Viva Rave: Presentation Concert, August 30 2021

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August 25, 2021

One of the harp world’s most impressive teaching centres is Katryna Tan’s Rave Harps: begun in Singapore, now also boasting thriving academies in Malaysia. When Katryna herself was studying, there was almost no harp in Singapore. Her own lessons involved an eight-hour round road trip, and a move to the USA to study at conservatory level.

Katryna then returned to Singapore and built up the Rave Harp Academy and distribution centres, of whom we are proud partners. Her students have gone on to the most prestigious institutions throughout the world: the Royal Academy of Music, the Juilliard School, the New England Conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, Berlin Universität der Künste…

Now young professionals, many Rave Harps alumni are back in Singapore and have formed the Viva Rave ensemble. A prizewinner at the ENGKOR International Chamber Music Competition for young professional chamber groups, the ensemble is attracting a lot of attention in the flourishing Southeast Asian contemporary classical scene. They frequently commission new music, for example from well-known composers of the region like Eric Watson, Joyce Bee Tuan Koh and Phang Kok Jun.

On August 30, they will be given the first in a series of 4 recitals showcasing both their virtuosity as artists, and the versatility of the harp repertoire. The first programme is divided into “light” and “dark” themes. The first half evokes what audiences might more commonly imagine harp music to sound like, while the second half explores more mysterious and intriguing directions. True to form, there will be two new works, one by ensemble member Charmaine Teo, and the other from the pianist and composer Jonathan Shin.

If you’re not in Singapore to attend the live concert on August 30 (tickets here), you can also watch the online stream on September 4th and 5th. We are proud sponsors of this event, and looking forward to it already!