Victor Khor stands among Asia’s most accomplished solo pianists and teachers, celebrated for his rare blend of virtuosity, imagination, and artistic courage. His playing has earned the admiration of two of the world’s leading pianists – Jean-Yves Thibaudet praises him as “a sophisticated pianist with inner musicianship,” while Stephen Hough describes him as “a fine, sensitive and exciting pianist with an imaginative flair.”
Victor began studying both piano and violin at the age of eight, setting in motion a lifelong pursuit of musical mastery. He later became the first Singaporean pianist to receive a scholarship to the legendary Moscow Conservatoire, where he studied under piano titans Tatiana Nikolayeva and Yevgeny Malinin. He continued refining his craft with Chopin specialist Ryszard Bakst and deepened his interpretive approach under George Hadjinikos at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
A fearless explorer of repertoire, Victor was the first Singaporean pianist to perform three monumental works in concert – Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Ravel’s Gaspard de la Nuit, and Prokofiev’s Eighth “War” Sonata. He is especially celebrated for his interpretations of the French, Russian, and Viennese masters, with performances of Prokofiev’s Second Concerto and Rachmaninoff’s Fourth earning both public and critical acclaim. The Straits Times has described him as “intrepid” and “a maverick… from whom one can only expect the unexpected.”
Victor’s artistic identity extends beyond the classical canon. His curiosity and versatility draw him into contemporary genres such as jazz, new age, minimalism, and rock – broadening his musical language and captivating audiences across Asia and Europe. Few Singaporean pianists traverse such adventurous artistic terrain or perform in as many unconventional venues.
Alongside his performing career, Victor is a devoted educator with a special passion for teaching. He is particularly known for his expertise in working with children with special needs, creating personalised, empathetic, and musically enriching learning environments that empower each student to thrive. He also conducts masterclasses and workshops across Singapore and Malaysia and has served as an adjudicator for various music competitions.
Beyond the concert stage, Victor brings his artistry to private events, intimate recitals, and bespoke performances, offering memorable musical experiences tailored to diverse audiences.
Whether interpreting timeless masterpieces or pushing the boundaries of modern expression, Victor Khor remains a compelling and unpredictable force at the piano - an artist whose vision continues to challenge, surprise, and resonate deeply with audiences.
