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China–Singapore Gala Symphony: A Transnational Celebration of Culture and Music

On 26 October 2025, the Esplanade Concert Hall will host a landmark evening where music bridges cultures, generations, and nations. Singaporean pianist William Wei (韦宗邑) returns from New York for his homecoming concerto debut, performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 on the C. Bechstein D282 concert grand. A recipient of the National Arts Council Singapore’s Gifted Young Musicians Bursary, Wei has developed his artistry on the international stage, refining a style celebrated for its expressive touch, emotional depth, and commanding stage presence. This performance marks a significant moment in his journey, bringing together his experiences abroad with his roots in Singapore, and presenting a youthful masterpiece radiant with poetry, beauty, and virtuosic brilliance.

Singapore pianist William Wei with legendary Maestro Tang Muhai will perform at the Esplanade with the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra alongside distinguished Singaporean musicians on 26th October 2025.

The evening features the Shanghai Nine Trees Philharmonic Orchestra alongside distinguished Singaporean musicians, conducted by world-renowned Maestro Tang Muhai (汤沐海). The programme offers a seamless blend of Eastern and Western repertoire, celebrating both tradition and innovation. Audiences will experience the world premiere of the Mei Lanfang Peking Opera Symphony, a bold reimagining of the celebrated Peking opera through the symphonic lens, rich in drama, elegance, and cultural resonance. Complementing this is Felix Phang’s Pasat Merdu, a vibrant work that captures the colour and rhythm of Southeast Asian life.

The concert programme also includes Danny Dong’s Dreaming of Fengpu, Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 1 in D major, Op. 25, and the timeless Butterfly Lovers Concerto by He Zhanhao & Chen Gang. Alongside William Wei, audiences will enjoy performances by Kong Zhao Hui (violin) and Zhu Lin (erhu), highlighting the diversity and depth of musical expression.

More than a performance, this gala is a celebration of friendship, identity, and the future of cross-border collaboration. It is a rare occasion where Eastern and Western musical traditions converge, and where generations of artistry come together on one stage. For William Wei, it is not only a homecoming but a statement of artistic growth — a return to his roots enriched by the perspectives and experiences he has gained abroad.

Date & Time: 26 October 2025 | 7:30 PM
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets: Available via Sistic.com — redeemable with the Singapore Culture Pass

This is an evening not to be missed, offering a compelling fusion of history, innovation, and artistic excellence, anchored by the homecoming of one of Singapore’s most promising young pianists.

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Oxygen Music Festival 2025 – Celebrating Passion, Creativity, and Community

From 18–20 April 2025, the Oxygen Music Festival lit up Singapore’s music scene with a three-day celebration of creativity, dedication, and shared joy. Held across two unique venues — Bechstein Music World at Shenton Way and the Rooftop Garden at Junction 8 in Bishan — this year’s edition embraced a wider audience than ever before, bringing together young performers from Cristofori, other music schools, and the broader community in a warm and inclusive atmosphere.

 

 

 

More than just a competition, the festival featured a full slate of enhanced music workshops led by our most passionate and capable teachers, as well as guest educators from across Asia. Across 18 and 19 April, participants of all levels — from beginners to advanced students — immersed themselves in hands-on sessions for drums, guitar, ukulele, piano, violin, and more, with tailored learning tracks to suit every level and instrument. These workshops were not only well-attended, but also deeply encouraging, offering new insights and sparking fresh motivation in students of all ages.

 

The heart of the festival, however, beat strongest on 20 April, when the celebrations culminated in the highly anticipated Platinum Winners Concert and Grand Awards Ceremony. The concert presented 14 outstanding performances in six themed segments — from striking self-compositions and timeless classics, to beloved anime and pop tunes that brought smiles to every face in the crowd. Every act was a reminder of how far these young musicians had come, and how much they had to offer.

 

 

The concert program presented by the Platinum Award winers highlighted the diversity of talent on display at this year’s competition. Expressive duets, a powerful drum solo, or the tender notes of a familiar evergreen melody, each performance was delivered with heart and polish — the kind that comes only from hours of practice, coaching, and true love for music.

The Awarding Ceremony that followed was a lively affair, honouring the dedication of every performer and celebrating those who stood out across the Children, Teenager, Open, and Group categories. Platinum Award winners received $300 in cash and a trophy, while Gold Award winners took home $200 and a trophy — a token of appreciation for the incredible effort behind each success story.

This year’s Oxygen Music Festival reminded us that music education is not simply about grades or recitals, but also about finding one’s voice, building confidence, connecting with others, and growing through every note played. The incredible turnout — from performers to supportive parents, teachers, and enthusiastic audiences — is a testament to the thriving musical spirit in our midst.

As we wrap up another unforgettable edition, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every student, parent, teacher, and guest who joined us on this journey. Your presence made the festival not just an event, but a community experience — one filled with joy, discovery, and inspiration.

Here’s to another year of making music together — we’ll see you at the next one!

You can still tag @cristofori.music and use #OxygenMusicFestival25 on Instagram, Facebook, and XiaoHongShu to share your favourite memories.

For more updates, photos, and stories, follow Cristofori Music on Facebook and stay tuned for what’s next!

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