indispensable. It provides a toolkit for crafting coherent and compelling pieces, enabling composers to experiment with different harmonic progressions, modulations, and rhythmic patterns.
• Effective Communication: Music theory serves as a common language among musicians, facilitating clearer communication. Whether in rehearsals, collaborations, or teaching scenarios, a shared theoretical foundation ensures that ideas and instructions are conveyed efficiently.
• Analytical Skills: Learning music theory sharpens analytical skills, encouraging a methodical approach to problem-solving. This analytical mindset is transferable to other disciplines, enhancing overall cognitive abilities.

RSL Awards’ NEW Classical Music Theory Syllabus

Recognizing the pivotal role of music theory in a musician’s education, RSL Awards has introduced a new Classical Music Theory syllabus. This syllabus is designed to cater to modern learners, blending traditional concepts with contemporary pedagogical approaches.

Key Features of the Syllabus:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from fundamental concepts like scales and chords to advanced areas such as musical forms, and harmonic analysis. It ensures a thorough grounding in classical music theory, suitable for various proficiency levels.
• Progressive Learning Stages: The curriculum is structured into progressive stages, allowing students to build their knowledge systematically. Each stage introduces increasingly complex concepts, ensuring a steady and manageable learning curve.
• Practical Applications: Emphasizing the practical applications of theory, the syllabus includes exercises that relate theoretical concepts to real musical examples. This approach helps students see the relevance of theory in their playing and composing activities.
• Assessment and Certification: RSL Awards offers a robust assessment framework, providing formal recognition of students’ progress. Certifications are valuable credentials that can enhance a musician’s academic and professional prospects.

The Future of Music Theory Education

The RSL Classical Music Theory syllabus marks a significant step forward in music education. By combining comprehensive content, progressive learning, and modern teaching tools, it addresses the needs of contemporary students while preserving the integrity of classical music traditions.

In a rapidly evolving musical landscape, the importance of a solid theoretical foundation cannot be overstated. As music continues to blend genres and cultures, the ability to understand and articulate its underlying principles remains crucial. The new syllabus from RSL Awards ensures that learners are well-equipped to navigate this complex and exciting world, fostering a new generation of musicians who are not only skilled performers but also informed and creative thinkers.

Conclusion

Learning music theory is more than an academic exercise; it is a journey into the heart of music itself. The upcoming Classical Music Theory syllabus from RSL Awards offers a modern and comprehensive pathway for this journey, empowering musicians to deepen their understanding, enhance their performance, and unleash their creative potential. As music educators and learners embrace this innovative curriculum, the future of music theory education looks promising, ensuring that the timeless art of classical music continues to thrive in the modern era.

We are excited to announce the Fifth Pearl River “Amason Award” Pop Piano International Competition for 2024! This prestigious event aims to promote the development of pop piano music, providing a global stage for pianists to showcase their talents and for music lovers to appreciate and exchange experiences.

Organized by Kayserburg Music School in Singapore, the official partner of this year’s competition, the event not only inspires students to strive for excellence but also offers opportunities for communication, learning, and growth.

Why Participate?

There are many reasons to participate in competitions: valuable performing experience, a chance to play live on stage, meeting others with shared interests, and a personal benchmark or challenge to oneself! Skills enhancement and confidence building are just some of the benefits of joining competitions, and the Pearl River Amazon Award Pop Piano International Competition is an ideal stepping stone for young pianists in the Southeast Asia Region. What’s more, Regional winners have a chance to compete in the International Grand Finals in Guangzhou, China!

• Showcase Your Talent: Perform on an international stage and receive honors and rewards that can further ignite your creative passion and expressiveness.
• Global Exchange: Share skills and experiences with pianists from around the world, expanding your interpersonal relationships and music circles.
• Cultural Promotion: Contribute to the popularization and development of pop piano music, attracting more young people to explore and learn this vibrant genre.

About the Competition: Participants will have the opportunity to compete and demonstrate their personal talents. The winners will be honored with rewards, which will further encourage their passion for creativity and performance improvement. This competition fosters international cultural exchanges and cooperation, bringing together piano enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

About Kayserburg Music School’s Focus: In line with the competition, Kayserburg Music School offers a specialized piano course to develop students’ piano playing skills and musical expression abilities. The course will cover:

• Music Theory
• Rhythm Development
• Chord Playing Skills
• Improvisation Techniques

These aspects aim to help students master a diverse range of piano styles and repertoire, and enhance their understanding and expression of various music styles. Through personalized teaching methods and rich resources, the course will inspire students to become creative and expressive modern pianists.

