On 11th June 2023, Singapore will be in for a treat as award-winning pianist William Youn makes his Singapore Debut with a recital dubbed “Echoes of Silence – A Peaceful, Quiet Place in the Busy City at the Singapore Conference Hall.
Hailed by critics as a “true poet of the piano” with a “brilliant touch”, William Youn is an exceptional pianist. Born in Seoul, he studied music across Europe and the US. He also worked with legendary piano pedagogue Karl-Heinz Kämmerling and artists like Dmitri Bashkirov, who deeply inspired his playing.
With an established international reputation, performing with renowned orchestras at prestigious halls and festivals is a norm for Youn. Besides being a soloist, he is passionate about chamber music and has collaborated with different musicians.
Over the years, Youn released numerous CD recordings of works by Chopin, Mozart, Schumann, and more. His Mozart album also won the Pizzicato Supersonic Award. One of Youn’s most recent projects is the three-part recording of Schubert’s complete piano sonatas. This album was well-received, with Fono Forum praising the first two parts for their “flawless, perfectly realized naturalness”.
“Schubert’s music is for lonely souls. It moves and consoles its listeners, building them up again in their darkest moments and inviting them to dance and dream, to go for long walks and to hope.”
William Youn’s one-night-only debut recital features masterpieces from various composers. Combining virtuosic technique and subtle, emotionally sensitive playing, Youn will unleash his musical storytelling abilities by performing two classical period sonatas, a piano transcription, and several impressionistic pieces. Witness Youn as he brings the music alive by portraying contrasting moods and characters. With the rich and lyrical sounds produced by the C.Bechstein piano, the recital will be a delight for the ears.
We are particularly excited for Youn’s renditions of the works of Franz Schubert, as he holds a soft spot in his heart for the composer’s works. He himself has said, “Schubert’s music is for lonely souls. It moves and consoles its listeners, building them up again in their darkest moments and inviting them to dance and dream, to go for long walks and to hope.” How apt for these hectic & turbulent times we live in now!
Programme:
F.SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No.4 in A minor, D.537
F.SCHUBERT/F.LISZT: Ständchen, D 889
M.RAVEL: “Une barque sur l’ocean” and “Alborada del gracioso” from Miroirs, M.43
F.SCHUBERT: Piano Sonata No.20 in A Major, D.959
(Programme subject to change at the artist’s discretion)
Several of William Youn’s performances can be found here:
Schumann Humoreske, Op. 20: I. Einfach; Sehr rasch und leicht (Excerpt):
Schumann Humoreske, Op. 20: VII. Zum Beschluß (Excerpt):
Schubert: Piano Sonatas (Interview):
DURATION
Approximately 90 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
We are certainly looking forward to finding the quiet moments in this busy city.
This concert is part of a series of concerts in celebration of C. Bechstein’s 170th Anniversary. For more concerts and other events by C. Bechstein in Singapore, be sure to follow Bechstein Music World on Facebook & Instagram!
Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. Readers of our Blog get an exclusive 20% off CAT 1 and CAT 2 tickets. Click here to get your discount code!
About the Venue
The Singapore Conference Hall is a music oasis that resides along the bustling city street of Shenton Way and is the home base for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, as well as Singapore’s largest European Piano showroom, Bechstein Music World.
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