Sunday, July 26, 2015

Robbie Williams in Singin' in the Rain

Did you know that the Singin' in the Rain production currently running at MBS used to feature Robbie Williams at London's West End? Here he is performing the title song on TV:


Saturday, July 25, 2015

Interview: David Charles Tay (The Turn of the Screw - 31 July and 2 Aug 2015)


Described by New Opera Singapore as a 'psychological thriller of loss and suspense' involving ghosts and hints of pedophilia, Benjamin Britten's English opera The Turn of the Screw looks set to be an intense evening of musical drama. Leading man David Charles Tay tells us more about what we can expect on 31 July and 2 August.




The Mad Scene: Without any spoliers, tell us what The Turn of the Screw is about? Who are the characters in the story, how does it begin?

David Charles Tay: The Turn of the Screw is a tale of secret desires, abandonment and the loss of innocence! But also a story with a lot of heart and humanity. A young Governess (Teng Xiang-Ting) goes to look after two children at the behest of their mysterious guardian. The children, Miles (Corey and Ashley) and Flora (Moira Loh) are the picture of perfect innocence until things start to go awry. The governess starts seeing the ghosts of Peter Quint and the previous Governess, Miss Jessel. As she endeavors to rescue the children, she wonders how much of what she sees is real? You'll have to come to the show to find out how it all unravels.

The Mad Scene: Describe Britten's music for this opera to us. How does it challenge and reward you as a performer?

David Charles Tay: Oh Britten's music is pure genius! People might think it's hard to appreciate simply because he's a more contemporary composer but it's really not the case at all. The music is cinematic and every nuance of the text is skillfully woven into the music. It is a dream to perform because every dramatic instinct is already in the score... Nothing extra is even needed to communicate this exciting story.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Vox Camerata: From Dusk Till Dawn


Vox Camerata presents their latest concert, entitled From Dusk to Dawn, with a programme of musical selections that charts the hours of the night, featuring eclectic choral music from across genres and periods. More information at the Events Page.

FREE: NAFA Alumni Recital by Pianist Wong Yun-Qi and Soprano Cheryl Lee Peixin


Pianist Wong Yun-Qi and Soprano Cheryl Lee Peixin will be presenting a free recital at NAFA's Lee Foundation Theatre on 20 August, 7.30pm antitled Tell Me The Truth About Love. Proud graduates of NAFA, they have since moved on to study in Germany and Austria. They will be presenting a programme of songs by Richard Strauss, Arnold Schoenberg, Gustav Mahler, Benjamin Britten and William Bolcom. Here's more information: about them:



Cheryl Lee Peixin studied under Martin Klietmann, Joseph Breinl and Robert Heimann in Graz, Austria. She has performed as a soloist with Ornamentum Wien, chamber ensemble of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and given several premieres of works by local composer, Americ Goh. She sang in the world premiere of Dmitri Kourliandski´s opera Asteroid 62 at the contemporary music festival Musikprotokoll des Steirischen Herbstes.

Wong Yun-Qi completed her Masters Program in Hannover, Germany under the tutelage of Jan Philip Schulze, Martin Brauß and Zvi Meniker. She is currently based in Hannover as a lied accompanist and collaborative pianist. Highlights of this season include performing at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival.



More information at http://truthaboutlove1508.eventbrite.sg.

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Review: MBS 'Singin' in the Rain'



Jeremy Lee checked out the opening night of Singin' in the Rain, here are his thoughts on it:



While most of the world is going through a heatwave now, including Singapore, it's raining cats and dogs over at the Marina Bay Sands. On the stage of the MasterCard Theatres specifically, as Singin' In The Rain is the latest stage production to be brought in by the good folks at Base Entertainment Asia to relieve the heat of this (too) sunny isle

Singin' In The Rain is the stage adaptation of the same-titled classic 1952 film musical, which has been dubbed one of the greatest musical comedies of all time. It was the musical that solidified the star status of twinkle-toed screen legend Gene Kelly and made a star out of a then 19-year old Debbie Reynolds, who along with Donald O'Connor showed off their triple threat skills of singing, dancing and acting.

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Singapore Choral Festival SG50 – 50 Songs for Singapore


To celebrate SG50, Konzert Pte Ltd has organised a major 3-concert choral extravaganza over National Day Weekend, with participation from numerous well-known ensembles including The Vocal Consort, the National Youth Choir and male chorus Cori di Signori. Here's more information:



In celebration of SG50 and our nation’s 50th year of independence, Konzert Pte Ltd is holding Singapore Choral Festival – 50 Songs for Singapore.

Singapore Choral Festival consisting of three full-length concerts over a span of two days, will showcase 50 local compositions as a statement of 50 years of choral music in Singapore.

The festival will be a platform for both singers and conductors to exchange their experiences and knowledge, and a great opportunity for fellow choral enthusiasts to work together towards creating increased cohesiveness and collaborative spirit in Singapore’s arts scene. With a diverse medley of voices from primary to tertiary institutions, community and semi-professional choirs, from English medium vocal ensembles to the Chinese choral society, the festival serves as a cultural melting pot for choristers from all walks of life with one thing in common: their undying passion for music making.





Find out how to get tickets at the Events Page!

