Maestro Long Yu Discusses the Shanghai Orchestra Academy

The Shanghai Orchestra Academy is accepting applications for its inaugural school year. It is a collaboration between the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO), New York Philharmonic and Shanghai Conservatory of Music. I speak to its director, famed Chinese conductor Long Yu, to find out more about this school that promises to train the next batch of top orchestra musicians.

http://www.timeoutsingapore.com/music/feature/interview-shanghai-orchestra-academys-long-yu

Renee Fleming on David Letterman

Ok some of you may have already seen this on other blogs, but if you haven't, its hilarious!

[Sponsored Videos] DROPPED: Philippines Official Trailer

Two Europeans get to know each other on a Survival-style challenge on a 'deserted' Filipino island, while ingested lots of Heineken.

FREE SCO Concert at Hong Lim Park! 12 Oct 2013

SCO Community Concert: Euphonic Folk Tunes
Date: 12 October 2013, Saturday
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Hong Lim Park
Free admission

Resident Conductor Quek Ling Keong

Assistant Conductor Moses Gay

SPH Gift of Music Series presents SCO Community Concert at Hong Lim Park

Singapore, 13 September 2013 (Friday) – Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) returns to Hong Lim Park on 12 October 2013 to present an evening of international folk tunes to the community! This concert is made possible with the support from Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) under the SPH Gift of Music Series. Admission is free.

Under the baton of Resident Conductor Quek Ling Kiong and Young Assistant Conductor-in-Residence Moses Gay, audience will go on a tour with the SCO on a trip to revisit folk music around the world. Travel to America with Kentucky and Susanna, China with Colourful Jiangnan, Taiwan with Capriccio of Taiwan Folk Tune, Melodic Potpourri which is a medley of favorite pieces including Japanese folk tune Sakura, English folk tune Farandole, our very local Chan Mali Chan, and more. Renowned soprano Zhou Xiaoman will also sing familiar pieces - Tibetan Highlands and Under the Silvery Moon.

The SPH Gift of Music Series has been entertaining Singapore audience since its launch in 2005. Supported by SPH, the popular free concert series has brought music to the community in various locations such as the heartlands, parks, shopping malls, schools, campuses and the Esplanade.

Karen Seah Sings Puccini

Click to enlarge

Soprano Karen Seah will present an evening of Puccini's music on 14 October 2013 at the Arts House. Tickets available at The Arts House box office. Find out more on the official ARrts House website:

http://www.theartshouse.com.sg/Programmes/EventPage.aspx?EventID=3303

Sarah Silverman Sings Perfect Night

Finally, a dance song that best describes a typical Saturday night for me! Well just substitute a box of durians for that bit in the video about YouPorn...

Introducing Emilio Marcucci and Monica Tarone

Isn't it nice to have friends who are such wonderful singers? Both Emilio Marcucci and Monica Tarone are professional singers on the European circuit, performing leading roles in numerous houses. Monica Tarone in particular is a frequent guest of La Scala, and counts Riccardo Muti, Caudio Abbado and Bryn Terfel as colleagues. Check out these clips of their singing, there's more on YouTube too if you wish to find out more.