Friday, December 26, 2014

'A Song and a Smile' - Mezzo Recital Fundraiser for Cambodian Children

Join American mezzo-soprano Fleur Barron, pianist Iris Koh, guest singer Christopher Lee and the St. Joseph Church Choir in a recital and buffet for only $30, all to benefit a child-care centre in Cambodia. Check out the poster below for more information:



'Poetry and Love' - Recital by Christine Seng


Soprano Christine Seng will be presenting her solo recital on 17 January 2015 with Vincent Chen on Piano and guest artistes Tenor Kee Loi-Seng and Violinist Christina Zhou. Here's more information:

Renée Fleming, Kelli O'Hara sing 'Silver Bells'

Renée Fleming and Broadway diva Kelli O'Hara, Hanna Gawari and Valancciene in the Metropolitan Opera's new production of The Merry Widow, wishes everyone a Merry Christmas!


Sunday, December 21, 2014

La Traviata at La Scala - 2013/2014 Opening Night on 7 Dec 2013

Having watched the entire video from start to finish, I can't imagine what is so particularly controversial about this production that would warrant such fervent booing on opening night (edited out of this video unfortunately). Just that its not dripping in sequins, crystals and faux marble pillars. Sets are pared down and drama directed at inner conflict rather than outward theatrics. Direction was certainly unconventional but is done within and with respect to the text and characters. The three lead cast members' singing was excellent, particularly Diana Damrau of course. No subtitles unfortunately.


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Piano Spa 7 - 'Moonlight Waves'


If you are feeling tired and emotionally drained, check out this 7th release of the Piano Spa series of piano instrumental music that promises to sooth your weary soul and lift your miserable spirit. The album is available for CD purchase and for download on iTunes. Here's more information:


Presenting the 7th Installment of Singapore's New Age Piano Spa Series

Piano Spa is an anthology of successful New Age Instrumental albums.

The Piano Spa series is a collection of original instrumental compositions that have been described by listeners as “healing”, “relaxing” and “inspiring”.Unknown to many, the Piano Spa series is probably the best-selling Instrumental series to emerge from our very own Singapore.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

SLO Children's Choir's 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' in Review - 13 Dec 2014


I attended a lovely concert by the kids of the SLO Children's Choir on Saturday night. Conducted by Rose Loh and accompanied by Aloysius Foong, the children sang and performed simple choreography in their colourful costumes, taking turns onstage with the Nanyang Children's Choir, conducted by Joyce Beetuan Koh and accompanied by Isaiah Koh,


Sunday, December 14, 2014

'Our Time' by Yellow Chair Productions - 17 to 21 Dec 2014


Yellow Chair Productions presents a musical revue entitled Our Times, featuring an original storyline about the life and times of twenty-somethings, with songs from contemporary musical theatre composers. Here's more information:




Show Details:
17th-21st December 2014
Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 8pm
Sat, Sun: 3pm

Location:
Drama Centre Black Box, 100 Victoria Street,
National Library Building Level 5, Singapore 188064

Cast:
Mohamad Shaifulbahri, Kimberly Chan, Andrew Marko, Adeeb Fazah, Alyssa Lie, Sharon Sum, Ching Shu Yi, Aldafi Adnan Tiara Yap, Chen Meihui

Director: Mohamad Shaifulbahri
Music Director: Aloysius Foong
Choreographer: Kimberly Chan

Our Time - A Musical Revue

Set in a fictional café, Our Time journeys through the lives of a group of twenty-somethings in a musical revue that explores the fears, desires and hopes of a defining period in our lives- the Twenties. The characters sing of their lives, impacted by the happening’s and developments of their town and café, through a pastiche of modern and contemporary musical theatre songs from renowned composers like Stephen Sondheim, Marc Shaiman and Jonathan Larson to new ones like Kerrigan and Lowdermilk, Carner and Gregor and Ryan Scott Oliver. Our Time is a sincere and relevant musical anthology that will make our hearts laugh and cry, leaving us pondering: Are our twenties really the best years of our lives?





More information available at the Events Page!

Friday, December 12, 2014

Dream Academy and RWS's 'Great World Cabaret' - 18 Feb to 17 Mar 2015


After a slew of tacky imported jukebox musicals, its nice to finally get a new production with a local touch at Resorts World Sentosa. Dream Academy and its cast of trademark characters will a brand new show at Resorts World Sentosa in February 2015, recreating the vintage funtimes of the Great World Cabaret. In true RWS style, the stage will be crammed with singers, dancers, comedians and acrobats. Even the stars of yesteryear will come alive once again, including Rose Chan (played by Ms Seong Hui-Xuan), popular Malay folk singer Kartina Dahari (played by Ms Aisyah Aziz) and Singapore's reigning a-go-go and yodeling queen Sakura Teng (played by Ms Joanna Dong). Mark Lee, Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan, Hossan Leong and Judee Tan will take turns to make guest appearances and present stand-up acts.




Check out the Events Page for more information!


Tuesday, December 9, 2014

SLO Children's Choir's 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' - 13 December 2014


The Singapore Lyric Opera Children's Choir will be performing their annual concert this coming Saturday, 13 December 2014 at the Esplanade Concert Hall at 7.30pm. The Nanyang Children's Chorus are also featured as guest performers. Conductor Rose Loh and pianist Aloysius Fong will be on hand to guide the little kiddies. More information including full programme available at the SLO Website:

http://singaporeopera.com.sg/currentseason/1415/choral-concert.php?menugroup=0

Diana Damrau Recording of 'Lucia di Lammermoor'


Here's what I want for Christmas! This new recording also features Joseph Calleja and Ludovic Tézier as Edgardo and Enrico.

Listen to sample clips on the Warner Music website.


Monday, December 8, 2014

'The Last Five Years' Movie Trailer

Here's a first look at the upcoming film of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, hopefully to be making its way to Singapore soon. I fell in love with the musical when Dream Academy staged it earlier this year. It'll be nice to watch another interpretation of it, and see how the film can make a logical narrative of the score's disjointed storytelling.




Wednesday, December 3, 2014

ONE Chamber Choir's 'Seasons: The Earth in Motion' - 7 Dec 2014


The ONE Chamber Choir under the baton of Ms Lim Ai Hooi will present their Esplanade Concert Hall debut with a concert entitled Seasons: The Earth in Motion, as part of the Esplanade's Voices ensemble singing festival. Check out the festival website for more details and see what else is in store:

http://www.voicesfestival.com.sg

Monday, December 1, 2014

Singapore International Violin Competition - 10 to 21 January 2015

Click to enlarge
The Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music are proud to be hosts to the inaugural Singapore International Violin Competition (SIVC) happening between 10 to 21 January 2015. Some of the world’s top young violinists will battle it out for prizes of $100,000 cash, exclusive artist representation, a recording contract with Naxos and performance opportunities with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Three Singaporean violinists will be featured in the finals. Check out their official website to find out who these local-born prodigies are!

http://www.singaporeviolincompetition.com

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

W!ld Rice's 'Monkey Goes West' (till 13 Dec) in Pictures

I was invited to attend the opening night of W!ld Rice's children's pantomime Monkey Goes West but a bad bout of food poisoning prevented me from doing so (lost quite a bit of weight by the way). Nonetheless, check out these production pictures from that evening (click to enlarge). Looks like a fun production doesn't it? The show runs till 13 December 2014 and tickets are available on the Events Page.






Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Audioimage Wind Ensemble's 'Sound Paints Music Across Silver Screen' - 16 November 2014


Contemporary Spanish composer Oscar Navarro's Concerto for Clarinet, as performed this past Sunday by clarinettist Colin Tan and conductor Clarence Tan leading the Audioimage Wind Ensemble at NAFA's Lee Foundation Theatre, blew me away with its cutting edge yet completely accessible freshness.


Sandwiched among a programme of movie soundtrack and musical theatre arrangements, its dark, moody opening developed into a series of virtuosic turns, from high pianissmi to demanding runs at breakneck speed, incorporating upbeat jazz and folk influences. Despite a few flubs, the music was delivered with high and infectious energy from the soloist and largely young players, their collective love for the score is evident. It was a success for all involved.


MBS 'Mamma Mia' in Review


Truth be told I'm not a big fan of jukebox musicals, they are usually more of a song-and-dance cabaret than musical storytelling, plots are reduced to set-ups for the next number as opposed to story telling, and the music is meant to elicit excitement from audience members at hearing familiar tunes than to move the plot along and heighten emotions with beautiful melodies.

