'Doctors in Recital' - 14 Feb 2014 at Steinway Gallery

Its great that doctors are performing a programme of classical music, but really the draw in my opinion is to see esteemed Straits Times critic Dr. Chang Tou-Liang put his words into action; we've all read his reviews, want to hear his playing? This free recital is your chance to do so!

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14 February 2014, Singapore: Steinway Gallery Singapore presents a unique afternoon recital by medical practitioners showcasing their passion for music on 22nd February. Titled Doctors in Recital, music aficionados can look forward to classical piano repertoires played by family physicians Dr Chang Tou Liang, Dr Au Kah-Kay, and Dr Lin Xiu-Min at Steinway Gallery Singapore. The pianists will be accompanied by medical advisor and violinist Dr Ronald Ling and professional cellist Brandon Voo.

Celine Goh, General Manager of Steinway Gallery Singapore, says “We are excited to present this unique event showcasing a wide-range of musical pieces by our local medical practitioners. Steinway Gallery Singapore is dedicated to supporting the local arts scene in Singapore and we believe that one of the best ways for us to do that is to reach out to music enthusiasts who dedicate a good part of their time above their professional careers in a different field.”

Apart from their day jobs in the medical field, the doctors have dedicated their lives to music extensively. Once a tenor in the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Dr Chang is an active classical concert reviewer for The Straits Times and also has a weekly classical music CD review column since 1997. At age 11, Dr Lin Xiu Min was the world's youngest Fellow of the Trinity College of Music, London (FTCL) and received mentorship from renowned musicians including Polish classical pianist Stefan Kutrzeba and Russian pianist Dmitri Bashkirov. Dr Au Kah Kay have won prizes in piano competitions, obtained the LRSM (Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music) diploma in piano performance at age 16 and performed a full recital at the Alliance Francaise Auditorium in Singapore in 2002.

Originally planned by Dr Lin Xiu Min, this is the second time the doctors will be collaborating since 2010 and they have added more instruments to the mix. Light repertoires were also chosen this time round to appeal to a wider audience.

Dr Lin Xiu Min says, “I would like to showcase the versatility of a Steinway piano, not only in solo but also in chamber repertoire. Hence I have invited two guest performers, a violinist and cellist, to collaborate with me and instil variety to the programme. We are privileged to perform on a Steinway grand piano which will surely enhance our playing to an optimum performance.”

With busy work schedules, the doctors have been practising as much as they can for the upcoming recital. Dr Au Kah Kay says, “I practice as often as my schedule will allow. Even if it means just playing through the pieces once a day, it's better than nothing.”

To those who struggle to balance a hectic work schedule and their passion for music, Dr Chang Tou Liang advises, “Always make time for the piano or music. If you truly love playing the piano or just listening to music in concert or on a CD, that time can easily be found!”

Doctors in Recital will take place at Steinway Gallery Singapore in Palais Renaissance on Saturday, 22nd February at 4pm. Seats for this event are limited and are on a first-come-first-served basis. To register, email marcom@steinway-gallery.com.sg or call 6838 0256.