SIFA 2023: An Interview with Festival Director Natalie Hennedige

In 2022, Natalie Hennedige went from artistic director of Cake Theatre, to Festival Director of the annual Singapore International Festival of Arts. Together with her team, the veteran theatremaker programmed a slew of works in her debut year, and established her own spin on the festival by theming each edition around ‘The Anatomy of Performance’, specifically zooming in on the concept of rituals last year. … Continue reading SIFA 2023: An Interview with Festival Director Natalie Hennedige

SIFA 2023: An Interview with Hyerim Jang, choreographer behind ‘Abyss’

The concept of ‘han’ in Korea refers to a feeling of multiple layers of sorrow and sadness that represents the suffering of Korean lives from wars and colonialism. These days, it still persists, even if more removed from its historical context, and continues to plague even the modern Korean person with its sadness. Artistic director of 99 Art Company Hyerim Jang seeks to address that … Continue reading SIFA 2023: An Interview with Hyerim Jang, choreographer behind ‘Abyss’

SIFA 2023: An Interview with Brian Gothong Tan and Huang Ruo, co-creators of ‘Angel Island’

With its continued mention across history books, film and other media, most people would be familiar with New York’s Ellis Island, a symbol of the American Dream that welcomed European migrants to America searching for a new hopeful life, along with its proximity to the Statue of Liberty. But few know about Ellis Island’s counterpart – Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay, which instead … Continue reading SIFA 2023: An Interview with Brian Gothong Tan and Huang Ruo, co-creators of ‘Angel Island’

Music Is: SSO Kicks Off The New Year With An Exciting Second Half Of Its 2022/2023 Season

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra unveils an exciting line-up of its 2023/2024 season bringing audiences compelling and memorable musical experiences from July 2023 to June 2024. July 2023 The new season is off to a resounding start on 14 and 15 July with SSO Pops: The Music of Hans Zimmer, featuring iconic works from one of the most admired film composers of our time. Conducted by Gerard Salonga, audiences can look forward to … Continue reading Music Is: SSO Kicks Off The New Year With An Exciting Second Half Of Its 2022/2023 Season

Review: Bruch Violin Concerto and Mahler 5 by Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Dubbed a violin prodigy in Singapore, Singapore Symphony Orchestra Artist-In-Residence Chloe Chua performed Max Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with the orchestra this March. Known for his impassioned melodies and searing energy, Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 has been described as the composer’s “richest and the most seductive”, this particular concerto requires great control and pacing, both of which came through in the performance. Chloe … Continue reading Review: Bruch Violin Concerto and Mahler 5 by Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Preview: Singapore International Festival of Arts 2023, The Anatomy of Performance – Some People

Following a successful 2022 edition of the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), the annual international arts festival returns from 19th May to 4th June 2023, where a plethora of art takes over the city for three weekends. This year’s title is The Anatomy of Performance – Some People, and marks the second year of Natalie Hennedige’s three-year tenure as Festival Director. Across Hennedige’s tenure, … Continue reading Preview: Singapore International Festival of Arts 2023, The Anatomy of Performance – Some People

Preview: Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2023 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Esplanade’s Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts has always been a gateway to the region’s best Chinese arts, from China to Hong Kong, Taiwan to of course, Singapore. In the next edition, running from 27th January to 5th February, the festival coincides with the Year of the Rabbit, full of positivity and wit, as the Esplanade welcomes audiences to discover new worlds, make memories … Continue reading Preview: Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2023 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Music Is: An Interview with Hans Sørensen, Director of Artistic Planning, Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Hans Sørensen is Director of Artistic Planning at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. What that means is that among the many hats he wears, Sørensen is also responsible for the dynamic programming that goes into the Orchestra’s upcoming season, including acclaimed international and local musicians from Paul Lewis to Daniel Moult, the Thomas Clausen Trio to Yu Jing. A violin player, throughout his career, Sørensen has … Continue reading Music Is: An Interview with Hans Sørensen, Director of Artistic Planning, Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Music Is: SCO Ruan musicians to charm audiences with their deep and melodic tunes in “Music Tuesdays: Joyful” concert

Nine SCO ruan musicians will be coming together to put up the Music Tuesdays: Joyful concert, happening on 1 November 2022 (Tuesday), 7.30pm. Musicians from the ruan section, accompanied by other SCO musicians will be presenting world premiere of new works, including newly-composed pieces by young local composers. Veteran ruan musician Koh Kim Wah will be retiring by the end of this year. Hence, the … Continue reading Music Is: SCO Ruan musicians to charm audiences with their deep and melodic tunes in “Music Tuesdays: Joyful” concert

Preview: Voices – A Festival of Song by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

The Esplanade’s Voices – A Festival of Song returns from 1st to 4th December, commemorating its 10th edition alongside Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s 20th anniversary. Celebrating song and voice in all forms, Voices once again brings together a multitude of types of singing from choral, opera and a cappella to pop, musical theatre and xinyao. Over the weekend, watch as every corner of … Continue reading Preview: Voices – A Festival of Song by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay