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The Resonance of a Continent: The European Sound Piano Concerts for 2026

A Series by True Music Singapore | Presented in Partnership with Bechstein Music World and Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts

The European Sound Piano Concerts return in 2026 with a curated season of five recitals at Victoria Concert Hall, bringing together a new generation of internationally recognised pianists whose artistry reflects depth, individuality, and a strong connection to the European piano tradition. Presented across the year, the series places emphasis on musical substance and interpretative integrity, with each recital shaped by the relationship between artist, repertoire, and instrument.  

The 2026 season brings together artists from across the globe, each offering a distinct musical perspective shaped by training, competition experience, and long-term engagement with the core piano repertoire. Performances will take place on C. Bechstein and PETROF pianos, in collaboration with Bechstein Music World and Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts, and are organised by True Music Singapore.  


Hans Suh

  8 March 2026 · Victoria Concert Hall · 7.30pm · C. Bechstein  

The 2026 season opens with a recital by pianist and composer Hans Suh, marking his appearance in Singapore with a programme framed around the theme “A Tale of Four Cities: Where Journey Begins and Heart Returns.” Suh first gained significant international attention as the winner of the 2021 International Telekom Beethoven Competition Bonn and the International German Piano Award, accolades that speak to his command of the most demanding and intellectually rigorous bodies of piano literature.  

Educated at Columbia University and The Juilliard School, Suh’s continued engagement with the classical canon has shaped an approach that values structural clarity and long-range thinking. However, what sets him apart for the audience is his dual identity as a creator; the recital features the Singapore Premiere of his own work, Der fliegende Koreaner, commissioned by Deutsche Telekom AG. By placing a contemporary voice in dialogue with Brahms and Beethoven, Suh revives the historical tradition of the composer-pianist, offering the audience a rare opportunity to hear a masterwork interpreted by the mind that conceived it.  

Tickets Tickets for Hans Suh’s Singapore recital are NOW ON SALE via Ticketmaster.sg.


Ron Maxim Huang

  29 May 2026 · Victoria Concert Hall · 8.00pm · C. Bechstein  

In May, the series welcomes Berlin-based pianist Ron Maxim Huang, an artist recognised for an approach that prioritises tone, pacing, and inner continuity. As the winner of the 2023 International German Piano Award, Huang has been lauded for a musical maturity that transcends his years, characterized by a patient, balanced unfolding of the score.  

His training at the Universität der Künste Berlin has instilled a deep reverence for the European performance tradition, particularly in its attention to color and proportion. For the listener, Huang’s artistry offers a profound sense of connection through restraint; his performances avoid surface-level display in favor of a rich, singing tone. It is a style of pianism that invites the audience to experience music as a shared meditation, where every decision emerges from a deep, internal listening to the score.  

Tickets: Details will be announced via True Music Singapore and Bechstein Music World.


Jan Schulmeister

  24 July 2026 · Victoria Concert Hall · 8.00pm · PETROF  

Czech pianist Jan Schulmeister brings a direct, living connection to Central European musical traditions. A prolific prize-winner with over 30 first prizes in international competitions, including the prestigious Concertino Praga, Schulmeister represents the vanguard of the Czech piano school.

  His interpretations are shaped by a native structural awareness and a naturalness of phrasing that is closely associated with the historic Austro-German and Czech lineages. As a PETROF artist, Schulmeister’s appearance in Singapore offers a unique cultural synchronicity. Performing on a PETROF piano, he highlights the interaction between performer and instrument within a shared cultural heritage, allowing the audience to hear the specific “vocal” quality and tonal warmth that has defined Czech music for centuries.

  Tickets: Information will be released via True Music Singapore and Cristofori Academy of Fine Arts.


Roman Borisov

  29 August 2026 · Victoria Concert Hall · 8.00pm · C. Bechstein  

Roman Borisov represents a younger generation of pianists engaging actively with the European repertoire through a contemporary lens. Since winning the First Prize at the 2022 Kissinger Klavierolymp, Borisov has moved rapidly onto the global stage, appearing at major venues like the Concertgebouw Amsterdam.  

