4th November 2023 – Internationally acclaimed concert pianist Haiou Zhang’s ternary run in Singapore proved a sublime showcase of rich sensations, emotional intensity and artistic brilliance conveying everything from ethereal beauty, to serenity and agitation, to passion and nostalgia with every sparkling note.

Zhang’s programme for the evening featured a selection of pieces by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schumann and Liszt, masterfully brought to life through every moment of turbulence and tranquility by his skillful hands and truly demonstrating the mastery he is best known for. He truly captured the scenery in sonic ecstasy for Liszt’s Les jeux d’eau à la Villa d’Este, the emotionally charged late-period Beethoven, and everything in between in this Grand Finale to C.Bechstein’s 170th Anniversary Celebration Concert Series in Singapore.

Programme:
J.S BACH – Chromatic Fantasy and Fugue in D Minor BMV903

W.A MOZART – Piano Sonata No. 12 in F Major K. 332

• • Allegro

• • Adagio

• • Assai Allegro

L.V. BEETHOVEN – Sonata No. 30 in E Major Op.109

• • Vivace, ma non troppo – Adagio espressivo

• • Prestissimo

• • Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung (Andante molto cantabile ed espressivo)

ROBERT SCHUMANN / FRANZ LISZT – Widmung (Dedication)

FRANZ LISZT – Les jeux d’eau à la Villa d’Este

FREDERIC CHOPIN – Nocturne in C-Sharp Minor Op. posth.

FREDERIC CHOPIN – Prelude No.15 Op. 28 “Raindrop”

FREDERIC CHOPIN – Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2

FREDERIC CHOPIN – Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor Op. 31

The audience erupted into exuberant cheers and applause at the end of the programme, which was then met with three magnificent encores – Schumann’s posthumous Variation V form Symphonic Etudes Op.13, and movement No.14 from Davidsbundlertanze Op.6, and finally, a scintillating Moszkowksi Entincelles drew his delightful recital to a fitting close.

The shining performance by Haiou Zhang truly dazzled and captured the audience, and we can’t wait to see him again in Singapore.

ABOUT THE ARTISTE

Haiou Zhang was born in 1984 in China, and first studied at the Central Conservatory in Beijing before continuing his studies at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media with Prof. Bernd Goetzke. Haiou Zhang launched his career in 2005/06, and after much success, is heard regularly in concerts and interviews for various radio and television stations around the world. He has a strong presence in Germany’s classical radio landscape at BR-Klassik, NDR Kultur, and Deutschlandradio Kultur to name a few.

Haiou Zhang is Music Director and Founder of International Music Festival Buxtehude / Altes Land / Harburg in Northern Germany, which is aimed primarily at young audiences. The festival has become one of the most successful classical music institutions in metropolitan Hamburg.

Haiou Zhang has immortalised the illustrious works of master composers Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Liszt on 3 CD albums he has recorded on the C. Bechstein D282 – “Liszt Piano Works” (2011), “Fingerprints” (2017), and “My 2020” (2021).

For more piano concerts, do follow Bechstein Music World on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

21st-22nd October 2023 – Young pianists came in from all over the region with a total of 99 finalists selected from more than 500 participants across the Exam and Junior Categories from all over the region including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Germany, USA, Australia, Taiwan, Myanmar, and the Philippines. 

64 Cristofori students made it into the Singapore Grand Finals. 9 of the Top Prize winners were our very own Cristofori students!

The Finals featured the participants in the Exam (Grades 1-8) and Junior (Ages 12 and below) Categories, and we heard some of the most beautiful renditions of piano exam pieces from the Exam Category contestants, as well as brilliant performances from the Junior Category.

It was a difficult decision for the jury panel due to the exceptional performances of the participants in the final round.

Congratulations once again to all our Cristofori Students, all the Winners, and all the contestants who made it through to the grand finals!

International Grand Finalist and representative of Singapore in the Open Professional Category Tan Jing Yang was also awarded his certificates from the International Grand Finals held in Guangzhou, China from 1st-5th October 2023. 

Jing Yang performed works by Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Ravel. His 18-minute performance showed command, intensity, poetry, and sensitivity and, was nothing less than riveting and sensational. Despite having to juggle his time with less than 2 days a week to practice due to his commitment to National Service in the Singapore Army, Jing Yang’s remarkable performance at the Kayserburg International piano competition is awe-inspiring. 