Stay tuned for even more details about the competition! We look forward to seeing you showcase your talents and join us in celebrating the vibrant world of pop piano music!

The iconic white piano at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) just got an upgrade! – Cristofori first donated a white piano to TTSH 17 years ago and that piano went on to become an unofficial landmark of the hospital premises. In 2024, the occasion of the Hospital’s 180th Founder’s Day Celebration was commemorated with the donation of a brand new Kayserburg GH160 5′ 3″ Heritage Series Baby Grand Piano – in white, of course!

The Kayserburg GH160 baby grand piano seamlessly blends vintage elegance with modern precision, and in a glossy white finish, it is truly a stunning sight! This piano, designed by European experts and crafted with German ingenuity, sets a new standard in fine musical craftsmanship. Key features include solid maple capped bridges, cross-laminated hard rock maple pin blocks, and premium Roslau strings from Germany. Its tapered soundboard, made from European quarter-sawn spruce, ensures superior dynamic range and sustain. The piano also boasts Renner hammers for resilience and cut-thread tuning pins for precise control. With its exceptional balance and response, the Kayserburg GH160 is perfect for the discerning pianist seeking both beauty and performance, making it the piano of choice for this donation.

The white piano at TTSH has long been a cherished fixture in the hospital’s atrium, inviting the public, staff, and patients to sit and play. It has become a popular meeting spot, with people often saying, “I’ll see you at the white piano.” This beloved instrument has even earned its own hashtag on Instagram, affirming its integral role in the hospital community. You can find various videos of the white piano on the TTSH Instagram profile story highlights. The iconic white piano at TTSH also features in some videos circulating online, and is listed on directories of Public Pianos available in Singapore.

On 6 February 2006 Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s Art of Healing programme was launched by then-Minister for Health Mr. Khaw Boon Wan, with the aim to transform the hospital environment into a warm and welcoming place of healing by incorporating the arts as a form of therapy. This initiative brings art exhibitions and performances to soothe patients and aid their recovery. While not a substitute for conventional medicine, the program allows patients to enjoy art during their stay. Additionally, it supports the local arts scene by partnering with various arts and performing groups, providing a multicultural experience for patients and staff.

This initiative aligns with a growing trend in healthcare settings worldwide to incorporate the arts into patient care. Hospitals are increasingly recognizing the positive effects of music and other art forms on well-being. At TTSH, the white piano is often played by volunteers, including talented musicians from the community, hospital staff, and even patients who wish to share their love for music.

As it is Cristofori’s mission to to fill the joy of Music into every household through holistic musical education and quality musical instruments, there was no question in our mind to support and be a part of TTSH’s efforts to bring music and to give back to the community.

Moving forward, the new Kayserburg GH160 will be the centerpiece for all music-related events at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. Stay Tuned to our Blog to watch a short interview with Trudy Zhang, the PIC for the Art of Healing Program at TTSH.

To see the Kayserburg GH160 in action, pop over to Kayserburg Music School (KMS) at 70 Stamford Rd, #B1-46 SMU Li Ka Shing Library Building, Singapore 178901 – you can call ahead for an appointment too! Just reach out to KMS via call or WhatsApp to 8766 0632.

After a significant 7-year hiatus that has left fans eagerly anticipating his return, the legendary Japanese musician Kitaro is set to grace the stages of Singapore once again. This time, he’s bringing with him not just the iconic melodies that have defined his career, but also a treasure trove of musical gems that have never been performed live. And in a partnership that promises to elevate the experience, Cristofori Music School is proud to announce its role as the official music school partner for this unforgettable concert series!

As Kitaro notes, “For many years, I have always strived to create a memorable and exciting spiritual live concert experience with breathtaking visuals. This time I intended to delve deeper into my past and include music in this tour that I have not performed anywhere previously. I am grateful and appreciative to those in my audiences that have supported me throughout many decades. These performances will reflect my heartfelt delight and appreciation of those many years and many enthusiastic audiences.”

Kitaro’s music transcends genres, blending classical, jazz, rock, new age, and world music into a unique sonic tapestry. His breakthrough came in 1980 with the soundtrack for “The Silk Road: The Rise And Fall Of Civilizations,” a series that introduced his enchanting compositions to an international audience. Since then, Kitaro has continued to push the boundaries of music, earning Grammy nominations and awards, including one for “Thinking Of You” in 2001.

His collaborations with artists like Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead and Jon Anderson of Yes have further enriched his musical legacy. Kitaro’s work extends beyond albums to include soundtracks like “Ancient,” “Spiritual Garden,” “Impressions Of The West Lake,” and “Final Call,” all of which reflect his profound reverence for nature and his quest for spiritual growth.

