Monday, October 14, 2024

Singapore teen performs piano piece for Bhutan's king who 'broke protocol and gave her a big hug' after



Singaporean Hillary O'Sullivan performing at the Bhutan Royal Highland Festival in October 2023.
PHOTO: Singaporean Hillary O'Sullivan performing at the Bhutan Royal Highland Festival in October 2023.
Photo from White Room Studio
Picture posted by Joanne Soh, Asiaone on 12 October 2024 at 10:10 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSNeCERBNkiwlaBSAjIJMB_FE_sorxjxhK3yVAwpzn7pTnMedW2p3__l-YnRnRzqssdXHoYS3TroUJg0BDt3cZJ8PkHq1ltH_Vf2R25XcmWU_lI9SA7cN_GuEQ6RS1e4WMJe466ySaZZLN_8PjaFRTo5tBtp54pKnJgA3RZp_eRlc5N6VrXFvHbfz7Jd4/s1200/12024_sg_st_1.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_top_image/public/original_images/Oct2024/12024_sg_st.jpg?itok=7RyILay6
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-teen-performs-piano-piece-bhutans-king-who-broke-protocol-and-gave-her-big-hug?utm_source=a1home&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=A1+trending&utm_content=c1


SINGAPORE - Hillary O'Sullivan, 13, is living a life less ordinary.

The Singaporean was invited to perform at Bhutan's Royal Highland Festival, which ran from Oct 23 to 24, 2023.

Hillary was then 12 and a student at St Joseph's Institution International (SJII). She was the first foreigner and youngest performer to be invited to participate in the South Asian country's national cultural festival since its inception in 2016. She played the piano for Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the event.


 Hillary was then 12 and a student at St Joseph's Institution International (SJII).
PHOTO: Hillary was then 12 and a student at St Joseph's Institution International (SJII). She was the first foreigner and youngest performer to be invited to participate in the South Asian country's national cultural festival since its inception in 2016. She played the piano for Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck at the event.
Picture posted by Madison Academy of Music Singapore on Monday, 30 September 2024 at 01:33 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtWlXL92014TTKFWhuskejfY5ismacOHFZSQjXzwLg1u8OjeFsx8SIKJkbClbgRsHMpp8j1DR7x8fdrSpYqhuUcRtWpwkn_cs25jq7oW5b7AhA4hxLxwHGaEoyLppguaRMXqi9zl81t-OEypH6Cvilu8_Qh7gwyAB4b5nUfnyecRyfS92620GGumMZ0w/s1440/461779433_18464360734027921_1552721499568572803_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin15-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/461779433_18464360734027921_1552721499568572803_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=Dztnos9H73kQ7kNvgFjoO1X&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin15-2.fna&_nc_gid=AaDpj1oqo9AVngPN7ru247s&oh=00_AYCgyw5qa3JncUPlEVoF7PmBcfm-wW0UJ1BE7xxXXdXWHw&oe=67119249
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1051943043603547&set=pcb.1051943066936878


Her Bhutan adventure was documented in the short film The Girl And Her Piano, which premiered at a private screening in Singapore on Oct 8.

The 11-minute film, directed and produced by Hillary's mother Elaine Lim, highlights the urgent environmental issues in the Himalayan region, with a focus on the threat to Bhutan's glaciers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC02BQza_YU&t=3s


Told through the eyes of the Bhutanese people and narrated by Hillary, it was self-funded, said Ms Lim, 50, creative director of local photography studio White Room Studio. There are plans for the documentary to be streamed online, added the first-time film-maker.

The journey to the festival, held in the remote village of Laya, which is 4,000m above sea level, was arduous. It included a four-hour hike up the mountains.


 The journey to the festival, held in the remote village of Laya, which is 4,000m above sea level, was arduous. It included a four-hour hike up the mountains.
PHOTO: The journey to the festival, held in the remote village of Laya, which is 4,000m above sea level, was arduous. It included a four-hour hike up the mountains.
Photo via @kingjigmekhesar on Instagram - Bhutan king treks along mountainous border to ensure safety & well-being of citizens amid Covid-19
Picture posted by Nigel Chua, mothership on 27 June 2021 at 01:52 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_acDj-0O6cB_wfvqG5dBH_kIPAJXWq780vlGMqPY0XnOIlTTnXEhe2FjAaO3kiwa3uEfFLmtwaTkD23QSW9w6843JP0btNe4wcawWhirsO0KjDikJk6BIs3Vo1wFbzrWyQNfa0ApBjuGLgWMN4nPZoVCBxxc_QrJoAQiE0u3PxXpi28UVuixGTlSN-eo/s1080/bhutan-king-trek-9.jpg
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2021/06/bhutan-king-trek-9.jpg
https://mothership.sg/2021/06/bhutan-king-treks-mountains-covid-19/


Hillary, accompanied by Ms Lim and three Bhutanese film crew members, also had to battle strong winds and cold weather, which varied from 5 deg C to minus 6 deg

"We slept in tents, and it was so cold at night," Hillary told The Straits Times, recalling how her fingers were frozen, making it hard to play her instrument.



