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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.

“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.”

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)

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!

• Set your practice routine and stick with it – Be sure to set aside time to practice all the different sections of the exam. Your Teacher will be able to help advise you on areas you need to focus on to improve your overall performance.
  • Practice your pieces, focusing on smoothing out the performances, working out your solos and fine tuning your techniques.
  • Make sure to work on your technical exercises ensuring that you are able to perform all the possible scales or rudiments in each group in time with the metronome click
  • Take time to work on the Unseen Tests too! Practice improvising over random backing tracks on the internet, or pick a random score to sight read. Maybe try to reproduce your favorite beats or melodies by ear to sharpen your aural skills, and don’t forget to brush up on a little music theory, and the fact files about your pieces in preparation for the General Musicianship Questions.

• Rehearse the Exam with your Teacher – This will help you get a feel for the exam and help you prepare for possible challenges you may encounter, such as General Musicianship questions using different terms (e.g. crotchet = quarter note, makes = brands, etc.), or things like making adjustments to your drum kit. You can even practice how to greet your examiner and ask questions.

• Make a List of things you will need to bring. You can find a full list of the things you need to bring on your exam day in the Rockschool Exam Day Checklist.

• Do your research and plan your route to the exam venue – RS Event Center’s Public Exam Venue is located on Level 2 at Block 51 Old Airport Road. Sound familiar?

Important reminder on Exam Venues!

• Always aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your assigned exam slot. This gives you time to check in to the exam venue and prepare your instrument and other gear while waiting for your turn.

• Once at the Venue, a Steward will greet you and sign you in. You will need to present your Photo ID, Appointment Slip (pdf soft copy is accepted!), and Original Copy of your Exam Book for verification. Physical copy or digital version of the exam book is accepted. For digital versions, RSL will make note of the authorisation code found at the edge of the page, so make sure that it is visible.

• Once you’re signed in, the Steward will direct you to your designated waiting area.

• Drummers, just bring in your Exam Book, drum sticks and any other gear that you have informed the centre ahead of your exam day that you will be bringing.
• Guitar, Bass, and Ukulele players, make sure your instrument is out of the case, tuned and ready to go with any cables & adapters you may need. The idea is to take less time to set up and give you more time to focus on your exam.

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”

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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!