Friday, 28 March 2008

Loo Bang Hean, M'sian remarkable pianist



LOO BANG HEAN was born in Ipoh, Malaysia, Bang Hean’s early teachers include Serena Chow and Rickie Oui. He was the winner of the first National Mozart Piano Competition in 1987, and following his success in the LRSM performing diploma in that same year the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music awarded him a four-year scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music, London.

In England Bang Hean studied with Yonty Solomon, John Blakely and Eileen Croxford and Dennis Lee. His successes during those years include numerous prizes at the RCM as well as an invitation to appear in a Royal Gala Evening at St. James’s Palace attended by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh. Awards from the Anthony Saltmarsh Prize and the Countess of Munster Musical Trust enabled him to undergo postgraduate studies for a year with Professor Ilonka Deckers in Milan. He also had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses conducted by Lev Naumov of Moscow Conservatoire, Yu Chun Yee and Peter Donohoe.

Back in Malaysia, Bang Hean has given solo recitals, chamber concerts and concerto performances in several cities. His recent appearances include solo performances at the 6th International Piano Festival in KL and the Cuvee de Carcosa 1999 at Carcosa Seri Negara. He is currently teaching privately as well as lecturing in Sedaya College and Monash University. He has been invited to give seminars and masterclasses around the country and adjudicate in music competitions. As an active chamber music player, Bang Hean founded the Sutera Ensemble with various members of the National Symphony Orchestra. He has also worked with various vocalists and players from the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. He was the artistic advisor and adjudicator for the National Piano Festival 2000, a competition aimed at discovering and promoting local young pianists.

No comments: