The Oceanus Trio was established in 2023 and made its debut in 2024 at Bechstein’s Recital Studio with a programme featuring Beethoven’s Piano Trio in C minor, Op.1 No.3, alongside other works in the key of C, in a concert titled “Concert in C.” In 2025, they performed at Singapore’s Esplanade Recital Studio in “From France with Franz,” presenting Schubert’s Piano Trio No. 1 and Fauré’s Piano Trio. Their pianist, Hong Xiang, is to blame for the group’s playful concert titles, owing to his fondness for alliteration. Outside of chamber music, he runs his own piano studio and regularly organizes and performs in concerts. His recent solo appearances have featured virtuoso repertoire including Schubert’s Wanderer Fantasy and Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 8.

The trio was formed at the initiative of violinist Gabriel Ng, following his return from London to Singapore. As a soloist, Gabriel has performed with renowned orchestras such as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, and his recording of Elgar’s Violin Concerto has received critical acclaim. An avid chamber musician, he has also appeared in ensembles at prestigious venues including the Barbican and Wigmore Halls. Gabriel performs on a 1909 Francesco Guadagnini violin generously on loan from the Rin Collection.

It was a happy coincidence that Hong Xiang’s youngest brother, Hong Tzin, a seasoned orchestral cellist, completed the ensemble’s lineup. In his youth, he performed internationally as a member of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra.

As a trio, The Oceanus Trio has garnered recognition in several international competitions, including First Prize at the Medici International Music Competition, Second Prize at the Berlin Classical Music Competition, the Platinum Prize at the Couperin International Music Competition, and the Silver Prize at the Amadeus International Music Awards.