In 2016, Kitaro collaborated with NASA and Kyoto University to create the “Kojiki And The Universe” film which featured time-lapse images and real-time scenes of the Universe expertly intertwined with his music.

Kitaro continues to produce the remaining albums of the Sacred Journey Of Ku-Kai series. His intention behind the series is to shine a light on an inspirational musical message to unify our cultures, consciousness and spiritual growth. A new and untitled live album with accompanying video will be released in late 2024 by Domo Records.

The upcoming “The Best Of Kitaro World Tour” is not just a celebration of his greatest hits like “Matsuri,” “Silk Road,” and “Reimei”; it’s also an introduction to unreleased live performances that will delight both long-time fans and newcomers alike. And with Cristofori Music School as the official music school partner, attendees can expect an immersive experience that goes beyond the concert hall, offering insights into the artistry and craftsmanship behind Kitaro’s music.

Cristofori Music School, with its commitment to excellence in music education, is the perfect partner to bring this spiritual journey to life. Together, they invite you to be part of this extraordinary event. Don’t miss your chance to witness music history in the making.

Secure your tickets now for “The Best Of Kitaro World Tour” and embark on a musical adventure that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining. At Cristofori Music School, we hope that with sharing this concert with our students, Kitaro’s music will not just be heard; it will be felt, deepening your connection to the world through the universal language of music — because as we say here at Cristofori: Music, Passion, Life.

The legendary Kitaro will be performing at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands on 25th and 26th June 2024 as part of his The Best Of Kitaro World Tour.

Get Tickets to Kitaro World Tour!

May 25th, 2024 certainly became a memorable day with the comeback of Cristofori’s Got Talent! With a post-pandemic hiatus finally coming to an end, the Competition made its comeback, and peaked in epic style at the Grand Finals held at the Level 3 Rooftop Garden at Junction 8 Shopping Mall.

The day opened out with the Solo Children’s category ages with 30 adorable finalists showing off their skills in music, and dance, with creative costumes, props, and skits integrated into their performances. Top winner Theodora Lee gave a touching performance of  “Lemon Tree” in English, and Chinese singing and playing the keyboard and ukulele, and 2nd prize winner Nathaniel Hoe was electrifying on the drums, and 3rd place Choo Heng Lee showed off his piano skills performing “Caballos Españoles” on the grand piano.

The Open Category followed with an amazing array of talents from piano players and violinists, to guitarists, multi-instrumentalists, and singing too! First prize winner (and also Best in Costume) Mahiir was a show stopper with his powerful, emotional vocal performance of Ray Charles’ “A Song For You”. 2nd prize winner Tan Jing Yang dazzled on the piano with the William Tell Overture, and Claire Tay in 3rd place gave a rousing rendition of V. Monti’s “Czardas”, giving us quite a well rounded selection of musicians for the Open Category.

The afternoon session was no less exciting, starting off with the Solo Teens category with a variety of numbers – live looping, guitar and vocals, piano and vocals, drums, piano and dancing to some Western pop and Chinese pop songs, and even some classic K-pop faves. Tori May clinched the top prize in this category with a heartfelt cover of Colors of the Wind, and drummers Jonathan Lee, and Ryan Foo claiming 2nd and 3rd prize respectively, both gave energetic and crowd-pleasing performances.

The day wrapped up with a fabulous bang with the Group Category. The band ensembles truly brought their game to the grand finals with some of the best performances we have seen so far at Cristofori’s Got Talent! Ultimately, the top prize was won by the group “The Fragmented” with their rock-tinged rendition of “The Greatest Show”, the band was tight, and the lead and backup vocals completely in sync! “Drumstruck Ensemble” clinched the 2nd prize with their heart-thumping piece “Nevs”, and 3rd prize went to “Jo Rigid Home Boyz” dance crew quartet with their specially curated and choreographed edgy K-Pop mashup they titled “Resurrect the Underdogs”.

Prizes for Most Popular (selected by audience vote), and Best Costume were awarded too! It was indeed refreshing and a lot of fun seeing participants show their creativity in their costume choices with a lot of DIY in the mix.

All-in-all, our comeback run was a resounding success made possible by the support of our students, parents, crew and the whole Singapore community. We extend our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped to make the Cristofori’s Got Talent vision of creating a platform for everyone to share their talents and shine on stage come to life.

Check out more photos from the Grand Finals day on the official Cristofori Music Facebook Page!

See you at the next one!