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George Harliono to Grace the Victoria Concert Hall on 30th August 2024

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Renowned British-Indonesian concert pianist George Harliono is set to captivate audiences at Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore on 30th August 2024. Known for his exceptional talent and musicality, George Harliono has garnered international acclaim, enchanting listeners worldwide with his masterful performances.

A Prodigy’s Journey: From a Worn Family Piano to Global Stages

George Harliono’s musical journey began at a young age, inspired by his older brother’s violin playing and their shared exploration of a well-worn family piano. Despite its poor condition, this instrument ignited George’s deep passion for music. His mother soon found a piano teacher to guide him, recognizing his dedication to practice and experimentation.

“In our home, we had a very old upright piano, I think it cost £100. It was really terrible, almost untune-able,” George recalls. “My brother and I would play around on it, making a terrible noise until my mum got so fed up with it that she found a local piano teacher to help tame us! I found that I enjoyed playing piano and would spend hours practicing and trying out new things. My parents are not at all musical, so they didn’t really know what to do with me when I became more and more interested in playing.”

Influential Mentors and International Acclaim

George’s first piano teacher, Claire Swainsbury, introduced him to the joy of playing, while renowned figures like Vladimir Ashkenazy and conductor Alexander Sladkovsky later played crucial roles in shaping his artistic path. Despite the limited appreciation for classical music in the UK compared to countries like Russia, George has achieved remarkable milestones.

In 2023, George Harliono won the Silver Medal at the prestigious XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition, further propelling him to international acclaim. His musical journey began at the tender age of nine, marking him as a prodigy with an extraordinary future. Over the years, he has amassed numerous accolades, including top prizes from the Grand Piano Competition in Moscow and the Sendai International Music Competition.

George Harliono’s stellar career features performances at renowned concert venues and collaborations with esteemed artists such as Denis Matsuev and Valery Gergiev. His award-winning rendition of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in Moscow stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and musicality.

A Mesmerizing Recital at Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore

George Harliono’s highly anticipated recital at Victoria Concert Hall in Singapore promises to be a mesmerizing experience. With his distinctive British-Asian heritage, George effortlessly navigates through various musical styles. The program will feature intricate French compositions, the raw emotional power of Beethoven, and the exotic charm of Glinka’s works. Each performance offers a glimpse into George’s versatile artistry, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable musical journey for the audience.

Attendees can look forward to an evening where passion and piano converge, showcasing the multi-faceted depth of George’s talent. His ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and command over diverse musical genres is sure to leave the audience deeply moved and musically satisfied.

Don’t Miss George Harliono Live in Singapore

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness George Harliono’s brilliance live. His recital promises not just a performance but an evocative journey through the landscape of classical music, revealing the true artistry of this remarkable young pianist.

This concert is presented by Bechstein Music Word Singapore.


About the Artist: George Harliono

Born in Hackney in the UK, British-Indonesian pianist George Harliono first embarked on his remarkable musical journey with an invitation to perform his first solo recital at the tender age of nine. Since then, he has captivated audiences worldwide, performing in prestigious venues across the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia, including Wigmore Hall, The Berlin Philharmonie Kammermusiksaal, The Royal Albert Hall, and Chicago Symphony Centre.

 

In 2023, George’s talent was further recognized with the Silver Medal at the XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition. His career highlights include recording Beethoven’s Piano Sonata at the Southbank Centre in London and a live broadcast performance of Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 in the Great Hall of The Moscow Conservatory on Russian national TV.

George has shared the stage with eminent artists and renowned conductors, establishing himself as a regular performer with various orchestras. His awards in numerous international competitions attest to his exceptional musical abilities.

Recently, George performed Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 at Zaryadye Concert Hall in Moscow and Liszt Piano Concerto No.1 at the Frankfurt Alte Oper. He was also a featured artist at the Duszniki-Zdrój International Chopin Piano Festival in Poland.

Studying under Professor Pascal Nemirovski and having taken masterclasses with distinguished musicians, George’s development as an artist is also nurtured by conductor Alexander Sladkovsky. His talent has been praised by the acclaimed pianist Denis Matsuev, highlighting George’s promising future in the classical music world.

George’s academic achievements include a BMUS Degree from the Royal College of Music, where he was accepted at 15 with a full scholarship. He has also been recognized at the Classic BRIT Awards and the ‘440 Hz’ awards.

