Enchanting Evening 5 – With Piano and Strings at Esplanade Recital Studio

The idea of the Enchanting Evening series was mooted in 2003 by two friends, pianist Christina Sia and violinist Toh Meng Wan. The objective was to feature interesting piano ensemble works, such as those for two pianos, and chamber compositions for strings and piano. After four successful concerts held between 2004 and 2012, Enchanting Evening returns this year with an interesting programme for its fifth concert.

The performers are a group of dedicated and professionally trained musicians: Cellist Eddie Sim, graduate of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and member of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra; Ken Lim & Sim Yi Kai, both seasoned performers with Master Degrees in piano performance; Christina Sia, pianist and trained vocalist; concert pianists, Karina Laurents, Foo Shiaw Yien, & Jeremy Joel Fernandez; and Toh Meng Wan, a holder of LRSM & FTCL in violin performance.

The highlight of the programme is Beethoven’s Trio for piano, violin & cello, Op. 1, No. 3. The piano ensemble will showcase arrangements of some popular pieces, such as Anton Dvorak’s Humoreske (one piano, six hands) and William Gillock’s Champagne Toccata (two pianos, eight hands). In addition, the performance will also include a two-piano version of the famous Chinese song Shang Hai Tan, arranged by pianist Christina Sia, along with some vocal duet arrangements.