On 27 June 2026, 16-year-old pianist Kevin Tan presented a charity piano recital at the historic St Alfege Church in Greenwich, London, for members of the local community and visitors.
With a history spanning more than a thousand years, St Alfege Church is a Grade I listed building and forms an important part of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site. King Henry VIII was baptised here, and the church also has close historical associations with the renowned Renaissance composer Thomas Tallis. As one of Greenwich's most significant landmarks, it has witnessed centuries of British royal, religious, architectural and musical history.
For this recital, Kevin performed a programme featuring works by Beethoven, Liszt, Ravel and Chopin, spanning the Classical, Romantic and French Impressionist traditions. The repertoire showcased the rich expressive possibilities of the piano, from Beethoven's dramatic intensity and Chopin's lyrical elegance to Ravel's refined colours and Liszt's virtuosic brilliance.
Following the performance, audience members expressed their admiration for Kevin's artistry and musical maturity. One listener remarked:
"When Kevin plays, his arms seem to become the wings of a bird. He is no longer simply playing the piano—he is flying through the music. In that moment, the performer and the music become one, just as a bird disappears into the sky, leaving only the music itself."
Many audience members commented that Kevin's sensitive and deeply expressive performance brought them a sense of peace, inspiration and emotional connection throughout the hour-long recital.
Since 2024, Kevin has remained committed to community outreach through music, giving regular charity concerts in churches, community centres and care homes across London and the surrounding areas. Performing for elderly residents, children and local communities, he has now presented nearly twenty charity recitals. Through these performances, he hopes to bring classical music beyond the concert hall, making it an accessible and meaningful part of everyday community life while fostering human connection through the universal language of music.
Recital Programme:
Sonata No.17 in D minor 'Tempest' -- Ludvig van Beethoven （1770-1827）
Liebestraum No. 3, Notturno -- Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Sonatine -- Maurice Ravel ( 1875-1937 )
Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante in E flat major Op. 22 -- Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)
