Post APEF 2017 Interviews

Our Asia-Pacific Electone Festival (APEF) 2017 representatives had a chat with our Music Director about what it was like to compete at the APEF, at Capitol Theatre, on home ground.

Two of them, Chua Wan Zhi, Kerrie Ann and Lim Wee Hun Stephen who will represent Singapore at Yamaha Electone Concours in Osaka, Japan, shared about their thoughts and preparation for the coming competition on 2 and 3 December 2017.

Xiao Wen

I didn’t feel that nervous, because I just wanted to perform freely to bring out the joyous atmosphere of my piece.

Being part of the APEF host country I talked to the contestants from the different countries and we mingled along very well despite some differences. I hope they felt comfortable during the time with us!

Elizabeth Tan

The APEF was a very fun and unforgettable event. I made many new friends, and some ‘old’ friends whom I met at APEF 2013. It was an honour playing at the grand Capitol Theatre. On stage, the speakers amplified my playing, and that was super enjoyable!

As a part of APEF host country, I did my best in taking the initiative to converse with them, and eat with them. Being bilingual was helpful- communication was easy throughout the 2 days. Being bonded by our common love and passion for music, we will be good friends and look forward to meeting each other at future Yamaha events.

Pualina Lim

It was my first time competing at APEF, so it was really an exciting experience.

I’m really blessed to be given this opportunity to perform and represent Singapore on such a stage. In addition to being able to make new friends from the various countries, it was a really nice to have the representatives of different countries come together to perform and share our music on the same stage.

Tok Min

I was feeling pretty nervous as this is the first time I performed solo to so many people and was in the spotlight on such a big stage. However, it was a wonderful memorable experience - from sourcing of nice clothes to wear to meeting and interacting with new friends during the festival.

Chua Wan Zhi, Kerrie Ann

As this was my first time performing in such a beautiful and grand concert hall in front of a large audience, I had to conquer my anxiety by telling myself “I’ll be in my zone and people will be cheering for me.”

My 1st experience at APEF was wonderful and memorable. Never before have I made so many friends from overseas who shared the same interest with me in music. It was fun and very enjoyable during the farewell dinner.

Having seen the excellent performances by other contestants, and being amazed by the improvisation skills by the Senior Contestants, I realise that I have to work harder as there is more to achieve.

With school exams just over, I can focus on the preparation for Yamaha Electone Concours. Besides my own composition ‘Toyland’ there is a compulsory piece that is required. It is really challenging as I have less than a month but I will put in my best effort definitely.

Lim Wee Hun Stephen

I feel deeply grateful to have been given the Silver Prize — the opportunity to proceed to compete at the Yamaha Electone Concours (YEC) 2017 which will be held in Osaka, Japan on 2 and 3 December 2017.

At APEF, besides performing 'The Messiah', which tells of the story of Jesus Christ and His unparalleled love for all humanity, the Senior Section had to compete in another segment - ‘Improvisation’. Having to pick one of three prescribed motifs, given ten minutes to imagine, invent and implement a 3 minute long – full- fledged – musical arrangement on the Electone was intense and very memorable. I certainly experienced as much personal growth as I did musical adventure.

I currently work as an Associate Professor of Psychology at the National University of Singapore and, moving forward, endeavour to use psychological science to enhance music education and to help musicians and music lovers succeed — discover every purpose, meaning, and fulfillment — in their musical journeys.