His performances are defined by a formidable technical command and a keen sense of musical architecture, allowing large-scale works to unfold with striking coherence. For the audience, Borisov offers a bridge between the analytical depth of the past and the physical energy of the present. His approach provides insight into how European pianism continues to evolve—maintaining its groundedness in tradition while speaking with a bold, modern clarity that resonates with today’s listeners.  

Tickets: Details will be announced on the social media platforms of True Music Singapore and Bechstein Music World.


Julius Asal

  11 November 2026 · Victoria Concert Hall · 8.00pm · C. Bechstein  

The season concludes with German pianist Julius Asal, a Deutsche Grammophon artist whose work is defined by intellectual curiosity and highly intentional programming. Asal has captivated the international music community with his ability to find hidden, poetic links between disparate composers, often creating a “hauntingly” beautiful atmosphere that invites close, active listening.  

His engagement with the European repertoire is shaped by reflection, emphasizing perspective and texture over mere virtuosity. In an Asal recital, the audience is not just a witness to a performance but a participant in a storytelling experience. His ability to craft a delicate, luminous sound—the “Asal touch”—brings the 2026 season to a close by focusing on music as an intimate, philosophical journey of discovery.  

Tickets: Details will be shared closer to the concert date via True Music Singapore and Bechstein Music World.


The Sound of Europe in Singapore

 

Across its 2026 season, the 2026 European Sound Piano Concerts serve as a bridge to a living musical legacy. By uniting the distinct artistic lineages of these five performers with the legendary craftsmanship of C. Bechstein and PETROF pianos, the series offers an authentic encounter with the European sound. This is an invitation to experience the depth of a tradition where the heritage of the instrument and the voice of the artist converge, bringing the storied resonance of Europe’s great concert halls to the Victoria Concert Hall stage.  

Be sure to follow Bechstein Music World and True Music Singapore at their socials linked below for updates on this event! Becshtein Music World on Facebook and Instagram  

True Music Singapore on Facebook and Instagram

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Unveiling the Soul of European Pianos: A Journey Through Timbre

When you sit down to play a piano, you’re not just playing an instrument; you’re connecting with a legacy of craftsmanship and a distinct sound tradition. For centuries, piano makers in Europe have refined their art, giving rise to what is now known as the “European Timbre”, celebrated for its unique richness and emotional depth.

But what exactly is the European Timbre, and how is it so distinct from other piano sounds?

The European Timbre is defined by its focus on a richly textured, yet restrained bass that provides a solid, resonant foundation without overpowering the music. This is beautifully complemented by gentle, lyrical mid-high notes that “sing”, reminiscent of the human voice. This balanced and expressive quality creates a profound internal energy within the instrument, allowing for a haunting, long-lasting resonance that truly speaks to the soul.

This stands in contrast to the American Timbre, which is typically characterized by a more powerfully resonant bass and penetrating mid-to-high tones. This sound delivers an intense, immediate sensory impact, making it ideal for the bold, dynamic styles of American music.

The European approach, however, invites the listener into a more nuanced and poetic experience. It’s a sound that values subtlety, elegance, and the ability to convey a wide range of emotions.

At Cristofori Music, this rich heritage is celebrated with a showcase of some of the finest European and European-designed pianos. You can experience the artistry of brands like:

  • Seiler: With a legacy dating back to 1849 in Germany, Seiler pianos are renowned for their warm, lyrical, and balanced tone. Each German-made Seiler comes with a Certificate of Origin, a testament to its authenticity and superior craftsmanship.
  • Johannes Seiler: Designed in Germany but crafted in a dedicated facility in Asia, these pianos offer the signature Seiler tone and quality at a more accessible price point.
  • Petrof: Handcrafted in the Czech Republic since 1854, Petrof pianos are celebrated for their perfect balance of power and poetry.
  • Ritmüller: Founded in Göttingen, Germany, in 1795, Ritmüller boasts a history of over 230 years and remains a popular choice for its classic European sound.
  • Rosler: Another brand with Czech craftsmanship, Rosler was founded in 1878 and designed by the esteemed Petrof company.

