THE MOMENT II @ The Jazz Loft

Following our full house last time, we are back at Blu Jaz for another unforgettable atmosphere! Join us for a night of original premieres, improvisational performances, and genre-defying reimaginations that invite you directly into the music.

This experience features an extraordinary lineup: internationally acclaimed maestro Karst de Jong, a keyboard visionary whose artistry bridges classical rigor with the boundless freedom of improvisation; award-winning drummer Neill Gautier, who provides a sophisticated, driving pulse through intricate rhythms and evocative sonic textures; and the versatile Xin Tong, whose guzheng mastery adds a hauntingly beautiful, cross-cultural dimension. Uniquely talented 7-year-old rising-star Jovienne Lu brings a pure, spontaneous brilliance to her own original compositions.

Together, they weave a unique tapestry from Western and Eastern threads, blending classical precision with jazz sensibilities. This is a profound musical journey you will remember for a long time.

Musician Bios

Karst de Jong — Piano

Karst de Jong is a Dutch pianist, improviser, and music theorist. Internationally recognised for his research and work on music theory, improvisation, and collaborative creation, he has 35 years of teaching experience at leading institutions in the Netherlands and Barcelona. Since 2023, he has been a full-time professor at the NUS Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore.

Neill Gautier — Drums

Neill Gautier is a performer, teacher, and composer driven by a passion for spontaneous composition. The founder of Neill’s Jazz Lab, he is an award-winning drummer and instructor with over 20 years of teaching and performance experience. His travels have taken him across continents, where he explored diverse styles—from jazz and funk to Afro-Cuban and electronic music. In Belgium, he delved into contemporary jazz, while in Cameroon he immersed himself in traditional African music. These experiences enriched his artistry, enabling him to blend influences and transcend genres.

Xin Tong – Guzheng (古筝)

Xin Tong is a versatile musician passionate about cross-cultural collaboration and exploring diverse musical traditions. Trained in Western classical piano and Chinese guzheng, she has worked extensively with Indian classical musicians in Singapore, blending Indian elements into her guzheng playing. She performed at Esplanade’s eXchange series in 2024 and 2025 with Carnatic violinist Sreeranjani Muthu Subramanian. She is also learning the Japanese koto and has performed with shamisen and shakuhachi musicians.

She has composed for mixed ensembles featuring diverse ethnic traditions, including projects with The Straits Ensemble Singapore (2023) and School of the Arts’ Silk Road Rhapsodies concert (2025). A student at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, she also spent 2024–2025 at the Sibelius Academy in Finland, collaborating with musicians from around the world. She believes music can foster understanding and connection across cultures.

Jovienne Lu - Piano

Jovienne Lu, a seven-year-old pianist and budding composer with a passion for improvisation, obtained ABRSM Piano Performance Grade 8 at the age of five and ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5 with Distinction at the age of four. A winner of many international competitions, she is a regular performer at concerts and charity events, and has been invited to appear in celebrated concert halls, including the Musikverein in Vienna.

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