Friday, November 30, 2018

Holidays Around the Corner - 14 Dec 2018


Brownhill Consutancy presents a special Christmas concert entitled Holidays Around the Corner. The musicians scheduled to perform are harpist Fontane Liang, bassoonist Emerald Chee, mezzo-soprano Chieko Sato, countertenor EeMing Chua, soprano Sérine de Labaume and pianist Beatrice Lin, a real musical potpourri.

Check out the trailer below to hear what each musician has to offer, and don't forget to get your tickets at the Events Page!


Friday, November 9, 2018

Mamma Mia - Running Till 18 Nov 2018

 
Hawk Liu and I went to interview the cast and creative team of Mamma Mia, now running at MBS's Sands Theatre till 18 November.
 
First up, we talk to Matthew Rutherford, Tamlyn Henderson and Daniel Crowder, who play the three ex-lovers of Donna's.

 

 
 Next, we talk to resident director Nikkidavies Jones, choreographer Jamie Wilkin and music director Carlton Edwards, veterans of Mamma Mia who have toured with the show in the UK and internationally for many years.
 


 
 
On a personal note, watching the original stage production again after viewing the film prequel/sequel that is Mamma Mia - Here We Go Again! with Cher was an interesting experience, giving more depth to the characters and plot despite some loopholes. In addition, the music of ABBA performed by this company of highly-skilled singers/actors/dancers made the evening highly enjoyable and entertaining as always.

 
Mamma Mia runs till 18 November 2018. Get your tickets at SISTIC. You won't regret it!
 


Sunday, October 28, 2018

Review: SLO Chorus in Concert - 27 Oct 2018


The Singapore Lyric Opera Chorus presented a full evening’s programme that saw many members competently performing as soloists in popular ensembles. Trained and led by chorus master Terrence Toh with detailed and layered accompaniment by pianist Dale Huang, they proved that the chorus is made of individual talents who are also skilled in performing as a whole.

Starting with the Bell Chorus of Pagliacci and the Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana, the collective group of singers sang like a company of soloists – strong voices that have served as the backbone of many a large scale operatic production, while responding sensitively to the dynamic shadings of their leader as a whole. Jeth Mangubat’s strong, bell-like soprano rang through the hall in Santuzza’s solo lines in the Mascagni, setting the scene for the evening’s soloists to follow.


Wednesday, October 24, 2018

NOS Got Talent! - 26 Oct 2018 (Fri)


The Youth Opera members of New Opera Singapore present a musical comedy loosely based on the popular TV series, with a funny story and beautiful singing to look forward to. This looks to be a fun evening, a musical comedy performed by a cast of talented young singing actors, some of them with pretty substantial performance and competition credits under their belt.

Show runs on this coming Friday. Get your tickets at Peatix!

Friday, October 12, 2018

Kinky Boots in Review - Running till 14 Oct 2018 + Special Promos

Jeremy Lee weighs in on the the Singapore run of the Cyndi Lauper hit musical Kinky Boots, now running at the MBS Sands Theatre till this Sunday 14 October 2018. Check out the links below for special promotional prices! 


If you think that people who are different, who don’t conform to what society expects of them, should just stop whining and get in line to be like everybody else, perhaps Kinky Boots isn’t for you.

Yes, for make no mistake, the Tony Award-winning musical, now playing at the Mastercard Theatres at the Marina Bay Sands is about somebody different. Or rather, a whole group of people who are different. And man, do they make good music and drama together.


Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Steven Ang's Debut Album "Music Drama" - Out Now on iTunes and Spotify



After a very fruitful year, I would like to present my debut album Music Drama. Recorded from March to December 2017, it contains songs and arias that have played an active part in my performance repertoire, excerpts from larger musical theatrical works that explore characters and stories in music. While my technique has changed since (and has changed significantly throughout the recording period), it serves as a document to my art at a certain stage in time.