His message for the many boys and girls out there in Singapore is to stay passionate and be devoted to the thing you love – 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜

From all of us in Singapore and from Kayserburg Music School, Congratulations to Jing Yang for this spectacular achievement!

The Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition Celebrates its 40th Anniversary with this year’s competition – Held every 2 years, the KIYPC was founded with the aim to bring together aspiring piano players of all nationalities in a celebration of music and passion amid global hardships, and to spread joy and hope into the world.

Results of the Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition 2023 are out now on the Kayserburg Music School SG Official Facebook Page, and on our website www.rs-event.sg

For more news, events, and competitions, be sure to follow us at @rockschoolsingapore and @rs_event_center on our Facebook and Instagram accounts!

Piano Duo DUOR delighted the audience with polar favorites at their recent concert “Love & Hope” held at the Singapore Conference Hall on 13th August 2023. The concert was a special treat that featured pieces for four hands – a rarity these days with pianists Takashi Fujii and Yoshie Shiramizu each playing on a C. Bechstein D282.

The concert hall was well-filled, with many seats taken by young students who were engaged and enthralled with the evening’s program. The duo played popular tunes and short pieces, having designed the programme for young students to enjoy. The pieces included the Singapore premiere of late Japanese contemporary composer Akira Miyoshi’s Cahier Sonore (Handbook of Notes), a Neo-Baroque suite comprised of short dance movements similar to Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, or Debussy’s Petit Suite with sprinklings of gentle dissonances and jazzy harmonies, and a two pianos arrangement by American composer John Musto for Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.

DUOR had a great time interacting with audience members at the meet and greet session held after the recital at the Singapore Conference Hall Zhong Foyer.

About the Artist

Formed in 2004 in Germany, Pianoduo DUOR consists of Japanese pianists Takashi Fujii and Yoshie Shiramizu. Both pianists began their musical education in Japan, before pursuing further studies in Germany. 

Pianoduo DUOR has received countless international awards and widespread attention, performing on over 850 stages globally. Their sixth album, “GOLDBERG-VARIATIONEN FÜR 2 KLAVIERE” was also widely recognized with several award nominations. 

Besides performing, Yoshie & Takashi are dedicated to training the next generation of piano duos, conducting music seminars and lectures for Japanese university students. Currently, they are faculty members at top Japanese musical colleges, including Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.

From 12th-13th July, our Piano Teachers had a very interactive and informative set of workshop sessions with renowned piano educator and book author Melanie Spanswick.

The Workshop, titled “Teaching Transformation in the 21st Century” featured many practical, if sometimes neglected elements of physical technique as related to repertoire, some featured in her Play It Again books, her new Women Composers series, and some RSL Classical Piano syllabus pieces as well.

Day 1 focused on the Piano Technique (Flexibility, Tone Production and Developing Finger Strength) which then tied into aspects of playing scales, arpeggios, articulation, ornaments, effective octaves, chords and chordal balance. Particularly interesting was the emphasis on body awareness, not just for the hands, wrist & fingers, but also for the arm & shoulder, using arm weight and playing into the keybed as tools to develop a stronger tone whilst playing. Melanie made a point to have as many teachers try the exercises given in the workshop handouts as possible, and many of the workshop participants were surprised to know that even they held excessive tension that was affecting the potential tone production.

Melanie even went around the room to each and every teacher to personally demonstrate a helpful thumbs exercise to everyone. A number of teachers also stepped up to the stage to try out some exercises on the piano.

Day 2 Held more focus on applying the exercises and techniques to pieces from the RSL Classical Syllabus, as well as pieces from Melanie’s best-selling “Play It Again” and “Women Composers” books (which are permissible to use as Free-Choice pieces for examinations!). We were treated to a brief playthrough of several selections that would be appropriate at each grade for examination, and Melanie also briefly explained why each piece met the grading criteria.

6 Teachers all came up to play some pieces for the group and Melanie went through each piece to offer teaching tips and point out our areas of interest in each one, as well as some ways to tackle problem areas and help students improve their approach to them.

Closing off the 2-day Workshop, Melanie prepared a surprise Sight Reading session for piano trios that were performed by the teachers on the Top-Quality upright and grand pianos on display at the Bechstein Music World Showroom.

   The 2-Day Workshop Series by Melanie Spanswick proved to be a fun and engaging session full of great insights into teaching and piano technique that will definitely be useful for teachers to impart to our students, but also for each one’s own individual continued improvement on their own playing and skill development. 

