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JULY 4 – 17, 2014
NEWS & PERSPECTIVES
Epoch Times
local interviews
Local Piano Prodigy Shines at the Esplanade All Photos courtesy of shaun choo
I hope to change the increasing mentality that “classical music has no future” and convince Singaporeans that it can be a wonderful and rewarding trade, recognised and respected here. Shaun Choo Autograph signing session after the Esplanade Concert
By Li Yen Epoch Times Staff
Indeed, Singapore has many talents who have been overlooked. And it is time we start treasuring gifted gems like Shaun Choo.
With a megawatt smile and friendly disposition, Shaun Choo recently won over many hearts at his debut local solo recital titled “Shimmering Sounds of the Soul”. Held on June 28 at the Esplanade Concert Hall, the Singapore piano prodigy graced the stage and delivered his music exquisitely. The current recipient of the Singapore National Arts Council Artistic Bursary entertained his audience with classical compositions by Chopin in the earlier part of his recital. The most spellbinding moment came in the second half of his recital when he played his own compositions. “The Time Traveller’s Sonata”, Choo’s favourite work so far, is simply enchanting. Written in spring 2014, his composition comprises classical music styles spanning more than four centuries across all three movements. His rendering of this piece was outstanding, displaying excellent showmanship. “Together Forever”, also penned by Choo, brought across a feeling of heartrending passion which melted the hearts of many listeners. On a lighthearted note, “The P.O.P Rag” was inspired by Choo’s NS (military service) days in Singapore. This is a composition which many local men can relate to. Choo’s shimmering and mesmerising performance was greeted with thunderous applause and cheers. Fortunately, the 23-year-old who has clinched seven first prizes at acclaimed piano competitions worldwide has not forgotten his home, Singapore. He could have avoided National Service and acquired an Austrian citizenship, but instead chose to return home to serve his two-year military service. When quizzed why, he explains, “I wasn’t going to turn my back on my country that easily. ‘Home’ holds a special meaning to my heart... There is no doubt that Singapore will always be the one place I can call my true home.” Choo also thinks Singapore is home to many hidden talents and believes full support must be given to them. He hopes to change Singaporeans’ mentality that “classical music has no future”, and is doing his part in nurturing local budding musicians by forming a collaboration between University Mozarteum Salzburg and Singapore through MW Events management (mwem. asia).
What are some of the struggles in performing classical music? Perhaps one of the biggest challenges most musicians face is also the most subjective and debatable – finding the balance between developing an authentic and individualistic playing style while staying true and attentive to the composer’s intentions. Much must be considered when determining how a piece should be executed, such as the stylistic period, form, instrument (pianos alone evolved drastically within the last three centuries!) and even country, among many other factors. For example, a Waltz by Chopin differs in character from a Viennese Waltz, and a late sonata of Beethoven is much more intricate compared to his earlier works. However, without the possibility to hear first-hand recordings of the composer’s own interpretations, and with scores often being sporadic in performance direction markings, much is still left to the discretion, intelligence and fantasy of the performer.
leczny and Bernd Goetzke in the jury. I was overjoyed when the results were announced, and it was a great motivation for me during the difficult period.
You have performed widely in Europe and Asia, such as Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, China and Korea, and have appeared with numerous renowned orchestras. Does travelling change your perspective in music and life? It most certainly does! Visiting different countries, I experienced various cultures and traditions, opening my mind to new insights in life which developed my personality along the way and in turn affected my musical personality as well. Which is your most memorable performance and why? My most memorable concert would have to be the Prizewinner’s ceremony of the International Chopin Competition Daegu, South Korea in 2012. It was the most meaningful performance for me not only because it was my biggest win yet, but also due to the circumstances. I had to return to Singapore near the end of 2010 to enlist in NS (National Service/Singapore military) and was close to two years without a teacher, during which I did not give many performances. It was nerve-wracking to hit the stage after so long for such an important event, especially with big names like Dang Thai Son, Piotr Pa-
Singaporean pianist Shaun Choo