I am very fortunate to have friends join me on this project: Alvin Koh, my student Laura Maurer Stroh, Xiao Chunyuan, Lin Ziying  and pianist Winnie Tiopan, as well as William Chua, Jeremy Lee and Mike Lee for being a part of my chorus.

This album is dedicated to my late Aunt Ang Siew Keow, who sadly left us due to liver cancer last year. I would not have reached this stage of my career without her love and support for our family.

Music Drama is now available on all popular digital download and streaming platforms including iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, KKBox, CDBaby and many more. Please check it out and I hope you’ll enjoy it!

Music Drama by Steven Ang

Download on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/sg/album/music-drama/1436048898

Stream on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/1G313en88IXD56kWSJ1cSO?si=LzN8DAPwRzWUwT0pkfEIlw


Friday, October 5, 2018

Interview with 'Kinky Boots' Cast - Running till 14 Oct 2018


Hawk and I got to speak to the cast of the fabulous musical Kinky Boots! With an original score by Cyndi Lauper (Best score at the Tony's), exciting dance choreography, amazing costumes and a heart-warming storyline with a message of mutual appreciation between communities, it is a show that has audiences rocking in the aisle night after night.

Firstly, we speak to the (biological) women of the cast: Sydney Patrick and Hayley Lampart share with us their characters' journeys on the show and how it relates to their real life.



Next, we talk to Derek Brazeau and Philip Stock who play the 'Angels', the friends and backup dances of lead character Lola. We discuss the preparation needed to transform them into their glamorous stage personas.



Lastly, we spoke to Andrew Terlizzi, Kevin Casey and Michael Lavin on the creative team, discussing what it's like to perform original music by a world-famous rock star.


These videos can also be found on Hawk's website at http://hawkliuh.wixsite.com/singing/kinky-boots.

Kinky Boots is now running till 14 October 2018 at MBS's Sands Theatre. Get your tickets now at SISTIC!




Saturday, September 1, 2018

Our 10th Anniversary

The Mad Scene turns 10 today! A special thank you to everyone who has contributed and has been featured on it.  Most importantly, big thank yous to our readersover the years. We couldn’t have done it without you!

🎂🤩🙌👏🌈🏅🏆💋

Friday, August 24, 2018

'Singapore Trilogy' by L'Arietta - 12 to 14 Oct 2018


Singapore Trilogy
12 and 14 October 2018
The Blue Room and The Living Room, Arts House

Chamber opera company L’arietta Productions presents Singapore Trilogy, three chamber operas composed by Dr. Chen Zhangyi. The show features veteran singers Yee Ee-Ping, Akiko Otao, Jonathan Charles Tay and Felicia Teo, as well as the new generation of Singaporean singers, Ng Jingyun, Phoebe Chee, and Ng Samuel. Collaborating artist Alvin Mark Tan joins the team for a multi-sensory journey.

Dr. Chen Zhangyi
Singapore Trilogy follows milestone moments in a regular Singaporean’s life. In Laksa Cantata, on the Bride’s big day, the groom wants to serve laksa, but she doesn’t! Can they learn to compromises and start their new chapter as a married couple with or without Singapore’s favourite dish?

In Window Shopping, an older woman and a young bright-eyed girl explores the personal relationship one has with themselves and how each of us develops over time in a shoe shop. Is there such a thing as the perfect pair? The perfect life?

And finally in the newly commissioned work Kopi for One, a familiar kopi aunty welcomes a woman who has returned after a long time away. The waitress encourages the father to tell his daughter how much he loves her. In a culture where love is shown with actions instead of with words, do we really say what we want to our closest ones? Can a cup of kopi save their relationship? Bring your loved ones, sip a cup of kopi and watch these stories unfold.

This is a rare opportunity to see not one but three chamber operas by a local composer who is making waves abroad, performed by a top-notch cast of local talents. Check out the Events Page for more information and for tickets!