We sincerely thank Melanie for once again sharing her wisdom and expertise with us, and look forward to her next visit!

If you wish to purchase Melanie’s Best-Selling books, these are still available at a special discount until 30th July only! Reach out to your friendly outlet staff for more information.

Classical music is the most powerful shortcut to nurture a child’s “empathy” and “imagination”.

As Classical Music with no lyrics, pianists of any calibre can imaginatively picture sceneries and feel the “sound” of the masterpieces created by Chopin or Rachmaninoff. Children will learn through the fun of music, while adults enhance musical knowledge and delve deeper into the depths of music.

Such is the philosophy of Japanese Pianoduo DUOR – Takashi Fujii and Yoshie Shiramizu. Their four-hands debut concert in Singapore is a rare phenomenon as both pianists merge their minds and bodies as a musical whole, and are challenged to perform spontaneously.

They present a range of masterpieces from the Romantic period (with works by Grieg and Chopin) to the early Contemporary period (with works by Rachmaninov). Among many other pieces, there will also be a premiere of a beautiful piece by Japanese composer Akira Miyoshi.

Prepare to be dazzled as the artists showcase the breathtaking sound range and effects that the C.Bechstein D 282 Concert grand piano can produce. Experience the majestic power of two concert grand pianos and savour the intricacies and subtleties they bring to life.

The Love & Hope concert by Pianoduo DUOR will be a uniquely rewarding concert experience to wrap yourself in a sublime and imaginative world featuring great composers’ works. Pianoduo DUOR’s four-hands debut concert in Singapore allows pianists of any calibre to imaginatively picture sceneries and feel the “sound” of the masterpieces.

For the first time, two C. Becshtein D 282 concert grand pianos will be featured on stage to showcase the breath-taking sound range and effects that the pianos can produce.

Experience a rewarding concert experience by wrapping yourself in a sublime and imaginative world the duo will offer. They will present a range of masterpieces from the Romantic to the early Contemporary period, including the premiere of a beautiful piece by Japanese composer Akira Miyoshi.

The Yoshie and Takashi Duo played superbly. Their high voltage performance combined funky soul and pianistic fireworks with equal enthusiasm.

-MiamiHerald

*Programme:

S. RACHMANINOFF: Romance from Suite Ⅱ op.17-2 (two pianos)

E. GRIEG: Peer Gynt Suite Ⅰ op.46 (four hands)

Ⅰ. Morgenstemning
Ⅱ. Åses død
Ⅲ. Anitras Dans
Ⅳ. I Dovregubbens Hall

E. GRIEG: Ruthardt Wedding day at Troldhaugen op.65-6 (four hands)

A. MIYOSHI: Cahier Sonore (four hands)

Ⅰ. Prelude
Ⅱ. Passepied
Ⅲ. Romance
Ⅳ. Courante
Ⅴ. Finale

F. CHOPIN / A.SAMUELSON: Valse du Petit Chien op.64-1 (two pianos)

S. RACHMANINOFF: Les Larmes from Suite Ⅰ op.5-3 (two pianos)

L. BERNSTEIN: Symphonic dances from West side story (two pianos)

F. CHOPIN/M.GOULD & B.SHEFTER: Fantasie Impromptu (two pianos)

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

TICKET PRICING
Standard:
CAT 1: $35
CAT 2: $25

Student: (ages 6-16 years)
CAT 1: $15
CAT 2: $15

Check out some of Piano DUOR’s here!

Rare Piano Music Vol.23 featuring Pianoduo Duor:

Minute Waltz op.64-1 (two pianos version):

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!

We had the privilege of having an intimate sit-down chat with Korean pianist William Youn, best known for his recordings of the work of Franz Schubert – a composer that he holds close to his heart. In the session, Youn shared with us how he discovered the music of Schubert, and how closely it ties in with his life philosophy.

Growing up, he had listened to Schubert’s Sonatas, but it was not until later that the story of Schubert and his music intrigued him and became an obsession. His first true encounter with Schubert’s works came when his record label asked if he would like to record Schubert’s piano sonatas. Youn shares, “I said yes, but I didn’t actually know them.”