And yet, watching Mamma Mia, the mother of the genre that started it all, I felt that everything flowed in a very smooth manner. The song and dance of ABBA's music was very much present, but the plot was actually quite interesting and engaging. The songs segue into the drama in the most natural way, and storyline advance while the songs go on.

And what a good looking cast we have here! Lots of handsome faces and toned pecs and abs, from young adults to more mature fellas. In the lead role of Donna, Sara Poyzer gave a highly energetic performance in a long and demanding role. Her voice tends to get screechy at times with flat high notes when she gets carried away, but later on she showed us her formidable vocal chops packed with emotional charge in The Winner Takes it All. Niamh Perry as her teenage daughter also had her share of screechy moments but turned out what is in total an energetic and charming performance.

Monday, November 17, 2014

'The Way North' by 92steel&guts


Piano and violin duo 92steel&guts presents a free concert at the Esplanade Recital Studio, presenting sonatas by Grieg and Respighi. Here's more information:



92steel&guts presents THE WAY NORTH
Sunday, 4th January 2015 || 4:30pm – 6:15pm (incl. Intermission)
Esplanade Recital Studio
Free Admission – Registration Required! || Donations welcomed, post-concert

Gelato and pizza by the Leaning Tower, a scorching 40°C;
Star-gazing under the Aurora Borealis at a freezing –40°C.
Mamma-mia! Basta! ; Uff da! Så spennende!!!
FIRE and ICE.



Join 92steel&guts as we journey north in search of what really embodies Italy and Norway – is Respighi really the award-winning pasta chef? Is Grieg that capable seafarer from your last sailing holiday? Find out more at The Way North!

92steel&guts comprises violinist Tang Tee-Tong and pianist Wong Yun-Qi, Singaporean musicians who are currently based in USA and Germany respectively. The duo will be joined by guest singer Choy Siew-Woon for their debut concert.

PROGRAMME:
A selection of norwegian folksongs and folkdances, transcribed and improvised for Voice, Violin and Piano || Edvard Grieg - Sonata for Violin and Piano, Nr. 3 || Ottorino Respighi - Sonata for Violin and Piano || A selection from Ottorino Respighi´s 5 Pezzi


TICKET REGISTRATION - reserve your tickets through one of the following channels"
1. Do a reservation through this form - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1k1ZRYfIMFuKfO08TPASt3KSnWOfzFHTQA2f-zYCpfTA/viewform
2. Send us an email – 92steelguts@gmail.com

3. Send us an SMS – +65 8494-9723
We will send you a ticket confirmation through the same channel.

Opera Siam's The Magic Flute - 25 tyo 27 December 2014


Opera Siam in Bangkok will present a production of Mozart's The Magic Flute on 25 to 27 December. Here's more information:



Opera Siam's The Magic Flute
25 to 27 December 2014

2 for 1 sale until 1 December 2014
Tickets available at all THAI TICKET MAJOR OUTLETS
or call (02) 2626-3456
for information or special group rates call (02) 231-5273

Have a magical Christmas this year at the Thailand Cultural Center with a world class production of Mozart's family classic "The Magic Flute". See this dazzling Thai-Sci-Fi production before it goes off to a run next year with Hawaii Opera Theatre in Honolulu!

14th Season Opens with MAGIC!

When Trisdee na Patalung conducted The Magic Flute in Opera Siam's 2006 production, London's "Opera" Magazine called him "a genius". He returns eight years later in the same opera having embarked on a brilliant international career in which he has conducted the Scottish National Orchestra, the R.A.I. Orchestra, and numerous other world-renowned ensembles.

International opera stars include Mexican-German tenor and Mozart specialist Emilio Pons and German baritone Falko Hönisch. Thailand's talent includes the ravishing Nadlada Thamtanakom, whose burgeoning worldwide career is based in Belgium. Members of the cast also include the up and coming Young Soloists of Opera Siam, and the Orpheus Choir.

Somtow Sucharitkul has revived his much-lauded "Thai-sci-fi" production, first presented for HM The Queen and HRH Princess Chulabhorn in 2003, but it will be much updated and filled with delightful new touches and new visual makeover by San Francisco designer Dean Shibuya, and new costumes courtesy of Thai fabric wizards the Pasaya company.