Interview with Leslie Tay and Teng Xiang-Ting - Concert on 5 Sep 2018


Here is a live video interview with Leslie Tay and Teng Xiang-Ting by Hawk Liu, about their upcoming concert Life is Ha Ha Happiness on 5 September 2018 at the Esplanade Recital Studio, posted on Hawk's website. Click on the link below to watch!

http://hawkliuh.wixsite.com/singing/life-is-ha-ha-happiness


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Aiyoh... a Vocal Recital - 30 Sep 2018


Presenting Aiyoh..., a vocal recital by four regular performers in the Singapore arts scene: Steven Ang (ME!), Randy Tan, Kei Lau and William Chua, feature a special appearance by girl group The Durian Sisters (Yew Yun Yu, Laura Maurer Stroh and Mathilda Bellanger). It will be held on 30 September 2018, 7.30pm at Aliwal Arts Centre.

Check out the promo trailer below, filmd at the University of Greenwich where the Do You Hear the People Sing scene in the 2012 Les Miz movie was also filmed, and log on to Peatix for the full programme and tickets!



https://aiyohvocalrecital.peatix.com

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Album Crowdfunding Campaign - Night Garden by Jo Anne Sukumaran


Singaporean bassoonist Jo Anne Sukumaran needs your help to crowdfund her debut album. She is an experienced musician who has played professionally in orchestras around the world including Australia, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

Inspired by a meditation retreat at St. John's Island, Jo Anne's debut album nature-inspired programe includes pieces by Phillippe Hersant, Charles Koechlin and Manuel de Falla.

The crowdfunding campaign starts on 7 September 2018. Meanwhile, check out her website below for more information about the album and the artist.

https://www.joannesukumaran.com/the-night-garden

Friday, June 15, 2018

Interview Feature - Soprano Christina Thè



Our correspondent Alvin Koh interviewed Singaporean-Australian soprano Christina Thè, currently serving as artist-in-residence at New Opera Singapore and will be featured in their upcoming production of Dialogues of the Carmelites, 3 and 5 August 2018. Check out their exchange below!


Thursday, June 14, 2018

Opera in the Park 2018 - Gounod and Bernstein - 23 June 2018


The Singapore Lyric Opera with its combined Children's Choir, Chorus, Orchestra and singers from the Artists Training Programme together with conductor Joshua Kangming Tan present an evening of operatic delights in the natural beauty of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

The evning's soloists are Cherie Tse, Zhang Jie, Chieko Sato, Zerlina Tan, Jack Sun Zhaorui and Dennis Lau from the Artists Training Programme. In commemoration of the birthdays of Charles Gounod and Leonard Bernstein, They will present many arias and duets from Romeo et Juliette, Faust, Trouble in Tahiti and West Side Story.


Additionally, the combined chorus and orchestra will present an encore performance of the Triumphal March from Aida. If you have missed our exciting run earlier or would like to experience its magic again, now is your chance to do so!

Opera in the Park takes place at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Symphony Stage, 23 June 2018, Saturday at 6pm. Admission is FREE! 

Friday, June 1, 2018

Interview with Israel Lozano - SLO's Aida - 1 to 6 June 2018



One of the pleasure of rehearsing for an international production such as the Singapore Lyric Opera's Aida (where I am playing the Pharoah) is meeting singers and creative team who come from all over the world.

Israel Lozano, who hails from Spain but is now based in Washington D.C., is one such artist that I am happy to have made my acquaintance. Here is a committed singing actor for whom the demands of character is as important as the demands for the voice and music, and oozes Latin charm effortlessly in his stage comportment.

Having made rounds in the international operatic curcuit, Israel counts Placido Domangi as an important mentor, having been in his Young Artist Programme at Washington National Opera, won three prizes when he competed in Operalia and performed in no less than three productions with the living legend.

Here we chat about his experience working on the SLO's Aida in Singapore, and his journey pursuing a career as an opera singer.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Quick Chats with Nancy Yuen and Thomas Ruud - SLO's Aida - 1 to 6 June 2018


We have a few words with the stars of the Singapore Lyric Opera's upcoming Aida, to find out more about them as well as the upcoming production.




