Concert Introduction

Experience a journey through the evolution of piano music as acclaimed Macao pianist Chan Chon Teng presents a program that bridges the Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras. This recital offers a rare opportunity to hear three masterworks that each reflect their composer’s unique voice and historical context.

Mozart’s Piano Sonata in D major, K.284 (1775) is the grand finale of his first set of piano sonatas. Known for its symphonic scope and technical brilliance, this work showcases Mozart’s youthful creativity and mastery. The sonata features dramatic contrasts, a dance-inspired second movement, and a dazzling set of twelve variations as its finale—an innovation in Mozart’s writing for solo piano.

Schumann’s Humoreske, Op. 20 (1839), written during a period of personal turmoil in Vienna, is one of the composer’s most intimate and unpredictable piano works. In this musical diary, Schumann explores a kaleidoscope of emotions, shifting rapidly from tenderness to exuberance, melancholy to playful energy. The work’s free form and lyrical melodies invite the audience to share in Schumann’s laughter and tears.

Bartók’s Out of Doors Suite, Sz. 81 (1926) brings us into the vivid sound world of early twentieth-century modernism. Composed during a creative renaissance for Bartók, the suite’s five movements evoke scenes from nature and folk life, drawing on the rhythms and modes of Hungarian and Eastern European folk music. Listeners are treated to a striking sonic journey that pulses with both ancient echoes and contemporary vitality.

About the Artist

Chan Chon Teng is an emerging pianist from Macao, widely recognized for his innovative artistry and commitment to community engagement. In 2024, he captivated audiences with “You, Debussy, and Chan Chon Teng”—a recital blending multi-sensory lighting design with masterful pianism, offering immersive interpretations of Debussy’s music. This pioneering project, part of his acclaimed series “Pause, Follow, Teng,” was featured in the documentary The Story of Macau, highlighting his unique approach to concert programming.

Chan has garnered top honors at the Macau International Piano Concerto Competition and was invited to perform with the Hong Kong Symphonia under Maestro Choi Sown Le. As founder of the Opus One Artists Association of Macao and a Macao Cultural Communication Ambassador, he is devoted to sharing music’s transformative power. He frequently collaborates with Caritas Macau, organizing benefit concerts that channel his artistry into meaningful social impact.

A graduate of The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) with a Bachelor of Music (Honors) degree under the mentorship of Dr. Chang Tao, Chan is the recipient of a prestigious scholarship for his Master’s studies and serves as a student representative on key institutional committees. His musical journey began at the Academia de Música S. Pio X, where he studied with Tam Man Man and accompanied the Instituto Salesiano Macau choir.