These instruments embody a symphony of exceptional sound and elegance, inviting you to indulge in the rich heritage of Europe’s finest pianos. Whether you are a musician seeking a new voice for your artistry or a family looking to bring the warmth of music into your home, exploring the European Timbre is a journey worth taking.

Join Us for the European Timbre Piano Showcase!

To truly understand and experience this incredible sound, we invite you to this exclusive event.

Date: From August 1st, 2025 – December 31st, 2025
Location: Music Paradise of Cristofori Music, 9 Bishan Place, #04-02D Junction 8 Shopping Centre, Singapore 579837
RSVP: To book your appointment, please call or WhatsApp us at 8766 0645.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the sound of Europe and even participate in our 45th Anniversary Lucky Draw! Every entry to the showcase entitles you to one lucky draw ticket, with a chance to win a stunning piano.

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A Symphony of Legends and Rising Stars Coming to Singapore in 2025

Music enthusiasts, prepare for an extraordinary year of piano recitals in Singapore! A Sound of Europe Extravaganza 2025, brought to you by True Music Singapore, takes center stage this 2025 at the iconic Victoria Concert Hall. Featuring a stellar lineup of world-renowned pianists and rising stars, this series celebrates the artistry of the C. Bechstein D282 Concert Grand Piano and the Petrof P237 Monsoon, from two of Europe’s most iconic piano makers.

Each recital promises an unforgettable journey through the brilliance of classical and contemporary music, performed on the world-class instruments that define the sound of Europe.

2025 Recital Lineup

Takeshi Oi (大井健) – 9 March 2025, Sunday, 7:30 PM
Kicking off the series is the sensational Takeshi Oi, celebrated for his fusion of classical and crossover genres. Performing on the C. Bechstein D282, Oi’s recital will push musical boundaries while showcasing his impeccable technique and emotional depth.



 

Alexander Malofeev – 14 May 2025, Wednesday, 8:00 PM
Globally acclaimed Alexander Malofeev brings his electrifying interpretations to the stage. His virtuosity and intensity, particularly in Russian and Romantic repertoires, make his performance a must-see for piano enthusiasts.


Jan Schulmeister – 4 July 2025, Friday, 8:00 PM
Representing the legacy of Petrof and the magnificent P237 Monsoon, rising star Jan Schulmeister presents a recital rich in lyricism and tonal beauty. A hallmark of his artistry is his ability to evoke the soulful warmth of the Petrof sound.

 

Zhang ShengLiang (Niu Niu 牛牛) – 31 August 2025, Sunday, 7:30 PM
Renowned for his prodigious talent, Niu Niu (Zhang ShengLiang) captivates audiences with his breathtaking technique and adventurous programming. His performance on the C. Bechstein D282 promises to be an unforgettable evening.

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Matyáš Novák – 26 September 2025, Friday, 8:00 PM
Known for his poetic interpretations, Matyáš Novák explores the expressive depth of the Petrof P237 Monsoon. This recital celebrates the warmth and lyrical power of one of Europe’s most cherished piano brands.

 

Eliso Virsaladze – 18 November 2025, Tuesday, 8:00 PM
Concluding the series is the legendary Eliso Virsaladze, revered for her profound interpretations of Schumann and Mozart. Performing on the C. Bechstein D282, her recital will be a masterclass in depth and artistry.

Experience True Music

In 2025, True Music Singapore brings you a recital series that is more than just a showcase of piano talent—it is a celebration of pianists, iconic instruments, and the rich tradition of European music and craftsmanship. Don’t miss these extraordinary performances at the Victoria Concert Hall, featuring the C. Bechstein D282, Petrof P237 Monsoon, and the artistry of the world’s finest pianists.

Immerse yourself in the sound of Europe!

Follow True Music Singapore on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates on tickets and concert news.

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