The Mad Scene: Hi Nancy! Thank you for chatting with us today. As SLO’s artistic director, why pick Aida to present to Singapore for this year?

Nancy Yuen: As one of the major operas in the repertory, Aida has never been featured on SLO’s calendar. It is about time this great masterpiece be presented to the Singapore audience.

The Mad Scene: When and where did you last perform the title role of Aida? What is different in assuming the role now compared to back then?

Nancy Yuen: My last visit to the role of Aida was in Dublin nearly two decades ago. Having sung it before, the big difference now is that I have twenty more years of maturity to the vocal technique and life experience. I really look forward to the continuing challenges that this demanding role brings.

The Mad Scene: Lastly, what can Singaporean audiences look forward to in this Aida production?

Nancy Yuen: There will be no fewer than a hundred performers on stage with spectacular sets, colourful costumes, mesmerizing lighting and glorious sounds to all the familiar tunes of Aida. It certainly is not something anyone should miss. I implore all Singaporeans and visitors to come for this once in a lifetime experience.



The cast of SLO's Aida

The Mad Scene: Hi Thomas! Thank you for doing this interview with The Mad Scene. Firstly, how would you describe your voice to those who have yet to hear you?

Thomas Ruud: It is difficult to describe one’s own voice, but people have described it as a lyric dramatic voice. They have said my voice is very full, with the typical Scandinavian timbre, that one can very easily recognize in Jussi Bjørling’s voice, for instance. But I think that other people should describe my voice, and not I.

The Mad Scene: When and where have you performed Radames?

Thomas Ruud: I have sung the role of Radames once, in a semi-staged production in Sacramento, California some years ago.

The Mad Scene: Having made your debut as the Rossini Count Amalviva, how did your voice go from a light lyric role like this to Radames?

Thomas Ruud: I have actually sung the role of Count Almaviva over 150 times in 8 different productions. One was with the Nobel prize winner in Literature, Dario Fo, as the stage director with the famous Rossini specialist Alberto Zedda conducting. The voice naturally matures through the years due to ageing of the body. It’s very important to never stop taking lessons, as your voice develops all the time due to the change of your muscles. I find it absolutely necessary to always work on one’s technique, so that your voice stay healthy and free. Then as you grow older you may take on more dramatic roles, and thus slowly let your voice mature.

The Mad Scene: Is this your first time performing in Singapore? Are you looking forward to working here? And why?

Thomas Ruud: This is not my first time performing in Singapore. I was the soloist in Puccini's Messa di Gloria last October. I am very much looking forward to coming back. I really like the people in Singapore. They are very polite and friendly, and the country is very beautiful. I am looking forward to performing the role of Radames. There are many very good soloists in this production. The orchestra is very good, and from what I have learned so far, this will be a spectacular production of Aida.

More information about Thomas Ruud at http://www.thomasruud.net.



Sneak peeks at the sets and costumes as well as rehearsals promise a truly exciting production to come, one that is traditional in its setting yet contemprary in its delivery. Get your tickets at SISTIC now and see you at the Esplanade Theatre from 1 to 6 June 2018!

Trivia About Mamma Mia, Returning to Singapore on 3 Nov 2018

With Mamma Mia 2 (starring the amazing Cher) due to hit cinemas soon, its a fitting time for Singaporean audiences to check out the original Broadway classic that has taken the world by storm once again. Here are some facts and figures that you might not know about the original Mamma Mia production; check it out and see you in the theatre from 3 November onwards! 




Mamma mia!!! ARE YOU EXCITED!?!?!?! Check out the Events Page for tickets!!!!!!!!

The Lion King - Original Run Extended Due to Popular Demand - 27 June to 26 Aug 2018


Julie Taymor's hit production of The Lion King returns to Singapore come 6 June 2018. Originally slated for a run of two months, it has since been extended till 26 August 2018 due to popular demand. Come celebrate National Day with all the world-class singing, acting, dancing and puppetry that this talented cast and crew have to offer!

