A Personal Bond with the Cello

For Ng Pei Sian, the cello has always been more than just an instrument - it’s a deeply personal journey. "The cello was the instrument chosen for me and my twin brother, Pei-Jee, at a young age," he shares. "Growing up sharing nearly everything, owning my own cello was incredibly meaningful. It was my own bow, my own rosin, and it felt special in a way nothing else did."

The Story Behind the Instrument

Pei Sian performs on two unique cellos, each with a distinct voice. His first is an antique Italian cello crafted by Giovanni Antonio Marchi in 1764. Previously owned by his teacher, Janis Laurs, this cello has accompanied him through countless performances. "During the height of the pandemic, I wanted something new to rekindle my inspiration, so I commissioned a cello from Paolo Vettori in Florence, inspired by the renowned Guadagnini model. It has a clear, cantabile tone and a sweet resonance that has been incredibly rewarding to explore."

The Perfect Tools: Bows and Strings

A self-described collector of fine bows, Pei Sian is particularly fond of his John Dodd bow, which once belonged to Leonard Rose. “Each bow has a distinct voice,” he explains. His everyday bow, however, is a Guillaume from Gramercy, known for its balance and clarity. Additionally, he uses a Singaporean-crafted bow by Paul Goh, modeled after a Peccatte, with a powerful and robust tone. For strings, Pei Sian relies on a combination of Larsen Magnacore Strong for the A, D, and G, with a Magnacore Arioso C, creating a flexible tonal range.

The Joy of Playing the Cello

"For me, it’s all about tone," Pei Sian says. "The cello’s vibrations and richness keep me inspired, even when external elements aren’t ideal. I am a cellist before I am a musician, and it’s hard to imagine devoting myself to any other instrument."

Early Musical Memories

One memory that stands out vividly is a mishap from his early days. "When I was about six, I tried tuning my A-string with the peg, not realising how delicate it was. I ended up snapping the string and quickly hid it, fearing my parents’ reaction. It wasn’t until my next lesson that I faced the consequences!"

Performing with Legends

In 2016, Pei Sian experienced a career milestone performing alongside Yo-Yo Ma with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, playing Sollima’s Violoncelles Vibrez!. "Yo-Yo was incredibly generous," he recalls. "During one rehearsal, he let me play on Jacqueline Du Pré’s ‘Davidov’ Stradivari. It was like a dream come true, and that moment will stay with me forever."

Words of Wisdom

When advising young musicians, Pei Sian’s guidance is straightforward yet profound. "As my teacher would say, take care of your playing, and the career will follow. Every performance is a step closer to filling that proverbial bucket."

The Role of Gramercy Music

"Gramercy has been incredibly supportive," he notes. "They understand my needs and provide access to exceptional luthiers like the Vettor Family and Guillaume’s bow collection. Their passion for quality instruments has made a tangible difference in my journey."

Aiming for Authenticity

"For me, it’s about being the truest version of myself as a musician," Pei Sian reflects. His upcoming performance with Chloe Chua on Brahms' Double Concerto with the Singapore Symphony on their Australian tour is a performance he eagerly anticipates.

The Enduring Legacy of Classical Music

"Classical music will always resonate. Great music endures," Pei Sian asserts. "Whether it’s Beethoven or Bach, we’ll be listening with fresh ears for generations to come." In a world of evolving tastes and trends, he believes in the timeless power of classical music.

Humans of Gramercy proudly celebrates Pei Sian, whose dedication and artistry enrich the world of classical music. Join us as we continue to spotlight the remarkable journeys of musicians within the Gramercy Music community.