It was a fantastic opportunity for the students, who got to experience life at another world-class music department. Through lessons and masterclasses with professors from the various participating institutions, they gained fresh insights on their repertoire prepared. Further, interacting with other students from all over the globe not only offered them new perspectives on their study and career trajectories, but also allowed them to network and build valuable relationships with fellow musicians.

Lim Yan, Senior Lecturer in Collaborative Piano at YST Conservatory who was also one of the Festival’s faculty coaches, commented, “The level of playing and performance was consistently high at the festival. Particularly impressive was the Saturday concert which featured our four YST students in four different chamber groups; each group consisting of members who were meeting for the first time and had just four days to prepare movements from major pieces in the repertoire for public performance. The excitement and chemistry between the players was palpable, as they drew inspiration from each other and put on an outstanding concert together.”