ABOUT FIMA 2023

The majority of “Classical Music” as we know it derived from Western Europe, particularly the German-speaking countries. We find examples of iconic figures throughout the centuries – from the Baroque (Bach, Handel), Classical (Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert), Romantic (Mendelssohn, Brahms, Schumann) to the Contemporary era (Schoenberg, Berg, Webern), all of whom were fundamental in the development and evolution of classical music. Striving with the immense responsibility to uphold this heritage, classical music culture is still preserved and taught in the most authentic way possible across music institutions in Germany and the surrounding regions. Brimming with history and at the centre of it all lies Berlin, Germany’s Capital, unparalleled for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

Furthermore, Berlin is home to Bechstein – a piano manufacturer of highest international acclaim vested in supporting the arts, providing opportunities not only for established artists, but for up and rising young talents. This is apparent by their various collaborations and outreach programs. They also happen to possess one of the largest vintage keyboard instrument collections in the world.

For these reasons and more, I have chosen that the first edition of the “Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA)” be held in the German Capital, in collaboration with C. Bechstein and Bechstein Music World Singapore. As a Singaporean classical pianist, composer and lecturer who has lived half his life in German-speaking Europe, I have pursued my music career and established myself to a certain degree both at home and abroad. With the knowledge obtained by observing the recent development of classical music from multiple perspectives, I find myself in a unique position to create a festival that offers young classical pianists, particularly those in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region, a variety of possibilities otherwise hard to obtain in one’s early career.

As the first major piano summer academy in the Berlin, FIMA offers participants a bespoke and streamlined program that gives them the chance to enrich their knowledge and understanding of classical piano music heritage from its roots. Participants will gain international exposure through solo and orchestra performing opportunities, while engaging with renowned faculty members and guest speakers in masterclasses/seminars. The week-long intensive program targets the development of a well-rounded musician, which is a founding pillar of FIMA.