Music Is: SSO releases live concert schedule for September and October 2021

The new norms of living would have been challenging for most; some might even struggle to cope with the changes, and it has been a most trying time especially for the Arts and performing groups in Singapore. Come September and October, take a breather and join the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) as it presents several live concerts featuring widely acclaimed international musicians and local musical talents.

Highlights include the return of SSO’s Red Balloon Series, which showcases the music of American composer Bernard Herrmann; appearances of international guests, Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji and German conductor Jun Märkl; and some of Singapore’s finest, including violin virtuoso Kam Ning, the Wind Ensemble of the SSO, and the Brass Ensemble of the SSO.

September

Launched in 2019, the immensely popular Red Balloon Series, conceptualised to subvert traditional perceptions of classical music and orchestral concerts, returns with its fifth concert — Red Balloon Series: Echoes of Psycho, happening on 17th and 18th September. Audiences can take in the chilling chords and tense mood from the thrilling score of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho composed by American composer Bernard Herrmann, conducted by Joshua Tan. Accompanying the showcase of Herrmann’s famous score will be his nostalgic Echoes, arranged for string orchestra, and the tender Souvenirs de Voyage, arranged for clarinet and string orchestra.

The Wind Ensemble of the SSO gathers on 23rd and 24th September to wrap up the September live concerts with A Symphony of Winds, a programme featuring music from the Classical and Romantic era.

October

SSO rides into October with the return of acclaimed Japanese violinist Sayaka Shoji, for Sayaka Shoji – Spirit of the Violin on 14th and 15th October. Alongside SSO Chief Conductor Hans Graf , Shoji will demonstrate her brilliant technique and musicianship, delivering the impassioned Schumann Violin Concerto. Audiences will also be treated to Bruckner’s Adagio from String Quintet and Schubert’s Symphony No. 3.

On 21st and 22nd October, German conductor Jun Märkl will be directing the SSO for The Sound of Mendelssohn. Märkl will bring audiences on a spirited aural journey with Mendelssohn’s Italian Symphony and Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto with Singaporean virtuoso Kam Ning on the violin.

The following week on 27th and 28th October, Kam will take centre stage for Kam Ning – The Artistry of Strings. The two evenings will see the seasoned local artist performing two pieces that showcase the mastery of the strings — Haydn’s Violin Concerto No. 1 and Bartók’s Divertimento.

The VCHpresents series returns in October with VCHpresents Chamber: From My Life, where SSO musicians will perform a mix of works from Beethoven, Bruch,and Smetanaon 16th and 17th October. The following week on 23rd and 24th October, musicians of the SSO will come together for a concert of chamber works.

Tickets and more information to the concerts available here