Romantics in Retrospect – Final Graduation Recital: A New Chapter

Pianist Shaun Choo presents "Romantics in Retrospect" — a heartfelt celebration of two decades of artistic growth, featuring works by Chopin, Mendelssohn, Rachmaninov, and the premiere of his own Time Traveller’s Sonata.

A Singaporean pianist now based in Berlin, Shaun began his studies at Salzburg’s Mozarteum University at the age of 14, earning both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with the highest distinction. In 2019, he became the first external piano candidate in many years accepted into the Konzertexamen program at the University of the Arts Berlin. A 13-time international competition prizewinner, Shaun is acclaimed for his expressive depth and affinity for Romantic music.

The program opens with Chopin’s dramatic Scherzo No. 1, the introspective Nocturne in c minor, and the heroic Polonaise in f-sharp minor, followed by Mendelssohn’s Fantasie in f-sharp minor, a work of storm and lyricism inspired by his travels in Scotland.

The second half explores the lush world of Rachmaninov — from the poetic Prelude in b minor and the fiery Prelude in g minor to the soulful Vocalise, arranged by Zoltán Kocsis. The evening concludes with Choo’s own Time Traveller’s Sonata, traversing musical eras from Baroque elegance to Jazz-inspired exuberance — a personal statement on the timelessness of art.

This recital marks the completion of Shaun’s Konzertexamen studies and celebrates the continuing mission of Fiestravaganza gUG, the non-profit organization he founded to support and empower young musicians.

Program:

Frédéric Chopin (1810 – 1849)
● Scherzo No. 1 in B minor, Op. 20
● Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 No. 1
● Polonaise in F-sharp minor, Op. 44

Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847)
● Fantasie in F-sharp minor, Op. 28 “Scottish Sonata”
⁃ I. Con moto agitato
⁃ II. Allegro con moto
⁃ III. Presto

INTERMISSION

Sergei Rachmaninov (1873 – 1943)
● Prelude in B minor, Op. 32 No. 10
● Prelude in G minor, Op. 23 No. 5
● Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 (Arr. Zoltán Kocsis)

Shaun Choo (b. 1991)
● The Time Traveller’s Sonata
⁃ I. Allegro Brioso
⁃ II. Dolente – Molto Espressivo
⁃ III. Allegro Assai

After the concert, guests are warmly invited to stay for a short meet & greet + autograph signing session with Shaun Choo.

As a token of gratitude, supporters will receive his CD album featuring the complete 24 Preludes and other works by Frédéric Chopin in appreciation of a donation of any amount.

All proceeds go directly to Fiestravaganza gUG, supporting the expansion of the FIMA 2026 music academy. Official tax-deductible donation receipts are available upon request.