The music will be sung in German, but the spoken dialogue will be in English and Thai.

Surtitles in English, Thai, and Japanese.

Performances:
Christmas Day - 7.30 pm
December 26 - 7.30 pm
December 27 - family matinee - 2 pm

Tickets available at:
http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/performance/performance-detail.php?sid=2655

FREE: Vox Camerata's Christmas Concert 'Adventure!' - 7 December 2014

Vox Camerata presents their Christmas concert Adventure! on 7 December (Sunday) at 7pm in Serangoon. Here's more information on their publicity poster:


Sunday, November 16, 2014

Interviews with 'Mamma Mia' Cast and Creative Team


Mamma Mia is now running at MBS's Mastercard Theatre till 14 December 2014. Hawk and I speak to some members of the cast and creative team. First up is leading man Richard Standing, on the stress of taking on a role made famous by Pierce Brosnan (no not James Bond but...)



Resident director Nick Evans shares with us the differences between the film version and the live experience:

Thursday, November 13, 2014

International Festival Chorus' '40 Years of Song' - 15 November 2014 (Saturday)

 

So excited to be singing the bass solo of Bach's Magnificat with the International Festival Chorus this Saturday at SOTA, 7:30pm. Tickets are at $25 and $10 for concession, please email tickets@ifcsingapore.org for yours!
 
 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Israel Philharmonic Orchestra with Zubin Mehta in Review - 11 Nov 2014


Zubin Mehta, Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
11 November 2014
The MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Vivaldi’s Concerto in B minor for Four Violins
Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 (Linz)
Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5

A Review by Hawk Liu

This was my first live encounter with Zubin Mehta, after years of listening to his wonderful interpretations of so many works on record, my favourite being the Turandot with Sutherland, Pavarotti, Caballe and Ghiaurov. I came to the concert with anticipation and I wasn’t disappointed with his leadership of the orchestra. The man himself was looking physically tired. He looked as if he could only stroll onto the stage and he even tripped on the podium in the second half. It was surreal. Everyone was amused. But once the man started conducting the energetic passages, he was like a man less than half his age!

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Ma Vie avec Mozart - My Life with Mozart - 7 to 8 Nov 2014



Ma Vie avec Mozart - My Life with Mozart returns to Singapore for a second run, this time at the Yong Siew Toh Music Conservatory Concert Hall, with musical performance by its students. The video above is a trailer compiled from its original run at the Alliance Francaise. Tickets via the link below:

http://www.sistic.com.sg/events/ma1114

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Psalmideo Chorale's Encore - 2 Nov 2014



Celebrating 12 years of singing, Psalmideo Chorale put on another outstanding concert with a wide-ranging programme, impeccable harmonies sung entirely from memory and mostly without accompaniment, giving lots of voice and tons of charisma. On the programme are sections of classically-set religious texts, Fillipino folk and pop songs and songs by the Beatles, The Lion King and Frozen. A handful of bright-voiced soloists livened up the evening in numerous numbers. Eric Robert Morales Santos conducted the team, while pianist Aditya David Permana accompanied in only two numbers.

LANXESS SNYO's 'Musical Virtuosos' - 27 Nov 2014


The SNYO with the support of technology company LANXESS will put on a concert on 27 November 2014, led by conductor Jason Lai and cellist Natalie Clein. Here's more information:



Musical Virtuosos Concert at the Esplanade
A concert by the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC with famed cellist Natalie Clein

Concert Venue
Esplanade Concert Hall

Date
Thursday, 27 November 2014

Time
7.30pm

Admission
S$10 per ticket
For ticket purchase and other information, please visit www.sistic.com.sg

About
Bringing you timeless renditions from musical maestros, the “Musical Virtuosos”, is a dedication to talents long before our time. Presented by the LANXESS SNYO CLASSIC – a collaboration between German specialty chemicals company LANXESS and the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), the concert will feature guest soloist, acclaimed cellist, Natalie Clein and guest musicians from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music under the baton of conductor Jason Lai. This ensemble of youth will dazzle you with Berlioz's The Roman Carnival, Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1, Faure's Élégie and Bizet’s Carmen Suite at this one-night only concert.

