Tenor Khoo Wu Ji sings Robert Schumann’s “Dichterliebe Op. 48, Nos. 10-12” during UCSI University School of Music’s Chopin-Schumann Celebration Concert.

Oboist Yong How Keen performs Robert Schumann’s “Romanzen, Op. 94, No. 1 and No. 3” with pianist Emmy Yanto during UCSI University School of Music’s Chopin-Schumann Celebration Concert.

Third-year classical music student Low Chyh Shen performs Frederic Chopin’s “Scherzo No. 3 in C# minor, Op. 39” during UCSI University School of Music’s Chopin-Schumann Celebration Concert.

UCSI University School of Music students take a bow after performing during their Chopin-Schumann Celebration Concert.

Kuala Lumpur, 22 October, 2010 - Students at UCSI University’s School of Music are showing their appreciation for classical composers. Select students held a concert Friday at UCSI University’s South Wing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the births of Frederic Chopin and Robert Schumann. The two composers were born in 1810 in Poland and Germany, respectively, and renowned as two of the greatest composers of the Romantic Era. 


School of Music Senior Lecturer Dr. Nicholas Ong organised the event to share the diversity of the composers’ musical style with students and the general public. He said the works of both composers are well-known even to those who are not well-versed in classical music, and it’s important to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements. He said the concert was one of many that have been organised worldwide throughout the year. 

“In organising more or such concerts, we can educate the students and audience in attending live classical concerts, which are more exciting and fulfilling than recordings,” he said. 

The concert included seven piano pieces by either Chopin or Schumann performed by select School of Music students who were chosen on an audition basis. Two pieces also included a duet with a tenor and an oboist, respectively. 

Yap Kar Ley, a third-year classical piano student, played Schumann’s “ABEGG Variations, Op. 1.” She said the piece is part of her graduation recital and one that she found quite interesting. 

“It’s quite challenging, and there’s a lot of changing of character and style,” she said. 

Low Chy Shen, another third-year classical piano student, performed Chopin’s “Scherzo No. 3 in C# Minor, Op. 39.” He said he played this piece during his first year as a student and chose it because he liked its colour and melody. He said he practiced several hours daily during the past few weeks to prepare. 

“It’s like coming back to an old friend in this situation,” he said. 

About 200 people attended the event and many said they found the concert enjoyable and well-performed. 

Eileen Lau, who graduated from the UCSI University School of Music in 2009 said she returned to campus to hear the concert and support her friends. 

“The pieces they played were all very impressive and very big works,” she said. 

Low Kuan Keow, Chyh Shen’s father, said he came out to support his son. 

“My son has improved since last time,” he said. “He’s got his own style now.”