30th Singapore International Piano Festival returns in June with renowned pianist Yeol Eum Son

Singapore, 4 March 2024 – The 30th edition of the Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF), presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO), is set to take place from 6 to 9 June 2024 at the Victoria Concert Hall. Led by Artistic Director and Singaporean pianist Lim Yan, the SIPF is recognised as Asia's premier piano festival, showcasing international musical excellence annually.

In line with previous editions, the festival will feature four solo recitals: South Korean Yeol Eum Son, widely acclaimed for her poetic elegance and timeless interpretations; Chinese rising star Jin Ju; UK-based Malaysian Mei Yi Foo, an avid new music advocate; and Briton Ashley Wass, former BBC New Generation Artist.

Live Concerts by International Guests

Hailed in China as among the greatest virtuosos of her country, Jin Ju will open the festival on 6 June. Praised by critics for her technical abilities and warm sensibility as well as the astonishing clarity of her narrative subtleties, she will perform a striking programme by three of the greatest composers for the piano: Brahms’s all-encompassing Fantasies, Chopin’s final sonata and the Diabelli Variations, a microcosm of Beethoven’s artistry.

On 7 June, popular South Korean pianist, Yeol Eum Son makes her much anticipated return to Singapore. Witness her poetic elegance, expressive nuance and power to project bold, dramatic contrasts as she presents a thought-provoking programme of music from Beethoven, Bizet and Lizst.

Described by Gramophone magazine as possessing “the enviable gift to turn almost anything he plays into pure gold,” Ashley Wass is the only British pianist to have won First Prize at the London International Piano Competition in 1997. Catch him in action on 8 June, as he performs Beethoven’s beautifully meditative Sonata No. 30, two Preludes and Fugues by Shostakovich and Franck’s Prélude, Choral et Fugue.

Known for championing new music, UK-based Malaysian pianist Mei Yi Foo presents a fascinating exploration of 20th-century piano music on 9 June. A solo piano transcription of Ravel’s Ma Mère l'Oye, Bartok’s “fairly difficult” (his own words) Out of Doors Suite and Messiaen will share the programme with two contemporary composers: Luciano Berio's evocative and elemental Six Encores, and the extraordinary etudes of the preeminent South Korean composer Unsuk Chin.

Masterclasses by International Guests

In addition to its piano recitals, the SIPF will host two masterclasses offering attendees the chance to learn from renowned pianists. Mei Yi Foo, known for her collaborations with contemporary composers and teaching position at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, will lead the first masterclass on 8 June. This will be followed by a masterclass by Ashley Wass, Director of Music at the Yehudi Menuhin School and former BBC New Generation Artist, on 9 June. Attendees can anticipate invaluable insights from these esteemed musicians.

Digital Concerts on Singapore Symphony YouTube Channel Membership

This year’s SIPF will also feature the launch of two digital recitals via Singapore Symphony YouTube channel membership. The SSO will release works performed by award-winning American pianist Jonathan Biss and Malaysian-born pianist, composer, and conductor Tengku Irfan from their recitals in the previous edition. Patrons interested in viewing the digital recitals can join the Singapore Symphony YouTube channel membership for $2 per month, to access exclusive member content. For more information, visit youtube.com/singaporesymphony/join.

Tickets for the 30th edition of the Singapore International Piano Festival will be on sale starting 8 March 2024, at www.pianofestival.com.sg.