Posted by Hillary O’Sullivan - The Girl and Her Piano - 12yo pianist plays for climate awareness in the highlands of Bhutan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sC02BQza_YU&t=30s


"I was out of my comfort zone. I'm also not very fit, so the hike up the mountains was challenging."

The Grade 7 SJII student added that the high altitude made breathing difficult, which added to her exhaustion.

During the two-day festival, she was also the accompanist for a Bhutanese children's choir. But the highlight of the trip was meeting King Jigme Khesar, 44.


 Now 13, Singaporean Hillary O’Sullivan was the first and youngest foreigner to be invited to perform for the King of Bhutan at Bhutan’s Royal Highland Festival in October 2023.
PHOTO: Now 13, Singaporean Hillary O’Sullivan was the first and youngest foreigner to be invited to perform for the King of Bhutan at Bhutan’s Royal Highland Festival in October 2023.
Photo from The Straits Times
Picture posted by Joanne Soh, Asiaone on 12 October 2024 at 10:10 am
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmE3CV6aCMIny_pqekE6iq2kAzmF0TcIdoTrqJZexu1kidnOq5SJVBg-AnxRkrWeVtA3hDNMNCjRDq2s5oxuuqMSa2VC_mayyAVRvp1bwT35APLGV6nJVOZNL0Ui2JM990dk6QxOxyEiuc2Iiifl4rZLN57F4BSRZb7_SZdC29pFQTn3AI_TrTwDrEyM/s860/12024_piano_st.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/12024_piano_st.jpg
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/singapore-teen-performs-piano-piece-bhutans-king-who-broke-protocol-and-gave-her-big-hug?utm_source=a1home&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=A1+trending&utm_content=c1


"We were briefed on the proper etiquette when we were in his presence. I was to take three steps backwards and bow after my performance," said Hillary, who recently completed her Grade 8 ABRSM piano examination.

To her surprise, after playing the piece Rhapsody Of A Changing Antarctic, she said King Jigme Khesar broke protocol, walked up to Hillary and gave her a big hug.

"I was so shocked and did not know what to do," she said, laughing. "I got to see him up close and took a photo with him."


 To her surprise, after playing the piece Rhapsody Of A Changing Antarctic, she said King Jigme Khesar broke protocol, walked up to Hillary and gave her a big hug.
PHOTO: To her surprise, after playing the piece Rhapsody Of A Changing Antarctic, she said King Jigme Khesar broke protocol, walked up to Hillary and gave her a big hug.
Photo from Bhutan Royal Office For Media
Picture posted by Natalie Ong, mothership on 12 October 2024 at 01:17 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00kVZDCFt5hExkWYFdXKKfuP7xOMtv4SyImm4h2ChmZylPWjVFA-84xoL_sgmIQyEX5eHlZ9k3y6fDuxOaYqnbYAqwk0d7e01PmtbAoC-AeDZwnM6wiXYuAoW7687apl6Mq0aQpZ8DOkIp49tSinGXSZWpbh6d4wnCyv8oWwk8ttE3XOmOmk0-mtH9rw/s1426/bhutan-king-hug.png
https://static.mothership.sg/1/2024/10/bhutan-king-hug.png
https://mothership.sg/2024/10/singapore-teen-piano-bhutan-king/


Rhapsody Of A Changing Antarctic, reflecting the dire global climate situation, was composed by Belgian musician Eric Bettens for the Antarctic Climate Expedition, which took place from Feb 13 to 23, 2023.

Hillary was one of 12 Singaporeans among 120 people from around the world participating in the voyage. She was specially selected to perform the piece on the expedition organised by the Ocean Geographic Society to find ways to mitigate climate change.

She was also the youngest among the climate ambassadors, who included marine enthusiasts, scientists, wildlife photographers and doctors, to make the 10-day journey to Antarctica. There, she witnessed melting glaciers, experienced warm temperatures and spotted algae and grass growing - all signs of climate change.


 Hillary was one of 12 Singaporeans among 120 people from around the world participating in the voyage.
PHOTO: Hillary was one of 12 Singaporeans among 120 people from around the world participating in the voyage. She was specially selected to perform the piece on the expedition organised by the Ocean Geographic Society to find ways to mitigate climate change.
Picture posted by Madison Academy of Music Singapore on Monday, 30 September 2024 at 01:33 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS8Fk5W1-2Ov9fER4YM4Qk_pMGFDwsaxS6jxNEpX84wDao3lvIBYMduXruP9CfQWjxUWlW56BdlpEfPymNsazDfzRVF0djQYqA3JbWSD0qNJfpUTw0_eczABzBub9tPpCueIb8TSg0ZrDnf8FbyPEXGu4biOT2AXwn7aKRvs35c25W0Xs5iNTMig7CeA8/s999/461694979_18464360725027921_8296608270364369141_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin15-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/461694979_18464360725027921_8296608270364369141_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=8Ug1wL1mb8wQ7kNvgHsa6Xt&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin15-2.fna&_nc_gid=Ayz1-l4DsoWMhvqyvACmDi8&oh=00_AYBEEqtQ7cV3x1vdzbrVFP2zkzkWa_vCTBn9O73ekom-hA&oe=6711ACC2
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1051943043603547&set=pcb.1051943066936878


Hillary, who started learning the piano at three years old, has won several awards, including the Silver Award at the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Piano Competition in 2021.

