About us > History
From its humble beginnings in 1987 by a handful of undergraduates, the NUS Piano Ensemble (NUSPE) has grown in strength to over a hundred members. Nonetheless, the objectives that gave birth to NUSPE have largely remained intact since its inception. As a member of the NUS Centre for the Arts, NUSPE seeks to promote the appreciation of piano ensemble music, provide opportunities for aspiring pianists to perform and give our members the novel experience of partnering different people to perform unique pieces.
Our core repertoire, which was initially solo works, eventually gave way to duets and duos. While we focus mainly on classical piano music, we also allow space for experimentation and exploration. We have successfully dabbled with eclectic genres like jazz, Asian and contemporary popular music, and are always open to collaborations with other art forms such as dance, theatre and literature. Closer to home, we have recently included the occasional 8 hands pieces in our repertoire.
Our regular line-up includes the annual ‘Touch’ concerts in February/March and the yearly Exxonmobil Campus Concerts in October. Other ad hoc concerts like the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Art of Healing Programme in September 2009 give members a chance to constantly receive exposure. ‘Touch’ concerts have been well received. Touch 2008 featured George Gershwin’s music and Touch 2009 had a programme of rarely performed works and had the honor of being held in the Esplanade Recital Studio for the first time.
During concert period, members are coached weekly by our music director Mr. Timothy Ku. Other than staging concerts, we also organize master classes and hold music appreciation sessions, all of which aim to increase our members’ exposure to all things musical. Notable musicians who we have invited to give master classes include Geoffrey Saba. In addition to these, we also organize internal concerts to ensure that as many members as possible get to share their music with us. The idea is to constantly learn from and with each other as bonds are fostered.
Ultimately, we have developed to be a close group with members coming from diverse backgrounds and specialties in music. NUSPE hopes to set a benchmark for piano interest groups in Singapore and is constantly striving towards our goals.
Our core repertoire, which was initially solo works, eventually gave way to duets and duos. While we focus mainly on classical piano music, we also allow space for experimentation and exploration. We have successfully dabbled with eclectic genres like jazz, Asian and contemporary popular music, and are always open to collaborations with other art forms such as dance, theatre and literature. Closer to home, we have recently included the occasional 8 hands pieces in our repertoire.
Our regular line-up includes the annual ‘Touch’ concerts in February/March and the yearly Exxonmobil Campus Concerts in October. Other ad hoc concerts like the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Art of Healing Programme in September 2009 give members a chance to constantly receive exposure. ‘Touch’ concerts have been well received. Touch 2008 featured George Gershwin’s music and Touch 2009 had a programme of rarely performed works and had the honor of being held in the Esplanade Recital Studio for the first time.
During concert period, members are coached weekly by our music director Mr. Timothy Ku. Other than staging concerts, we also organize master classes and hold music appreciation sessions, all of which aim to increase our members’ exposure to all things musical. Notable musicians who we have invited to give master classes include Geoffrey Saba. In addition to these, we also organize internal concerts to ensure that as many members as possible get to share their music with us. The idea is to constantly learn from and with each other as bonds are fostered.
Ultimately, we have developed to be a close group with members coming from diverse backgrounds and specialties in music. NUSPE hopes to set a benchmark for piano interest groups in Singapore and is constantly striving towards our goals.
Back to About Us