Check out our original feature story about this exciting production, and log on to our Events Page for more details on where to get tickets!

Monday, May 14, 2018

Legally Blonde the Musical - Running at MBS till 20 May 2018


Legally Blonde  is a hilarious musical theatre remake of the hit comedy starring Reese Witherspoons. Now running in Singapore at MBS's Mastercard Theatres, it features Broadway stars Maris McCulley as Elle Woods, Jayson Speters as Emmett Forrest, Mychal Phillips as Paulette Bonafonte and Mark LaDuke as Warner Huntington.


Check out our exclusive interview with music director Wendy Feaver, and look at our exclusive production pictures on our Facebook Group.






OMG are you excited!?!?! Get your tickets for Legally Blonde at SISTIC now!!!!!!!

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Interview Feature - Sabrina Zuber and Dr. Thomas Manhart - Roots on 27 April 2018



Roots, the latest production by Bellepoque, is an exploration of European and Southeast Asian music during the belle epoque era of 1870 to 1915. It features performers from the fields of European classical and traditional Malay music among others. It features a cast of musicians that includes tenor Brendan-Keefe Au, sopranos Syakirah Noble and Sabrina Zuber, Syafiqah 'Adha Sallehin on the accordion and leader of the SOTA Malay Fusion Ensemble, with Dr. Robert Casteels on the piano and Dr. Thomas Manhart as narrator and music director. We speak to producer and performer Sabrina and musicologist Thomas to find out more.



Cast picture of Roots

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

It's Raining Baritones!!! - THIS COMING SUNDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!


Our concert It's Raining Baritones!!! featuring Steven Ang, Alvin Koh, Kan Chuan and Xiao Chunyuan is coming up this Sunday! Click through to our Peatix link to find artist bios, complete programme and of course your own tickets. See you on Sunday!

https://itsrainingbaritones.peatix.com

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Evita at MBS - Interviews and Exclusive Pictures - Running Now Till 18 March 2018


Evita at MBS is truly not to be missed. This is a recreation of the original 1977 production by Hal Prince, closely supervised by the legendary director and Andrew Lloyd Webber themselves. It is musical theatre history being brought to life right before our eyes! Emma Kingston as the titular First Lady nailed the role's trecherous music, belting out one whopping high note after another with stamina and voice to spare.


Hawk and I attended the media call and spoke to the creative directors of this Asian tour that will travel to Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo later on. Find out what you can expect at the MBS Theatre!

First up, we speaks to resident choreographer Duane Alexander. Duane has visited Singapore numerous times for different productions. Here we discuss the challenges that the dances in this Evita production brings.




Next, we speak to Daniel Kutner (associate director), Guy Simpson (musical supervisor) and Louis Zurnamer (musical director) about bringing this classic 1977 original production of Evita back to life.




Evita runs till 18 March at MBS's Mastercard Theatres. Exclusive production photos can be seen on our Facebook Group.

Check out SISTIC for tickets!

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Vocal Recital: It's Raining Baritones!!! - 25 March 2018 (Sun)


What can be better than a a rainy season of men? How about a rainy season of baritones!?! On 25 March, your very own Steven Ang, along with fellow baritones Kan Chuan, Alvin Koh and Xiao Chunyuan, will present a mixed programme of music made specially for the uniqueness of the baritone voice. Check out Peatix for more information and tickets!

itsrainingbaritones.peatix.com

Friday, January 5, 2018

Adult Musical Theatre Workshops by Sing'Theatre


Sing'Theatre is offering two unique musical theatre workshops for working adults who want to explore their artistic side. Whether you are a hobbyist, budding or working professional looking to refine your abilities, these workshops promise to help you bring your abilities to the next level. In addition, students will get to perform in a theatrical showcase too! Check out these links below for more information:

Showstoppers Musical Theatre Ensemble (auditions required):
https://singtheatre.com/product/the-showstoppers-2018

The Ultimate Musical Theatre Masterclass:
https://singtheatre.com/product/ultimate-musical-theatre-masterclass