Albert Tiu

ABOUT:

Get ready for an unforgettable night of piano music, starring the incredible Albert Tiu. The highlight of the concert is Tiu’s solo piano version of Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, Op. 18—a piece known for its intense emotion and technical challenges. By arranging it for solo piano, Tiu adds his own unique touch, making it a must-hear performance. The evening also includes Robert Schumann's charming "Kinderszenen, Op. 15" and Gabriel Fauré's dreamy "Nocturne No. 5 in B-flat major, Op. 37," creating a perfect mix of styles and moods.

Albert Tiu, originally from Cebu, Philippines, is a professor at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore and has been praised as “an artist of uncommon abilities.” His recordings and performances have received rave reviews, and he’s played with top orchestras around the globe. This concert is a unique chance to experience Tiu’s extraordinary talent live, especially his innovative take on Rachmaninoff’s iconic concerto. Don’t miss it!

PROGRAMME:

R. Schumann: Kinderszenen, Op.15        

G. Fauré: Nocturne No.5 in B-flat major, Op.37      

S. Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18      

(Arranged for Solo Piano by Albert Tiu)

II. Adagio sostenuto

III. Allegro scherzando

ALBERT TIU:

Born in Cebu, Philippines, Albert Tiu has been called “an artist of uncommon abilities” by American Record Guide. His latest Centaur recording, “Grand Russian”, pairing Tchaikovsky’s Grand Sonata and Rachmaninov’s 1st Sonata, was cited in ARG: “Even with some legendary competition in this repertoire, Tiu stands tall with his interpretations and technical accomplishment.” A previous disc, “The Classical Elements”, featuring twenty pieces grouped under Earth, Air, Water and Fire, was rated 5 Stars in International Piano and praised by Fanfare for a “fascinating recital containing some stunning playing.” His 2010 tribute to Chopin and Skryabin, “Nocturnal Fantasies”, featuring pairs of similarly-titled works by both composers, was dubbed “one of the all-time great piano recordings” by Fanfare.

Currently a Professor of Piano at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, he studied with Jerome Lowenthal at the Juilliard School, with Michael Lewin at Boston Conservatory, and with Nita Abrogar-Quinto and Nelly Castro in the Philippines. A recipient of Juilliard’s William Petschek Award and a prizewinner of competitions in Calgary (Honens), Helsinki (Maj Lind) and Santander (Paloma O’Shea), he won the First Prize and two concerto prizes in the 1996 UNISA International Piano Competition in Pretoria, South Africa.

Ting, he has presented thought-provoking thematic recitals, like “Chopin: Before & Beyond” (works that influenced ChTopin and works inspired by Chopin), and “Bee Flat” (the two Sonatas in B-flat by Beethoven). He has performed with the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, Hamburg Symphony, Finnish Radio Symphony, Gstaad Festival Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic, Winnipeg Symphony, and Philippine Philharmonic. In 2005, he gave the Singapore premiere of Samuel Barber’s Piano Concerto with the Singapore Symphony under Tang Muhai.

Other recent recording projects include collaborations with violist Zhang Manchin in the Brahms Viola Sonatas, and with tenor Alan Bennett in Schubert’s “Winterreise”, both on Centaur; with violinist Kam Ning in “Road Movies”, a Meridian disc featuring American composers; and with cellist Qin Li-Wei, in two discs on Decca of Beethoven and Rachmaninov.

His “Tiudents” have distinguished themselves in competitions and festivals around the world, and have pursued further studies in North America and Europe. Aside from teaching, he has adjudicated in international piano competitions in France, Denmark, New Zealand, Thailand and Indonesia.