Conductor:
Jason Lai

Guest Soloist:
Natalie Clein (Cellist)

Concert Programme:
Berlioz, The Roman Carnival Overture
Fauré, Élégie for cello and orchestra, Op. 24
Saint-Saëns, Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 33
Bizet, Carmen Suite 1 and 2

Thursday, October 30, 2014

'Three' by the SYC Ensemble Singers - 14 Dec 2014

Click to enlarge
Congratulations to the SYC Ensemble Singers for reaching their 50th Anniversary with this upcoming concert on 14 December 2014. Celebrating with them are friends from Japan and the Philippines, the Gaia Philharmonic Choir and the Ateneo Chamber Singers respectively. Here's more information:



Event name: SYC Ensemble Singers presents THREE – A 50th Anniversary Concert with SYC & Friends
Date: 14 December 2014
Time: 4 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall

Ticketing: $35, $30, $25 available through SISTIC

Synopsis:
The SYC Ensemble Singers reunites with Happy THREE Friends, Gaia Philharmonic Choir (Japan) and the Ateneo Chamber Singers (the Philippines) in a 50th birthday bash filled with hugs exchanged, music shared, and the aural fireworks of Love! Joy! & Hope! Also expect triple choir works specially written for THREE, including a new work by Vytautas Miškinis.

About THREE:

THREE is a biennial collaborative concert series founded in 2006 by Ko Matsushita, Jennifer Tham and Jonathan Velasco featuring their respective choirs, Gaia Philharmonic Choir, the SYC Ensemble Singers and the Ateneo Chamber Singers.

THREE aims to foster friendship and cultural ties between the three Asian choirs, and in doing so, promote greater cultural exchange and understanding between the three countries. THREE also supports the International Federation for Choral Music’s World Choral Day initiative. World Choral Day is designated as the 2nd Sunday in December, and aims to promote peace, solidarity and understanding between the nations through choral music.

The first THREE concert was held in Singapore, and THREE has been staged in Tokyo, Manila and Sapporo since. 2014 marks the return of the concert series to Singapore for the first time since its inauguration.



Tickets available at the Events Page.

Monday, October 27, 2014

SSO's Auditions for President’s Young Performers Concert 2015


Here's an opportunity for those aspiring to perform a concerto with the SSO. All the best!



Auditions for President’s Young Performers Concert 2015

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra calls for applications from outstanding young musicians for the SSO President's Young Performers Concert 2015. Auditions will be held for shortlisted Singaporean conductors and musicians performing on Western classical instruments such as strings, woodwind, brass and percussion.

Winter Journey - Vocal and Accompanist Masterclasses in Thailand

After last year's masterclass series with Graham Johnson, the Winter Journey series return for a second time from 10 to 17 January 2015, and are looking for opera and lieder singing participants to work with their elite faculty. It will be held at Chom Dong Villa in Hua Hin. Course fees include food, accommodation and a shuttle bus from Bangkok airport to the location. Download the PDF flyer and application form for more information:

Flyer (PDF):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dVpHSwJJ0SbXVsdk0xTDE5YVk/view?usp=sharing

Application form (Word Doc):
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5dVpHSwJJ0SXzhnelN1cmx2cXc/view?usp=sharing

Saturday, October 25, 2014

SLO's 'The Merry Widow' in Review


Ah opening night at the opera!!! If you were in the theatre, hope you enjoyed the production that I had a hand in presenting. Yes I'm a cast member and owner of this website. Its so wonderful to make a debut in this company that I've admired for such a long time. So for what its worth, here is Hawk's review, unedited, of the SLO's Merry Widow tonight. More pictures will come soon!



Lehár - The Merry Widow
24 October 2014
Esplanade Theatre, Singapore

Baron Mirko Zeta
John Bolton Wood

Valencienne
Tiffany Speight

Count Danilo Danilovich
Nicholas Ransley

Hanna Glawari
Kishani Jayasinghe

Camille de Rosillon
Ashley Catling

Vicomte Cascada
Melvin Tan

Raoul de St Brioche
Jeremy Koh

Njegus
Steven Ang

Thursday, October 23, 2014

If You Are Not Watching Mariah Tomorrow...

Damn Mariah for staging her concert extravaganza on opening night of The Merry Widow! But if you're not already going to the National Stadium tomorrow, how can you turn this down as well?



Get your tickets here, remember to quote promo quote 'Madscene' for 20% discounts off every 4 tickets!

