NEWS & PERSPECTIVESEpoch TimEs JULY 4 – 17, 2014 5

You compose your own music. Where does your in-spiration come from? Creating my own music helps me clear my mind and enhances my artistic creativity. Moreover, composition helps me understand the ideas and structure of exist-ing music better. Although certain pieces were inspired by prevailing emotions or scenarios at the time, I often create pieces from motifs or ideas discovered during random improvisations at the piano, or by exploring new forms to use, so as to widen my range of compos-ing styles.

Among the compositions you have penned, which is your personal favourite, and why?I would say it would be “The Time Traveller’s Sonata”, my latest piece, composed during spring this year. It also happens to be my biggest work yet, consisting of three parts (movements). Its character is quite unique, as I hinted classical music styles spanning more than four centuries across all three movements, hence the title. As a result, the listener is taken on a journey “through time”, gradually drawing closer to the pre-sent era with each passing movement. I will be playing it as the last piece of my programme during my Espla-nade recital!

Is cultivating an appreciation for classical music im-portant? In your opinion, how could we cultivate an appreciation for classical music among Singapore-ans? In what ways would you like to contribute to the music scene in Singapore?Singaporeans have as good a chance as any at being successful in the classical music industry. Although we do not have a long history or culture of our own, many factors, such as our openness towards all ethnici-ties, traditions and religious beliefs, etc. prove that we Singaporeans generally are a versatile and adaptable people. Given the right knowledge and exposure, we can learn to appreciate and understand classical music better.

If we look at recent charts, an increasing number of rising classical ‘stars’ are in fact emerging from Asia, particular from China, Korea and Japan. Singapore has gradually caught up with the rest of the world in many academic fields, even surpassing our own expectations, and this can also be the future of the music scene here, if over time, more and more effort is invested in mak-ing art and culture an integral part of our lives, despite our busy schedules.

Many prominent musicians from across the globe have been invited to perform in Singapore over the years, and gradually, as people become acquainted with classical music through its accessibility, the num-ber of locals interested in the trade are increasing.

Our country is home to many hidden talents, and we must give them our full support, as we count on them to pave the way for a brighter future in Singapore’s vi-brant music society. I believe in the long run, more col-laborations with well-established organisations world-

wide will help our country gain more recognition in the field, creating more prospects for local budding artists.

Hoping to do my part, I am in the midst of forming such a collaboration between University Mozarteum Salzburg and Singapore through an interested pro-moter and supporter of local talent MW Events man-agement (mwem.asia). As early as August 2014, we are having our first successful connection as the director of Mozarteum’s young talents department will be vis-iting to give masterclasses and conduct live auditions for young musicians who show potential and are inter-ested in pursuing studies in Salzburg, Austria.

I hope to change the increasing mentality that “clas-sical music has no future” and convince Singaporeans that it can be a wonderful and rewarding trade, recog-nised and respected here.

You could have avoid National Service, renounced your Singapore citizenship and acquired an Austrian citizenship. Why did you choose to return to Singa-pore?It is admittedly true that any form of extensive disrup-tion from music can have a critical impact on a musi-cian. Just like how athletes need to constantly train, we need a constant flow of practice to keep both our physi-cal and mental being in shape. Furthermore, the early 20s is a critical age for one’s artistic career, as most opportunities, such as competitions, scholarships and other awards, have an age limit between 25-30.

However, I wasn’t going to turn my back on my coun-try that easily. ‘Home’ holds a special meaning to my heart. It is a place among family, loved ones and close friends. My parents and I are closely-knit, and so are our extended family. My most cherished friendships were forged here. Moreover, just as we can’t change our biological parents, being Singaporean will always be firmly rooted in me. There is no doubt that Singapore will always be the one place I can call my true home.

What advice would you give to young pianists and musicians about pursuing a career in music? Carry on and pursue this wonderful dream. Enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy. Despite hurdles and setbacks, don’t be discouraged from your goals. Music is subjective and one cannot evade criticism. The most important thing is to be true to your music, for if you are unable to convince yourself, you cannot hope to con-vince others.

Other than piano, do you have other hobbies?Hanging out with friends, indulging myself in the knowledge of latest technology, going for walks in na-ture, and last but not least, trying out new recipes in the kitchen.

This is Part 2 of Shaun Choo’s interview, continued from the previous issue. For more information about Shaun Choo, please visit http://www.musicshaun.com/

Shaun Choo being presented a plaque by Singapore’s Chief Signal Officer for “Voice of the Battlefield”, a song he composed for the Signal Formation.

Shaun Choo’s performance with the Daegu Philharmonie

Shaun Choo’s autograph to Epoch Times

I wasn’t going to turn my back on my country that easily. ‘Home’ holds a special meaning to my heart... There is no doubt that Singapore will always be the one place I can call my true home.Shaun Choo