In Conversation: Shaun Choo

Come 28th June 2014, 23-year-old pianist Shaun Choo will make history by becoming the first Singaporean to stage a solo recital in the majestic Esplanade Concert Hall (Melvyn Tan had given a recital in the same venue 3 years ago, but he had long ago relinquished his citizenship).

Since leaving home at the age of 15 to further his musical studies at the famed Salzburg Mozarteum with the late legendary teacher Karl-Heinz Kämmerling, whose students include Deutsche Grammaphon artist Sara Alice Ott and Lars Vogt, he has won numerous international competitions including the Chopin competitions in Daegu, Beijing, and Budapest.

His musical talents were chanced upon by his parents when he learned to play the guitar all on his own from reading a self-instructional book that was a birthday gift from his dad. The decision to enrol him for piano lessons were due to their fascination with the music of Richard Clayderman, which turned out to be masterstroke as he took to the instrument like fish to water.

Recalling his nerve-wrecking experience at the International Chopin Competition in Daegu, South Korea, where he had to perform in front of former Chopin Warsaw winner Dang Thai Son, "I was without a teacher for close to 2 years as I had returned to Singapore to enlist for National Service. It was a big motivation for me during that difficult period and was my biggest success yet.

Further success at the ZF MusikPreis Friedrichshafen and Rotary Club Piano Competition in Germany, the Grotrian Steinweg Piano Competition in China, and a slew of other accolades have enhanced his stature leading to appearances with the Daegu Philharmonic, Philharmonie Konstanz, Mozarteum Symphony Orchestra, Niederbarischer Philharmonie Passau, China Broadcast Symphony Orchestra, and Leipzig Academic Orchestra.

Besides the works of Chopin, Shaun will also be playing one of his original compositions at his Esplanade recital. "Creating my own music helps me clear my mind and enhances my musical creativity. It also helps me to understand structure of existing music better."

Despite having spent the much of the past 7 years away from Singapore, he is still proud to call this his home, and the thought of renouncing his citizenship never once crossed his mind. "I wasn't about to turn my back on my country so easily. It is a place among family, friends, and loved ones. My most cherished friendships were forged here, and Singapore will always be the one place I can call my true home"

He believes that Singapore's perceived lack of international success in the field of classical music is not due to the lack of talent. "Our country is home to many hidden talents, and we must give them our full support, as we count on them to pave the way for a brighter future in Singapore’s vibrant music society." Hoping to do his part, he is in the midst of arranging a collaboration between the Salzburg Mozarteum's young talent programme and MW Events Management, who will also be presenting his recital.

Despite having performed extensively throughout Europe and Asia, in countries such as Spain, Holland, Italy, Germany, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, China and Korea, Shaun is unable to hide his excitement over his debut recital in his place of birth, remarking that he is "very much looking forward to performing in front of family, friends, and fellow Singaporeans."

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