As he delved into it, he found a captivating story of the evolution of Schubert as a composer. Schubert was born in Vienna, a rich hub for Art & Music, and was one of the few surviving children in his family. His father was a schoolmaster who had wished for him to follow in the teaching line. Schubert, however, wanted to be a composer (those of us who pursue careers in music and music teaching despite our family’s wishes can surely relate!). In Schubert’s short career, he managed to dwarf the output of many of his predecessors with longer lifetimes, having produced a massive body of work, including operas and symphonies; 600 songs; overtures and masses; string quartets, quintets and an octet; 20 piano sonatas; and some 50 choral works over a career lasting less than 20 years.

With the staggering amount of music Schubert wrote, how is it that he was forgotten (until much later), and not as well known as Beethoven? This was a lingering question in William Youn’s mind.

A Story in Sound & Music

Schubert’s early works reflect more of an exploratory feel, with influences from Beethoven and Mozart evident in his music. The works from his early period did not yet reflect his unique character just yet. His unfinished works seem to tell a story of a man trying to find his voice amid the trials he faced at that point of his life (he had been battling illness that peaked through his mid-twenties). Schubert’s music finds its voice in his later works, “He fell sick and wrote a lot during this time,” shared Youn. As this writer listened to Youn’s sharing of this aspect of Schubert’s life, we were reminded of a poem by Dylan Thomas called “Do not go gentle into that good night”, although that poem may hold a slightly more aggressive approach to facing death than Schubert had, it reflects the same sentiment of viewing death as not something to be feared, but to be faced with dignity. To William Youn, life’s ending should be about looking back on the beauty of a life lived, rather than a struggle against it. This is something that he finds and relates to very much in Schubert’s music.

“I want to go somewhere where no one understands me”

Having moved overseas to pursue his studies and career as a performing pianist, it seems William Youn managed to truly find himself and blossom having gone where no one understood him (quite literally as he had to learn an entire language to adapt!). Franz Schubert on the other hand never left his hometown, but had always dreamed of going away. Schubert’s music has a wistful, wandering, expressive approach that is actually quite modern if you think about it; the joy of exploration from a simple guy in love with the world around him.

His ability to compose pieces that effortlessly changed mood and key gave Austrian pianist Alfred Brendel (who Youn quoted in his talk) the impression of Schubert as a “sleepwalker” in contrast to the perfectly structured architectural styles of the likes of Mozart and Beethoven. Youn said, “to play Schubert, you need to be a bit of a sleepwalker, you have to tell stories.”

Selecting the Repertoire for “Echoes of Silence” – his Debut Recital in Singapore

“I knew I wanted Schubert”, so he chose 2 Sonatas that reflected the beginning (Piano Sonata No. 4 in A Minor, D. 537, composed when Schubert was 20 years old, dramatic and genial as compared to his other works) & end (Piano Sonata No. 20 in A Major, D. 959, written in the last few months of his life where he builds on a theme from the 2nd movement of D.537; this piece, to Youn, also reflects an incredible emotional peace) of Schubert’s development and life as a composer. The addition of the Ravel selections from “Miroirs” reflect nature, while the Schubert pieces reflect the soul – though from different eras, the music in the program selection offers contrasts and similarities that made for a great overall story.

Tips for Performing and Interpreting Schubert’s (or any Composer’s) Works

“Find the right moment and mood, and play as though telling a story”. Learning to love, feel and associate with the music are some of Youn’s criteria for music to play & perform. When you play a sad song, you don’t have to be sad. Too much emotion comes off to celebrating ourselves instead of the music. Let the music speak. It’s alright to be emotional but a performer must be in control as a servant to the music. After all, the best-case scenario for an actor is where the actor doesn’t cry, but the audience does.

William’s Musical Career Motivation

“I started playing the piano when I was 6, and I’ve been a pianist since then”, says Youn. “Being a Musician is a way of living. I can’t see myself as being separate from my profession. As a performing musician, I have a responsibility for people around me who are dependent on how well I do”, so he puts in the effort to grow his following (follow him on Instagram!) as well as hone his craft.

Born in Seoul, William Youn first discovered the piano in a Korean kindergarten. At the age of 13, he moved to the USA to study at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Five years later he moved to Germany, where he studied with the legendary piano pedagogue Karl-Heinz Kämmerling. While a scholarship student at the Piano Academy Lake Como, Youn received further musical inspiration from artists such as Dmitri Bashkirov, Andreas Staier, William Grant Naboré, and Menahem Pressler. William Youn teaches regularly at the Wilhelm Kempff Cultural Foundation in Positano, where he is also a member of the Board of Trustees.