Monday, October 20, 2014

RWS's Priscilla Queen of The Desert - 16 Oct 2014

Hawk and I had a drag of a time yesterday's performance of Pricilla, Queen of the Desert. This jukebox musical meshes the plot of the groundbreaking Australian film about three drag queens on a road trip with famous disco hits and Kylie songs into a disco song-and-dance extravaganza. It runs at RWS till 26 October. Get tickets at the Events Page (http://the-mad-scene.blogspot.sg/p/events-page.html)!






Wednesday, October 15, 2014

International Festival Chorus's '40 Years of Song' - 15 November 2014 (Saturday)


The International Festival Chorus will present their Christmas-themed 40th anniversary concert. New Music Director Masako Johnson will make her debut with help from accompanist Francesca Lee. The main highlight of the evening is J.S. Bach's beloved Magnificat, featuring orchestra My Symphonic Hall and  a cast of soloists (I'm the bass soloist, yay!!!)

The concert will be held at the SOTA Concert Hall at 7.30pm on 15 November 2014. Regular tickets are $25 and concession tickets are $10. Email tickets@ifcsingapore.org to make your order. 

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Interviews with SLO's 'Merry Widow' Cast


Hawk and I are up to our usual antics stalking down the cast of SLO's The Merry Widow for a little chit chat. What's different this time is that since I'm making my local operatic debut in a supporting role, I suppose I should put my money where my mouth is and join in the fun! So here are our sessions:


John Bolton Wood and Tiffany Speight play Baron Zeta and his wife Valencienne respectively. Both singers are top-tier Australian performers and have been working in top companies for many years. They also happen to be really delightful to speak to:



Next up is a chat with the local cast, which includes Jeremy KohSu Yiwen and myself. Being on the receiving end of an interview is still a new experience for me, I hope its something that gets better with practice:

Friday, October 10, 2014

20% Discount off SLO Merry Widow Tickets for Mad Scene Readers!!!


The Singapore Lyric Opera is offering 20% off all ticket ranges for the upcoming The Merry Widow for readers of The Mad Scene. For every batch of four tickets purchased, simply quote the promo code "Madscene" on the SISTIC website or at the counter to receive the discount. On my part, its so great to be working with such a professional team who is here to do a good job. Do check us out at the Esplanade Theatre from 24 to 26 October 2014. Tickets can be purchased at SISTIC.

Zubin Mehta in Singapore - 11 November 2014


Zubin Mehta will appear with the Israel Philharmonic, where he is currently appointed Music Director, at MBS on 11 November 2014. Here's more information:



World-Renowned Maestro Zubin Mehta Conducts Israel Philharmonic in Singapore

One of the world’s greatest conductors Zubin Mehta, will conduct the highly acclaimed Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on 11 November 2014 at the MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands. Known for a conducting style that is described as impassioned, forceful and flamboyant, maestro Mehta will lead the Philharmonic on Vivaldi’s Concerto in B minor for Four Violins, Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 (Linz) and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. The “Linz” Symphony, written by Mozart in Linz, Austria, in four days, begins with a slow intensity, building up to a fiery allegro and a finale that races at breakneck speed, demanding Mehta’s masterful control of all the orchestral elements. Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 mirrors this emotionally charged build-up and is a narrative that blossoms from tragedy to rousing triumph. It is a stirring performance, first recorded by Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic as early as 1964. The programme will display Mehta’s mastery of his craft and an intimate, intuitive understanding of an orchestra he has conducted for over 45 years, having handpicked each of its 110 musicians.

Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
Date & time: Tues, 11 Nov 2014, 7:30pm
Venue: MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Price: $90, $150, $250, $350 and $450



Tickets available at SISTIC.

Congratulations to Rachelle and Byeong-In


In a country where even the government has to campaign for us to get married, it seems so unlikely that sparks can fly on a serious opera set of all places. But that's what happened in our previous production of Cosi fan Tutte, which has resulted in a romantic pairing between our Fiordiligi and Gulielmo in what can only be described as a whirlwind romance. We would like to extend our congratulations to Rachelle Gerodias and Park Byeong-In, may they lead a happy and fulfilling life together!




