FIMA 2023 IN BERLIN!
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.
SHAUN CHOO
Founder & Artistic Director
MEDIA COVERAGE
VIDEOS
FIMA 2023 Videos
FIMA 2023 Official Trailer
Flashbacks from the first edition of the “Fiestravaganza International Music Academy” as esteemed Singaporean Piano Lecturer Lena Ching reflects on her experience during the week-long intensive program.
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We went around randomly interviewing some of the participants during FIMA 2023 to get their impressions on the academy. Listen to what they had to share!
Listen to Evan-Alexis Christ, conductor of the Camerata Fiestravaganza, talk about his experience working with young musicians, the concept of FIMA 2023 and more!
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Pianists: Shaun Choo (Singapore) & Lucas Blondeel (Belgium)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: Kayden Kelly, 16 (USA)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: Anju Nogiwa, 14 (Japan)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: Can Saraç, 15 (Turkey)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: İlyun Bürkev, 14 (Turkey)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: Kayden Yap, 17 (Singapore)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Event: Concerto Fiestravaganza
Soloist: Edward Fang, 12 (Singapore)
Location: Recorded live @ Admiralspalast Theater Berlin on 15th July 2023
8 Pianists, ∞ Talent. In an evening featuring six Piano Concertos, selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy (FIMA) join Berlin-based Singaporean Pianist Shaun Choo and the Camerata Fiestravaganza under the baton of Evan-Alexis Christ.
Pianist: Shaun Choo (Singapore)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Weiyang Zhao, 10 (China)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Zixi Wang, 9 (China)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Ryan Keogh, 12 (Ireland)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Kayden Yap, 17 (Singapore)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Anju Nogiwa, 14 (Japan)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Kayden Kelly, 16 (USA)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: İlyun Bürkev, 14 (Turkey)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
Pianist: Can Saraç, 15 (Turkey)
Location: Recorded live @ Kulturhaus Peter Edel Berlin on 16th July 2023
Selected young talents from the Fiestravaganza International Music Academy showcase a variety of classical piano works, celebrating the conclusion of an intensive week of masterclasses, seminars and concerts.
FACULTY (2023)
GUEST SPEAKERS (2023)
