2023 could not get any better for classical music lovers, as one of the most promising and sought-after young pianists from Singapore, Wang Hao Jia, returns onstage to perform, with the world-acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto on Sept. 23 at Singapore’s Victoria Concert Hall. Before then, he will perform the piece in Manila, as part of the Rachmaninoff Festival 2023, on Sept. 17.
To mark composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th birthday in September, Wang Hao Jia performs Piano Concert No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 3, alongside pianist Nathan Gemina, who will perform Piano Concerto No. 1 in F Sharp Minor, Op. 1, with Gabriel James Frias as assisting artist, at the Rachmaninoff Festival 2023: Concert II, on Sept 17, 2023, Sunday, 7 p.m. at the Manila Pianos Showroom, Ronac Lifestyle Center, Paseo de Magallanes.
Hao Jia is an alumnus of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music and is studying at the Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University Bloomington under Prof. Arnaldo Cohen. He is not from a family of musicians, but it has always been his dream to study in a music conservatory. Ironically, at the beginning, little Hao Jia had a hard time understanding notes, but he just played on until he got it right.
With perseverance and hard work, he eventually fell in love with music as he dug deeper into its vast world. The young pianist could not forget how classical music made him feel the more he listened to it. His parents and mentors at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, especially the principal Madame Feng Yuan, have nurtured his growing passion for classical music since 2011.
“I idolize Martha Argerich, Evgeny Kissin, Arnaldo Cohen, and my professor at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Albert Tiu,” Hao Jia said. “They all influenced me greatly with their extraordinary technique and passion that reached deep into my heart. The high level of craftsmanship and vibrancy is inspiring.”
Since he enrolled at five years old at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents Gifted Young Pianists Course, he has won awards and recognitions, such as the 1st Prize in the Singapore National Piano and Violin Competition (Intermediate Category) in 2015 and the Grand Prize of the 3rd Steinway Youth Piano Competition in 2016. In 2017, he was accepted at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, in Piano Performance under Prof. Albert Tiu.
After years of hard work, in 2019, he proved that he had grown a lot in musicality and technique, and won first prze in the Singapore National Piano and Violin Competition (senior category). He had the honor to perform Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Singapore Police Force Band during his National Service. Hao Jia also had master classes with Adam Gyorgy, An Ning Erik T. Tawaststjema, Foo Mei Yi, Jeremy Denk, Ng Chong Lim, Stephen Hough, and Yoheved “Veda” Kaplinsky.
Hao Jia’s commitment to learn Rachmaninoff’s Third Concerto, considered one of the most difficult piano compositions, did not waver. Albert Tiu motivated him to go beyond his comfort zone and take up the challenging endeavor. Aside from being moved by the emotional depth and intense musical expression of this concerto, he believes it allowed him to develop his skills, push his limits, and embrace possibilities.
The concerto ‘really puts me on a rollercoaster ride, both physically and emotionally,’ Hao Jia says
“Rach 3 is definitely one of the most challenging and breathtakingly beautiful pieces that I have ever played,” he said. “Apart from the insane technical demands, this piece requires a wide range of emotions and expression throughout. It really puts me on a rollercoaster ride, both physically and emotionally. Planning build-ups, color changes, and setting up contrasts are notable challenges. Furthermore, Rachmaninoff’s mastery of orchestration in this concerto is extraordinary. The orchestra is absolutely essential, and works together with the piano in equal parts to achieve the maximum lushness and excitement.”
The young pianist has interest other than music—racket sports.
Hao Jia is aware that competitions are great platforms for musicians, not just to gain recognition but also to improve themselves and advance their careers, and be exposed to more opportunities.
“I am not planning on joining one very soon, but definitely in the near future when I have the opportunity,” he said. “I think that my repertoire and knowledge are still quite lacking, and I would like to expand my repertoire and study more about music.” This is also the reason he decided to further his studies at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
Wang is excited to perform the concerto with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra—to connect with audiences on a profound level, and create an unforgettable experience of Rach 3 with them.
It is also his goal to be a piano professor and to share his music with a new generation of music lovers. He shares a piece of advice with budding musicians—”Let your passion for music guide you on your journey.”
Wang Hao Jia: In childhood, he couldn’t even understand notes.
For tickets, Cultural Arts Exhibit Organizer or CAEO (Mobile 0920-9540053, 0918-3473027) or email Joseph Uy at [email protected].