Videos of her recitals in Indonesia in 2019 and the Maldives in 2020 on her YouTube channel caught the attention of the organiser of the Antarctic expedition. And it was her performance in the South Pole that got Hillary the invitation to Bhutan.

"Before Bhutan and Antarctica, I did not know much about climate change," said Hillary, whose Ireland-born Singaporean father Declan O'Sullivan, 59, is the chief executive of executive search firm Kerry Consulting. Her elder twin sisters are 15.


 Hillary, who started learning the piano at three years old, has won several awards, including the Silver Award at the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Piano Competition in 2021.
PHOTO: Hillary, who started learning the piano at three years old, has won several awards, including the Silver Award at the Singapore Raffles International Music Festival Piano Competition in 2021.
Picture posted by White Room Studio - The enchanting melodies played by Hillary provided a harmonious backdrop for Minister Ms Indranee Rajah, Dr Sylvia Earle and all distinguished guests, and will be played during opening hours of the exhibition as well, thus inviting visitors to immerse themselves fully in the exhibition’s transformative experience!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkjttUvvrP0AnDxWXIsBPhZ71-rO3HnGdtNAgkAT8FjTDEJlIF6A0BX4xik8GCNmeHB1LUEu6tP5K9ierY5FW79DxHik-RK0FJTr5IH4Kc-FGUihr0N99kwxuIuYWJuaF2t3pJoejanhe5k-ZD2-BhoxWq21j4LE3r3HejzLemSD8aJFXwYzh6t8ggNo/s1024/Hillary-OSullivan-Young-Pianist-CDL-Green-Gallery-Opening-Botanic-Gardens-Performance-e1688786915615-1024x643.jpg
https://www.whiteroomstudio.com.sg/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Hillary-OSullivan-Young-Pianist-CDL-Green-Gallery-Opening-Botanic-Gardens-Performance-e1688786915615-1024x643.jpg
https://www.whiteroomstudio.com.sg/blog/white-room-studio-supports-ocean-geographic-society-singapore-cdl-green-gallery-reopening/


"During the trips, I got to see in person the real and serious problems caused by climate change, like the rising sea levels."

She added that people need to know more about global warming and "change how we live our lives, as a person and collectively as a community".


 During the trips, I got to see in person the real and serious problems caused by climate change, like the rising sea levels.
PHOTO: "During the trips, I got to see in person the real and serious problems caused by climate change, like the rising sea levels."
She added that people need to know more about global warming and "change how we live our lives, as a person and collectively as a community".
Picture posted by White Room Studio
 

 The 11-minute film, directed and produced by Hillary's mother Elaine Lim, highlights the urgent environmental issues in the Himalayan region, with a focus on the threat to Bhutan's glaciers.
PHOTO: The 11-minute film, directed and produced by Hillary's mother Elaine Lim, highlights the urgent environmental issues in the Himalayan region, with a focus on the threat to Bhutan's glaciers.
Picture posted by White Room Studio - Hillary O'Sullivan, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and Elaine Lim (Hillary's mother)
 

 During the trips, I got to see in person the real and serious problems caused by climate change, like the rising sea levels.
PHOTO: "During the trips, I got to see in person the real and serious problems caused by climate change, like the rising sea levels."
She added that people need to know more about global warming and "change how we live our lives, as a person and collectively as a community".
Picture posted by White Room Studio - Hillary O'Sullivan, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and Elaine Lim (Hillary's mother)
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/41753027
 

 Elaine Lim, Co-founder and Creative Director at White Room Studio
PHOTO: Elaine Lim, Co-founder and Creative Director at White Room Studio
Picture posted by White Room Studio - Hillary O'Sullivan, Dr. Sylvia Earle, and Elaine Lim (Hillary's mother)
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/41692606
 

 After an extensive and meticulous global screening process, Elaine was selected as one of the 120 ambassadors from over 20 countries to participate in ACE.
PHOTO: After an extensive and meticulous global screening process, Elaine was selected as one of the 120 ambassadors from over 20 countries to participate in ACE. Elaine’s passion for environmental conservation and her expertise in photography make her an exceptional addition to the team.
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/41692589
 

 Videos of her recitals in Indonesia in 2019 and the Maldives in 2020 on her YouTube channel caught the attention of the organiser of the Antarctic expedition.
PHOTO: Videos of her recitals in Indonesia in 2019 and the Maldives in 2020 on her YouTube channel caught the attention of the organiser of the Antarctic expedition. And it was her performance in the South Pole that got Hillary the invitation to Bhutan.
Picture posted by Joanne Soh, Asiaone on 12 October 2024 at 10:10 am
Photo Lab effect on picture at https://photolab.me/d/41645998
By Joanne Soh, Asiaone, 12 October 2024 at 10:10 am
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.



Reference












Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)