Argerich grandsons make a splash with the Thailand Philharmonic

David Chen and the Thailand Philharmonic

Roman Blagojevic and the Thailand Philharmonic

By Chang Tou Liang, 19 March 2026

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“Chen channelled his grandmother’s fiery temperament but also the tendency to rush fences”

Reviewed at Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore on 17 March 2026

Bach, Keyboard Concerto no. 5 in F minor, BWV1056

Ravel, Ma mère l'Oye (Mother Goose): 1. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormant

Tchaikovsky, Piano Concerto no. 1 in B flat minor, Op.23

Ravel, Ma mère l'Oye (Mother Goose): 5. Le jardin féerique

Chopin, Mazurka in C major, Op.24 no.2

Brahms, Academic Festival Overture, Op.80

Tchaikovsky, Romeo and Juliet, Fantasy Overture

Roman Blagojevic, Piano

David Chen, Piano

Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra

Darío Ntaca, Conductor

A dream of a Gerontius from Pappano, the LSO and Chorus

Roy Westbrook, 21st April

Giving their 27th performance of the oratorio, the London Symphony Chorus excel as angelic angels and demonic demons.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

Nicholas McGegan brings delicacy and elegance to Mendelssohn

Erica Miner, 18th April

The Seattle Symphony offers an enchanting evening immersed in the joy and brilliance of both the young and the mature genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

****1

Picture postcard Spain from the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia

Phil Parker, 17th April

Vibrant, colourful music is played with every last ounce of enthusiasm as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia rounds off its UK tour at Sheffield City Hall.

****1

Wrangling the octopus: Mahler’s Ninth with Sir Simon Rattle

Chanda VanderHart, 17th April

Less a symphony, more a force of nature, Sir Simon Rattle conducts the Vienna Philharmonic in a turbulent, yet spacious reading of Mahler's Ninth Symphony in the Musikverein.

****1

A special relationship renewed: Leonard Slatkin returns to Prague

Frank Kuznik, 16th April

Leonard Slatkin returns to the Prague Symphony Orchestra with one of his own pieces, a Schubert tribute that steals the show.

****1

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Chang Tou Liang

Chang Tou Liang, a native of Singapore, is a family physician by profession. Actively following the classical music scene in Singapore since 1979, he has been a music reviewer of The Straits Times from 1997, contributing over 2300 articles to the national daily. He was also editor of several local musical newsletters and served as Artistic Director of the Singapore International Piano Festival from 2004 to 2008. His blog Pianomania has covered international piano competitions and musical events in four continents. He has a keen interest in travelling, street food and cat photography.

Argerich grandsons make a splash with the Thailand Philharmonic in Singapore