You can also check out their Facebook Page here:
https://www.facebook.com/konzertchoral


Monday, July 13, 2015

Sunday, July 12, 2015

Video Interviews with MBS 'Singin' in the Rain' Cast


Hawk Liu hangs out with the cast of Singin' in the Rain to see what we can expect from the production. First up is resident director Anton Luitingh, who also directed the recent Sound of Music production that played here last year.




Bethany Dickson, the star from Sound of Music, is also returning to take on the leading female role of Kathy Seldon:

Friday, July 10, 2015

SLO's 'I Pagliacci' and 'Gianni Schicchi' - 10 to 12 Sep 2015


Here's more information about the Singapore Lyric Opera's upcoming double bill of I Pagliacci and Gianni Scicchi:



I Pagliacci
Canio: Lee Jae Wook (tenor)
Nedda: Sachika Ito (soprano)
Tonio: Singer to be confirmed (baritone)
Beppe: Lemuel dela Cruz (tenor)
Silvio: Martin Ng (baritone)

Gianni Schicchi
Gianni Schicchi: Adrian Clarke (baritone)
Rinuccio: Lee Jae Wook (tenor)
Lauretta: Marlena Devoe (soprano)
Gherardo: Lemuel dela Cruz (tenor)
Nella: Sachika Ito (soprano)
Zita: Fionna Kim (contralto)
Marco: Martin Ng (baritone)

With: Singapore Lyric Opera Orchestra, Opera Chorus and SLO Children’s Choir
Conductor: Joshua Kangming Tan
Director: Tom Hawkes

Singapore Lyric Opera is excited to announce its newest production this season; Double Bill Operas- Leoncavallo's Pagliacci & Puccini's Gianni Schicchi which will be held at the Esplanade theatre and runs from 10 to 12 of September.

With a renowned international cast and directed by the critically acclaimed Tom Hawkes, expect to be blown away by the roller coaster of emotions that will be sure to leave the audience in tears and laughter.

'Disney On Classic' by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra - 16 and 17 July 2015


Disney On Classic by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra will be held next Thursday and Friday, 16 and 17 July at the Star Theatre, featuring 8 international singers, conductor Brad Kelley. and local child performer Sasha Suhandinata. Here's more information about the show:



Disney On Classic ~ A Magical Night ASIA TOUR 2015
16 July and 17 July 2015, 7:30pm

The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre
1 Vista Exchange Green, Singapore 138617

Experience the magic of Disney as never before with its most successful live orchestral show, Disney on Classic ~ A Magical Night!

Following 12 years of sold out performances in Japan, Disney on Classic ~ A Magical Night is finally arriving in Southeast Asia and Singapore for the first time for the whole family to enjoy.

This full-length concert will showcase the most beloved tunes from the famed Walt Disney Studios songbook, performed by 8 international singers and Singapore's very own Metropolitan Festival Orchestra under the baton of legendary Disney music maestro, Brad Kelley. 9 year old Sasha Suhandinata has also been selected through rigorous auditions to sing as Princess Anna for these two nights!


Monday, July 6, 2015

MBS 'Singin' in the Rain' Opening This Thursday!


Singin' in the Rain opens this coming Thursday and runs till 2 August 2015 at MBS's Mastercards Theatre! Check out our earlier write-up of the show here. Exclusive interviews with the cast will be coming soon. You can also find ticketing information on our Events Page!

Sunday, July 5, 2015

Choral Concert ' The Book of Love' by Cappella Martialis


Renaissance choir Cappella Martialis diverts from their usual repertoire of sacred music, to present secular love songs from the era as well as arrangements of retro pop hits. Here's more information:



12th July 2015
6pm
10 Square @ Orchard Central,
10th Floor, Orchard Central,
181 Orchard Road, S(238896)

If you've only heard us singing sacred repertoire, join us as we explore songs of life and love, from times ancient and modern, for voices and instruments.

The programme will include music from Late Mediæval France, Renaissance England, Early Romantic Vienna, as well as the 20th Century. If you've ever thought Mediæval and Renaissance music boring, wait till you see the lyrics to some of our songs, some of which are being performed in Singapore for the first time. We’ll be singing in English, Mediæval Occitan, Renaissance French, Italian, German, and Cantonese Chinese (!), Full translations will be provided.

Programme:

Tant que vivray (C. de Sermisy)
Entre vous filles (J. Clemens non Papa)
Now is the Month of Maying (T. Morley)
Mon cœur se recommande a vous (O. de Lassus)

Le souvenir de vous me tue (R. Morton)
Une jeune fillette (Anon)
Une m’avoit promis (A. Le Roy)

Amarilli, mia bella (G. Caccini, arr. R. Dowland)
Divine Amaryllis (A. de Boësset)

Can vei la lauzeta mover (B. de Ventadorn)
Si dolce è’l tormento (C. Monteverdi)

Vier Gesänge für Männerstimmen (F. Schubert)
In stiller Nacht (J. Brahms)
The Dark Eyed Sailor (R. Vaughan Williams)

The Way You Look Tonight
How Deep is Your Love (The Bee Gees)
海闊天空 (Beyond)
The Book of Love (P. Gabriel)

In addition to our usual lute & renaissance guitar player, we shall be joined by Singapore's preëminent recorderist, Mr Dominic Wan.

Guest conductor: Mr Yeo Ying-Hao

Admission is $10.

Free seating.

To purchase tickets, send Cappella Martialis a message via the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/667445536732837/

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