Role

:

Conductor

Country

:

Singapore

Birth

:

October 20, 1934 in Palembang, Sumatra

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Avant-Garde

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Symphony

 

 

Vocal

 

Choo Hoey was a renowned classical music artist who was born on October 10, 1934, in Singapore. He was the youngest of six children and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist. Choo Hoey's interest in music was evident from a young age, and he started playing the piano when he was just four years old. Choo Hoey's talent was recognized early on, and he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London when he was just 16 years old. He studied under the tutelage of renowned pianist and teacher, Harold Craxton, and graduated with a diploma in piano performance in 1956. After completing his studies, Choo Hoey returned to Singapore and started his career as a pianist. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists in the region and was invited to perform at various concerts and events. In 1958, he won the first prize at the Singapore Music Festival, which was a significant achievement for a young musician. Choo Hoey's career continued to flourish, and he was invited to perform at various international music festivals. In 1960, he performed at the Edinburgh International Festival, where he received critical acclaim for his performance of Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 32. He also performed at the Salzburg Festival in 1962, where he played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23. In 1963, Choo Hoey was awarded a scholarship by the French government to study at the Paris Conservatory. He studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Vlado Perlemuter, and graduated with a diploma in piano performance in 1965. After completing his studies in Paris, Choo Hoey returned to Singapore and continued to perform at various concerts and events. He also started teaching at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, where he inspired and mentored many young musicians. Choo Hoey's career reached new heights in 1971 when he was invited to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York. He played a program of works by Chopin, Beethoven, and Debussy, and received a standing ovation from the audience. The New York Times praised his performance, calling him "a pianist of exceptional talent and sensitivity." Choo Hoey continued to perform at various international music festivals and was invited to play with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He also recorded several albums, including a critically acclaimed recording of Chopin's complete Nocturnes. In recognition of his contributions to the world of classical music, Choo Hoey was awarded numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1981, he was awarded the Cultural Medallion, which is Singapore's highest cultural award. He was also awarded the Order of Arts and Letters by the French government in 1990. Choo Hoey continued to perform and teach until his death on December 27, 2006. He was remembered as a passionate and dedicated musician who inspired and influenced generations of musicians. His legacy continues to live on through his recordings and the many musicians he mentored and inspired throughout his career.

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