• Research Background (including field, context and research question)

This performance explored innovative and creative ways of presenting music from the Western canon. Over a dozen short works and abridged versions of longer ones (including ones for solo and duo piano, and arrangements by the performers of music for solo violin, string quartet, string sextet and a symphony) by different composers were connected (at times with short improvised interludes) within an hour of unbroken musical dialogue and contemplation.

• Research Contribution (including innovation and new knowledge)

Three notably original aspects:
Firstly the programme, titled 3 with 2, was designed to explore and underline the myriad of ways in which these numerical relationships are in constant playful interaction across various levels and parameters of the selected music (through rhythm, metre, melodic and harmonic intervals, chords, the number of contrapuntal voices, key relationships, phrase lengths and form).

Secondly many aspects of the design – from details up to its symmetrical structure - were underlined to the audience throughout by a range of words, illustrations and imagery were projected on a large screen above the performance.

Thirdly, together with two grand pianos, a Nord Stage 3 keyboard was employed provocatively to incorporate a range of sounds beyond what the composers would have recognised.

• Research Significance (evidence of excellence)

The performance was the latest phase of an ongoing collaboration with a distinguished international colleague supported by both institutions (QCGU and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory at the University of Singapore).