For decades, Dennis Lee (1946-2023) had enraptured many hearts from across the world with his gift of music. A long-time friend to the SSO both personally and professionally, the Steinway Artist displayed a bold passion for his craft and the desire to share the joy of classical music.
Born in Penang, Malaysia, Dennis started piano lessons under the guidance of Ruth Ramanathan, the wife of the first mayor of Penang, at the age of six. He was 14 years old when his journey to musical prominence began, after winning an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) scholarship to study violin and piano at the Royal College of Music (RCM), London. Under distinguished piano professor Angus Morrison, Dennis’ skills were honed.
Dennis had an abounding love for music. I remembered the way his face would shine with joy when something moved him in performance, often when he was playing alongside his wife, Chee Hung. The SSO is glad to have shared the stage with Dennis, and his music will continue to live on in our hearts.
Dennis possessed all the makings of a music marvel. After earning the Associate of the Royal College of Music (Hons) in both instruments, he received an Austrian government scholarship that took him to Vienna, where he graduated with the Akademie Diploma with distinction. His accolades were aplenty, including the Tagore Gold Medal, John Hopkinson Gold Medal, and Peter Norris Prize.
In his rise to international acclaim, Dennis had performed widely in almost every continent, alongside numerous orchestras such as the BBC orchestras, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Slovak Chamber, and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
He performed with the SSO for the first time on 29 and 30 August 1980, a year after the orchestra’s inception. He delivered a stellar performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2 under the baton of then Music Director & Resident Conductor Choo Hoey.
Dennis went on to become an integral part of SSO’s history. A year later in 1981, he joined the orchestra’s Malaysian tour, and once more in its next edition in 2000. The SSO’s 25th Anniversary celebrations in 2004 featured an unforgettable performance by the pianist, alongside his wife and pianist Toh Chee Hung. He also participated in the Singapore International Piano Festival in 2005, and was an adjudicator at the National Piano & Violin Competition in 2017.
I had the privilege of knowing Dennis as both a fellow musician and a treasured friend. Talented, kind, and gracious, he also had a cheeky sense of humour that never failed to brighten my day.
On 25 April 2015, the husband-and-wife duo presented an SG50 celebration recital at Victoria Concert Hall and treated concertgoers to an extensive repertoire of Debussy, Liszt, Schubert and more. The event was Dennis’ last performance under the umbrella of the Singapore Symphony Group.
In addition to being revered as a force in the classical piano scene, Dennis was known to be warm, humble and incredibly kind. As a teacher, he was deeply treasured by students, who fondly remember him as an encouraging and caring mentor.
With an unmatched musicality and an endearing nature, he has left behind a legacy that connects across generations of musicians.
Thank you for your music, Dennis.