When people ask me, in years to come, what one of mymost memorable experiences has been, I think I wouldhave to cite the concerts I did in Singapore in Januaryat the beginning of 2012. They took place in anexhibition from a collection from the Musée d'Orsay ofFrench Impressionist and Pre-Impressionist paintings,including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Pissarro, andCézanne, to name but a few. The works I performedwere by Debussy, featuring the two books of Préludes, awork Debussy himself admitted was very muchinfluenced by the paintings and pictures around him. Toactually be in the room with some of these paintings, orat least paintings by some of the very painters Debussyknew, and to be able to perform this music for anenthusiastic public was quite exhilarating. The fusion ofmusic and painting produced a few extraordinarymoments. Debussy will also feature largely in a recital Iam doing in Leeds at the beginning of February, and Iwill certainly share with the audience my wonderfulexperience in Singapore.Much of January there was also spent coaching somevery talented piano students at the Yong Siew TohConservatory of Music, where I will return later in Marchthis year. The Conservatory is wonderfully equipped andall the students are indeed very fortunate to be part ofthis institution.February will see concerts in Amsterdam and Rotterdambefore returning back to the steamy climate ofSingapore. The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam alwaysbrings back fond memories, and I look forward toperforming there again. Not surprisingly, theprogramme will include some Debussy!January 2012Chopin Mazurka Op 59 No 2. From a Live Performance at the La Jolla Music SocietyUSA December 2010