William Youn’s CD Albums “Schubert Piano Sonatas” Vol. II and Vol. III are available to purchase at Bechstein Music World at 7 Shenton Way #02-01 Singapore Conference Hall. For enquiries, call 6951 0638, or WhatsApp 8766 0638.

You can also find them on our Cristofori eShop! Get your copy via the links below:

William Youn – Schubert Piano Sonatas Vol. II

William Youn – Schubert Piano Sonatas Vol.III

11 June 2023 – Hailed by critics as a “true poet of the piano”, Korean pianist William Youn certainly transported the audience to a sonic landscape filled with a mix of tranquility, longing, and perhaps a touch of trepidation at the uncertainties of life (but with the sense that everything will be alright in spite of that) with his performance of a specially curated selection of Franz Schubert’s masterpieces alongside a sprinkling from Maurice Ravel’s “Miroirs” piano suite.

The music of Franz Schubert holds a special place in William Youn’s heart. His evident devotion to Schubert’s music was palpable in his performance as he brought to life the stories hidden within the melodies. “What fascinates me most in Schubert’s music is its power. He composes in a very humble, natural, almost unforced way. When his music starts, it speaks to our soul immediately.” says Youn. He has also shared that in the face of the recent Covid-19 pandemic, it was Schubert’s music that consoled him the most, “It’s so personal and intimate. When you play his music, you don’t feel so lonely.”

As Music Press Asia’s editor-in-chief Monica Tong puts it, and we must say, this very precisely summarizes our experience at “Echoes of Silence”:

“William Youn’s interpretation of Schubert’s piano sonatas felt just like a sweet bedtime story. In all its clarity, he expresses the gentleness and deepest longings of Schubert’s and ultimately all of ours too.”

Paired with the sound of the Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano that evening, we were delighted to be able to hear every note of  William Youn’s playing.

The concert was attended by Mr Park Jinho and his wife. Mr Park is Deputy Head of Mission and Counselor General from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore.

William Youn’s Debut Recital in Singapore has definitely caught our attention and touched our hearts & souls. We look forward to seeing him again in Singapore!

William Youn’s CD Albums “Schubert Piano Sonatas” Vol. II and Vol. III are available to purchase at Bechstein Music World at 7 Shenton Way #02-01 Singapore Conference Hall. For enquiries, call 6951 0638, or WhatsApp 8766 0638.

You can also find them on our Cristofori eShop! Get your copy via the links below:

William Youn – Schubert Piano Sonatas Vol. II

William Youn – Schubert Piano Sonatas Vol.III

Singapore, 6 June 2023 – At 10 years old, Singaporean piano prodigy Mikkel Myer Lee 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 concert Mikkel Stars Chopin was held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on 6 June 2023. He was accompanied by The Asian Symphony Orchestra, and exhibited virtuosity and emotional maturity beyond his years, enthralling the audience with the brilliance of his musicality. The concert for the evening was conducted by Dr. Robert Casteels.

Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Minor, Op. 21 is a masterpiece that showcases Chopin’s unparalleled melodic gifts, and the brilliant technique of the soloist with dazzling passages. We were particularly struck by the exquisite expressiveness displayed in the Larghetto, evoking images of longing and devotion. Mikkel Myer Lee’s performance of this concerto was a thrilling experience, as he expertly navigated the complex harmonic landscape and brought Chopin’s music to life.

Following his performance of Piano Concerto No. 2, Mikkel took on Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 11. This concerto is a beautiful work of music that was composed in 1830, and it is widely regarded as one of Chopin’s greatest achievements. Mikkel’s performance left the audience spellbound, as he brought his own unique interpretation to every movement of this masterpiece of Romantic era Music.

Mikkel Stars Chopin marked a momentous milestone for Mikkel as he pulled off performing two highly complex pieces that are uncommon for his age – indeed a marvelous and remarkable musical feat.

“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” said Director of Business Development at Bechstein Music World, Koh Lee Ching. “With our support, we hope that Mikkel will be able to develop his phenomenal talent and achieve greater success in the years to come.”
Mikkel Myer Lee is a Singaporean piano prodigy who has been making waves in the classical music scene with his incredible talent and passion for music. He is also the youngest artiste to be sponsored by Bechstein Music World in the 21st century.

A pianist of incredible talent and skill — 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.

After this leg of MIkkel’s journey, we are certainly looking forward to seeing where his immense talent takes him.