Friday, August 28, 2015

SLO's Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci - Preview and Exclusive Interview with Director Tom Hawkes


Our special thanks to the Singapore Lyric Opera for allowing Hawk Liu to film rehearsal footage of their upcoming Gianni Schicchi production (running 10 to 12 September along with I Pagliacci) as well as having a conversation with director Tom Hawkes about what we can expect. Hope you enjoy these videos, and remember to get tickets at the SLO's SISTIC page!





Monday, August 24, 2015

Review: 'Dreams' by Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra


Dreams by Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra
Music Director - Adrian Tan

School of the Arts Concert Hall
23rd August 2015, 5pm
Piazzolla - Four Seasons of Buenos Aires
soloist - Gabriel Ng

Low Shao-Ying and Low Shao-Suan - Dreams (premiere)
Dvorak - Symphony 8

A Review by Hawk Liu


The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires by Piazzolla was a great choice for the concert as it was romantic and very attractive. The main motives from Vivaldi's Winter and Summer were heard in a few places, as well as hints of Piazzolla's own Adios Nonino. Gabriel Ng brought out the romantic elements quite well. There were a number of pitch problems that unfortunately stood out a little more, just because there were so many glissandi to stand next to notes which had to be pitch perfect. Nevertheless, that didn't spoil my enjoyment of the program.

Gabriel Ng tackled the technicalities quite well, especially in the most virtuosic fourth movement. With a little more flair, Piazzolla would be happy too. The orchestral ensemble was beautifully played, blending well and sounding lush, players decked with red flowers in their hair! After four curtains calls, we were treated to a spirited encore of Paganini's caprice no. 19 by the soloist.


Dreams, a 2-movement short programme, was delightful from start to finish, sounding a little John William-ish in the happy parts of the original Jurassic Park. It was a feel-good fix. Dvorak was the piece that would test the orchestra. The piece was played with authority and confidence throughout. Yes there were intonation problems here and there, especially from the trombone section (sorry, folks). That being said, the orchestra has come a bit of a way to being the much tighter orchestra today. Good job, Adrian. I have to add that the woodwinds did not make a false move in the entire symphony!

After, the symphony, we were given a surprise encore with Dvorak's Romance in F minor, played by concertmaster David Loke. He coaxed full perfect tones from every bow and I enjoyed the piece very much. Dvorak's Symphony 9 next round, please??

Friday, August 21, 2015

Chanticleer in Singapore - 4 Oct 2015


Grammy Award-winning American all-male vocal ensemble Chanticleer will stage their full-length concert entitled Over the Moon on 4 October at the Esplanade Concert Hall. Check out their videos below, and find information about their concert here!





Tuesday, August 18, 2015

'Aftonen' by SYC Ensemble Singers and Conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin - 5 Sep 2015


The SYC Ensemble Singers present a new concert programme on 5 September 2015 at Victoria Concert Hall, featuring Swedish conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin. Here's more information about the concert:



Aftonen – SYC Ensemble Singers with Cecilia Rydinger Alin (Sweden)
VENUE: Victoria Concert Hall
DATE AND TIME OF EVENT: 5 September 2015, 7:30pm

SYNOPSIS:

“Blessed Cecilia, appear in visions
To all musicians, appear and inspire:”
- W.H. Auden, Hymn to St Cecilia

The Patroness of Musicians makes an appearance via her namesake, and startles singers into a sonic journey through hills and meadows, hallowed halls and secret gardens. Evening comes: joy and yearning mingle in equal parts with melancholy and dread.

Join the SYC Ensemble Singers and guest conductor Cecilia Rydinger Alin as we enjoy a Little (mostly Swedish) Night Music from Alfvén to Sandström with a mini-tour of 20th century Europe thrown in.

About Cecilia Rydinger Alin

Conductor, clinician, academic and a leading figure in Swedish musical life, Cecilia Rydinger Alin is best known in choral circles as the artistic director and conductor of Orphei Drängar, an all-male choir established in 1853, which today continues to attract international esteem for its groundbreaking commissions of works for male voice.



Wanna attend? Find out how to get tickets at the Events Page!

Thursday, August 13, 2015

'Ghost the Musical' at MBS - Starting 20 Oct 2015


Ghost - The Musical will play in MBS starting 20 October. Unlike other movie to musical adaptations, this musical is not a jukebox with famous songs only somewhat related to the plot of the story. It features original songs written by Bruce Joel Rubin (lyrics) and original music and lyrics by a team of Grammy Award-winners, including Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, but also features that hit number by Air Supply. Here's more information including a trailer video:



The supernatural power of love will take Singapore by storm this year as the Broadway and West End musical Ghost The Musical, adapted from the Academy Award-winning film, opens at the MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands on 20 October 2015 for a limited season. Tickets are now on sale.