Monday, October 6, 2014

SLO Star Nicholas Ransley in BBC Opera

This old BBC production stars SLO Merry Widow star Nicholas Ransley in a 'flash mob' pastiche opera at a train station, featuring an original storyline about a football maniac (he supports Charlton whatever that is) being dumped by his football widow girlfriend who is in turn seduced by a sexy black man. Check out the hilarious original lyrics superimposed onto the tunes of Mozart, Verdi et al. Its all very fun and brings an interesting perspective into these tunes even for a seasoned opera lover. Video quality is bad and audio is only on one side, but the material is quite a hoot and singing is mostly good too (the tenor and soprano are anyway). Jump to 5:30 to skip the lengthy introduction and get right to the singing.



Oh yes, and I should mention on this site too that I, Steven Ang, am finally making my debut with the SLO in this production! I'll be performing the role of Njegus, a largely spoken role but one that has many scenes in all three acts. Just started rehearsals today and really excited about what's coming up. Wish me luck!

And do come and support Nicholas, myself and our large cast of UK and Singapore-based colleagues from 24 to 26 October 2014 at the Esplanade Theatre. Check out SISTIC for tickets!

Friday, October 3, 2014

Monkey Goes West - 21 Nov to 13 Dec 2014


Here's more information on W!ld Rice's festive year-end pantomime Journey Goes West, directed by Broadway Beng Sabastian Tan with script by Alfian Sa’at and music by Elaine Chan and featuring an adoable bunch of child actors in the chorus.



W!LD RICE looks East for its 11th holiday musical extravaganza for the whole family! An affectionate and cheeky retelling of the beloved Chinese fantasy classic, Monkey Goes West is an epic thrill ride that will take you from Haw Par Villa to Jurong West – by way of a colourful world filled with mythical monsters and naughty fairies. When orphan Ah Tang runs away from home after quarreling with his adoptive family, he finds himself transported to a new, strange land. There, he befriends a trio of fellow travellers: Wukong, the cheeky Monkey King; Pigsy, a brave but always-hungry warrior; and Sandy, a stubborn but loyal river ogre.

Together, the fearless foursome embark on the adventure of a lifetime, one fraught with trials and dangers aplenty. Can they contain the rowdy mischief of the fire-breathing Red Boy? Will they be able to defeat the monstrous shape-shifting King Bull? How in the world will they get their hands on the magic fan of the man-eating Princess Iron Fan? Most importantly, will Ah Tang ever find a place that he can call home, truly? Written by Alfian Sa’at, with music composed by Elaine Chan, this production marks Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan’s directing debut with W!LD RICE. Packed with catchy songs, hilarious gags, Wushu and magic, Monkey Goes West promises to brighten up your holiday season and keep you and your loved ones laughing well into the New Year. Come and be entertained... and enlightened!

Monkey Goes West marks Broadway Beng Sebastian Tan's directing debut with W!LD RICE. No stranger to the W!LD RICE pantomime, Tan has won great acclaim for playing the evil witch in two previous productions (Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs and Hansel & Gretel). He is thrilled to be taking on the role of director for Monkey Goes West. I wanted it to be based on Tripitaka's Journey To The West because, as a kid, this epic story captured so much of my imagination,” says Tan. “We want to bring audiences on a funny, fabulous, fantastical journey



The Westward journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and it starts by getting tickets on the Events Page!

Keyboard Rental - Korg SP-280


Offering a Korg SP-280 for a rental period of 24 hours - at $100 for cash-and-carry, additional $50 for delivery. Optional keyboard stand provided at no extra cost.


The SP-280 is a high end keyboard with extremely sensitive touch-tone weighted keys and pedal, and a very clear sound that is at once bright and warm. It is certainly brighter than many acoustic upright pianos I've encountered. Many concert pianists that have performed on it commented that it is very playable and feels almost like a good grand piano. Here are some specs:

  • Rich, dynamic acoustic piano sounds that are enjoyable to play
  • Authentic vintage electric piano sounds, perfect for live performance
  • High-output amp section produces plenty of volume
  • Stylish design
  • Natural Weighted Hammer Action (NH) keyboard faithfully reproduces the touch of an acoustic piano
  • Lightweight design makes transportation easy
  • Newly designed stand is light and easy to attach
  • Stereo audio input is provided, for playing along with external audio sources




Call 9180 9453 or email themadscene@gmail.com for more information.