26TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL

26TH SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL PIANO FESTIVAL

Sa Chen (China)
Recital, Thu 30 May

Described by the legendary Paul Badura Skoda as a pianist "like an angel from heaven". She was the youngest contestant at the Leeds International Piano Competition in 1996, and also participated at the Chopin Piano Competition and 12th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. She is the only pianist in history to be a prize winner in all three top international piano competitions.

At the 26th SIPF, Sa Chen will perform works by Franck, Chopin, Messiaen and Debussy, a perfect showcase of her widely acclaimed pianistic colours and poetic subtlety.

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Ronan O’Hora (UK)
Recital, Fri 31 May

“A pianist of inward thoughtfulness and refined eloquence” (Gramophone), the veteran British pianist Ronan O’Hora has performed in every major country in Europe and the USA, Canada, Australasia and South Africa and appeared at numerous prestigious music festivals.

Renowned for the exquisite singing quality of his playing and purity of melodic line, Ronan O’Hora’s recital of Beethoven’s Pathétique and Appassionata sonatas, as well as music by Brahms, is highly anticipated.

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In Conversation with Ronan O’Hora (with host, Lim Yan)
Talk/Q&A, Sat 1 Jun

Preparing for recitals, auditions, teaching experiences and career advice are some of the topics in this 1-hour dialogue and Q&A with Ronan O'Hora, who has been Head of Keyboard Studies at Guildhall since 1999, and Head of Advanced Performance Studies since 2008. This invaluable opportunity to learn from the master pianist is hosted by his own former student and now SIPF Artistic Director, Lim Yan. Recommended for students and teachers

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Kirill Gerstein (Russia/America)
Recital, Sat 1 Jun

The multifaceted Russian-American pianist Kirill Gerstein has rapidly ascended into classical music’s highest ranks. With a masterful technique, discerning intelligence, and a musical curiosity that has led him to explore repertoire spanning centuries and styles, he has proven to be one of today’s most intriguing and versatile musicians. His early training and experience in jazz has contributed an important element to his interpretive style, inspiring an energetic and expressive musical personality that distinguishes his playing. Besides winning First Prize at the 2001 Arthur Rubinstein Piano Competition, Gerstein is the sixth recipient of the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award and recipient of an Avery Fisher Grant (2010).

Kirill Gerstein presents a fascinating recital that spans the towering virtuosity of Liszt and Beethoven to thought-provoking turn-of-the-20th-century fare by Debussy, Janáček and Armenian musicologist-composer Komitas as well as a contemporary contribution by Thomas Adès.

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Ingrid Fliter (Argentina)
Recital, Sun 2 Jun

Ingrid Fliter sprang to international attention when she was awarded the Gilmore Artist Award in 2006, the fifth pianist to receive this distinction. Born in Argentina, Fliter is a laureate of the Ferruccio Busoni Competition, silver medalist at the 2000 Chopin Competition in Warsaw, and a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist from 2007-2009. She has performed internationally from Carnegie Hall to the Concertgebouw, from Suntory Hall to Wigmore.

Ingrid Fliter has established a reputation as one of the pre-eminent interpreters of Chopin - her recital of the 24 Preludes, Op 28, coupled with Beethoven’s “Hunt” and “Tempest” Sonatas, is one to look forward to.

Due to unforseen circumstances, Louis Schwizgebel will be stepping in for Ingrd Fliter.

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Also:

Masterclass: Ingrid Fliter
Masterclass, Mon 3 Jun
Dance Studio, Victoria Concert Hall

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