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“Poet of Piano” – Paul Ye Debuts to a Warm Welcome in Singapore

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Kayserburg Artist & United Nations messenger for Sustainable Development Goals, and Goodwill Ambassador Paul Ye (叶子宸), played his debut recital in Singapore on 22nd April 2024 at the Victoria Concert Hall.

 

His performance was marked by skillful execution, captivating showmanship, and an array of emotional nuances on the Kayserburg KD275 Artist Series Concert Grand Piano provided by the Guangzhou Pearl River Piano Group. While some characterizations and emotions may not have fully translated into the performance, Paul Ye still delivered a solid debut that left a lasting impression on the audience. 

The recital began with Beethoven’s “Appassionata,” which started a bit tentatively but gradually transitioned into fluidity, concluding the third movement with an impressive flourish. Following this were heartfelt renditions of 20th-century Chinese masterpieces, “Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” “Ode to the Yellow River,” and “My Motherland,”

“Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix,” adapted by Liu Fengming, a renowned suona master, and Paul Ye, the successor of this masterpiece, vividly portrayed the lively and cheerful melody and the harmonious sound of hundreds of birds with the clear and delicate tone of the Kaiserburg grand piano KD275 resonates throughout this piece.

Drawing inspiration from Xian Xinghai’s renowned work “Yellow River Cantata,” “Ode to the Yellow River” from the second movement of the piano concerto “Yellow River,” and the poignant song “My Motherland” composed by Liu Chi, deeply resonated with members of the audience, overseas Chinese nationals in attendance, and new, young audience members who may be hearing them for the first time. Paul Ye’s selection of Chinese pieces brought a distinct East-meets-West flavour to the entire program.

 

Kayserburg Artist Paul Ye’s selection of Chinese masterpieces resonated deeply with the elder members of the audience at his Debut Recital at the Victoria Concert Hall.

A princely wardrobe change marked the start of the second half of the recital, where Paul Ye’s technical skills shined in the Chopin programme.

Chopin’s two waltzes, “Glorious Grande Waltz Op. 18” and “Waltz Op. 34 No. 1,” each possessing unique characteristics and contrasting melodies opened the second half of the recital. In “Barcarolle Opus 60,” Paul Ye skillfully captures the nuances of the waves with each note, demonstrating his remarkable skill and sensitivity on the piano.

Friedrich Chopin’s “Scherzo No.2, Op. 31” and “Scherzo No.3. Op. 39”, spirited and energetic compositions that captivated with its rapid passages and dramatic contrasts exude Chopin’s mastery of form and expression, with cascading scales and fiery runs punctuated by moments of introspection and longing. Together, these scherzos exemplify Chopin’s ability to blend technical brilliance with emotional depth, leaving a lasting impression on listeners with their exuberant charm and virtuosic flair, all skillfully executed by Paul Ye.

“Andante Spianato at Grande Polonaise Brilante, Op. 22” commenced with a serene atmosphere created seamlessly evolving from gentle phrasing and expressive nuances in a tranquil introduction to set the stage for the ensuing “Grande Polonaise Brillante,” a grand and majestic dance in the traditional Polish style.

Paul Ye played 3 encores acknowledging the youngest members of the audience – our students! – playing his takes on learner favorites with a unique twist, the theme from “Interstellar”, the theme from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and Yiruma’s “River Flows in You”, pieces we have surely heard our students play at Cristofori! We certainly hope this has inspired our young learners to pursue their journeys with renewed passion and inspiration.

This concert was organised by Kayserburg Music School.

 

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.

 

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more concerts and other events!

 

About the Artist:

Paul Ye  (叶子宸)

Winner of the 2008 Ettlingen International Piano Competition, Paul Ye made history as the second Chinese pianist to achieve this honor since Lang Lang in 1994. Joining the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf at 12, he became the youngest Chinese to perform at Vienna’s Golden Hall of Musikverein. Ye has performed in nearly 100 concerts across Europe, captivating audiences with major orchestras. Besides music, Ye is committed to conservation and social change, serving as a UN messenger for Sustainable Development Goals and Goodwill Ambassador for Yongtai Prefecture, Fuzhou, China. His performances have graced global stages, including the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, with coverage by CCTV.

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