SINGAPORE - Wolfgang Violin Studio and The Arts House present an evening of musical splendour on November 21, in effort to help raise funds for young artists.

A violin recital like none other before, it will feature the sublime pairing of Singapore’s much-celebrated virtuoso Min Lee with the Brahms Stradivarius violin that values at approximately SGD12.6 million dollars.

Generously sponsored by German violin connoisseur and collector Prof Dietmar Machold, the exceptional instrument was handcrafted by the great Antonius Stradivarius during his ‘golden period’ of 1720-28. A rare and one of a kind instrument, it culminates decades of experience and design. “The Brahms is one of our most prized possessions and in itself a piece of art. These violins are of high investment value but more importantly a priceless possession,” Prof Machold.

And once handed down to some of history’s best violinist, the Brahms Strad now had found its way to Singapore’s very own Min Lee. “To have Min playing seems like a natural partnership, as we share the same aspiration to enrich and strengthen Singapore’s classical music scene,” says Prof Dietmar Machold. “I am certain that this combination of unusual talent and unique rare instrument will be able to produce the most beautiful experience for both artist and audience.”

An event that ties closely with the Business Times’ Budding Artists Fund, proceeds from the benefit ticket sales will help children aged five to 12 who face socio-economic challenges, a chance to pursue and develop their artistic talents in music, dance, theatre and visual arts.

Taking place at The Arts House, it will definitely be a night for all music lovers to remember as well. Aptly entitled The Romantic Violin on The Brahms Strad, be enthralled as Min and pianist Vaclav Macha bring forth the pure sounds from great composers such as Johan Brahms, Henryk Wieniawski and Charles-Camille Saint Saens. Aged 30 this year, Czech pianist Vaclav Macha created headlines at 15 years old when he was the youngest student in history to have enrolled at the prestigious Prague Academy of Performing Arts.

Earlier on in the day, six young talents take centrestage in a separate recital dubbed SHINE. Youngest among them is eight-year-old Kimberly Lim, who on her violin, proves her musical capability when she takes on Mozart and Kabalevsky under the spotlight. Sharing the limelight together with her, are, Jordan Hardrill, 9, Nicole Ong, 11, Soh Kuan Wei, 13, Yue Ling, 14 and Gabriel Lim, 16, who will also showcase their relentless talent as well.

Following after, a panel dialogue session called “Young Achievers – Setting Them Up For Success” will be held to discuss issues concerning nurturing young talents. And headlining the talk will be Max Cooke, president of the Australian Society for Music Education, Prof Ding Zuo from Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Min Lee who will share her personal experience.

“I'm really excited about performing on the Brahms Strad...especially one made during the golden period! There will be six amazing rising young music stars featured earlier on in our day's program. My first public concert was with my teacher, when I was five years old. I enjoyed that experience so much, and I knew that I would be a violinist from that day. When I was a little girl, concerts is what all the practising is for. So I am delighted to be able to provide a platform for these wonderful young musicians. After, all, the future of classical music starts with the young ones,” says Min Lee.

Benefit tickets are priced at SGD200/ SGD500/ SGD1000
Book your tickets at www.sistic.com.sg, or call +65 6348 5555 or go to any Sistic Authorized Agent.

About Wolfgang Violin Studio
Wolfgang Violin Studio aims to redefine how the violin is taught to students of all ages. Named after Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the concept was developed to instil a life-long love for music in beginners. With a strong focus on fun learning within a group setting, the program was developed by Singapore’s award-winning international violinist, Min Lee. Through an original curriculum that encompasses both technical skills and musicianship, the program immerses young learners in the exciting world of classical music. It also uses songs and stories to create an overall appreciation for musical history and theory.

About The Business Times’ Budding Artist Fund
Initiated by The Arts House in 2004 and adopted by Business Times in May 2005, The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF) aims to enable children between the ages of five to 12 years distanced by socio-economic circumstances to pursue their aspirations to develop artistic talents in music, dance, theatre, visual arts and theatre production. The Fund originated from a strong conviction that no child with strong interest and artistic potential should be deprived of the opportunity to develop his or her talents because he or she is economically disadvantaged.

For ticket/recital information, please contact:
Debra Palmer
E: debra@wolfgangviolin.com
T: +65 6732 0178