The common M.O. in this article has been for me to tell you not only about the performances but also a little about the performers. Well, sorry, but that's the way it shall continue. In my mix of apathy and admiration towards prodigies, however, I shall ever so mercifully permit one of this month's performers to introduce himself.

"Hi, I am Gabriel Ng. I am 12 years old and have been studying in the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, United Kingdom since September 2005. Ms Natasha Boyarsky is my violin teacher. Before this, I was in Nanyang Primary School in Singapore and learning the violin at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, School of Young Talents under the tutelage of Ms Yah Wan Har. I have been playing the violin since I was four. I enjoy playing the piano as well."

Tsk..tsk! Clearly he lacks in journalistic skill whatever he makes up for in violin playing prowess, and needs yours truly for a sufficient representation.

Gabriel Ng recently won the first prize in his age group at the 14th Andrea Postacchini International Violin Competition last year in Fermo, Italy. In fact he also became the first Singaporean to win the distinction of Vincitore Assoluto, a.k.a. absolute winner. Quite an achievement considering he had to compete against people up to over a decade older than him. Like almost any other person who's managed to shine on an international stage, Gabriel began right at home by winning the 2003 Singapore National Piano and Violin Competition, at 9 years of age, and the HSBC Youth Excellence Award for Musical Excellence, in 2006. Hmm… I'm tempted to compare him to Paganini's or Mozart's prodigious-ness to make his own seem just that much punier, but doubt that it would achieve my dubious intentions.

Accompanied by Indonesian Pianist Inge Buniardi, his performance for Jakarta Music Connoisseurs will include repertoire such as the beautiful Elegiaque Poeme by Eugene Ysaye, a virtuousic Carmen Fantasy by Pablo de Sarasate, as well as Cantabille and La Campanella, a more soulful selection of Paganini's works. Indeed, as if Mr. Ng needs my approval, I ever so mercifully recommend this concert!

Date/Time : 16 August 2008, 7:30-9:30pm
Venue : Erasmus Huis (tickets cost Rp. 35.000)
Contact : (021) 91293621