Review: Delicate Spells of Mind by Lucy McRae (SIFA 2022)

Unveiling the mysteries of the inner mind. If you could look into your mind, what would you see? In her short film Delicate Spells of Mind, British-born, Australian science fiction artist Lucy McRae imagines the inner workings of the human mind as anthropomorphised creatures working as part of an operating system, and invites you to take a closer look. Commissioned for the 2022 Singapore International … Continue reading Review: Delicate Spells of Mind by Lucy McRae (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Ceremonial Enactments by MAX.TAN, Nadi Singapura and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (SIFA 2022)

Drawing power from tradition and ceremony to herald the start of SIFA 2022. Because of their historical and cultural significance, a ritual is often a powerful, sacred act of performance. At times celebratory, and at others a form of salvation, rituals form the heart of the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts, and are explicitly given the spotlight in Ceremonial Enactments, drawing strength from movement, … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Ceremonial Enactments by MAX.TAN, Nadi Singapura and Bhaskar’s Arts Academy (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: MEPAAN by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (SIFA 2022)

A concert of culture inspired by the Borneo rainforest. In the native language of Kayan, spoken by the indigenous Kayan people of Borneo, ‘mepaan’ translates to ‘always’, and makes for an appropriate title for the opening show of this year’s Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). Performed by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (from Sarawak), MEPAAN‘ is a musical journey into Southeast Asian … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: MEPAAN by Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Tuyang Initiative (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Holly Herndon – PROTO (SIFA 2022)

Hear the sounds of the future, as machine learning meets music. In this age of speculative and sci-fi films and television series showcasing apocalyptic views of a robot futures, fantastical space and transcendent possibility, Holly Herndon’s album PROTO would feel right at home. An American experimental musician based in Berlin, Holly Herndon played in Singapore as part of the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Holly Herndon – PROTO (SIFA 2022)

Music Is: The 28th Edition of the Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF) To Feature Both Live and Digital Performances

Following two years of disruptions due to the pandemic, the 28th edition of the Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF), organised by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, will mark the return to full audience recitals. The annual event was cancelled for the first time in 2020, while a scaled down version for a 50 pax audience was held last year.  Set to take place from 4th to 13th June, this year’s … Continue reading Music Is: The 28th Edition of the Singapore International Piano Festival (SIPF) To Feature Both Live and Digital Performances

Preview: Pesta Raya 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

After spending most of the last two years relegated to online platforms, Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts returns this May for a 2022, physical edition at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Now in its 21st edition, the festival celebrates Malay artists across mediums, from music to theatre to dance, with a particular focus on icons who have shaped the local arts and … Continue reading Preview: Pesta Raya 2022 by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Music Is: Inaugural YOC International Youth Opera Festival 2022 launched by New Opera Singapore’s youth wing – ‘Youth Opera Comique’

Celebrating the inaugural International Youth Opera Festival is a 3-day event from 2-4 June 2022! Opening with a concert by New Opera Singapore’s ‘Youth Opera Comique (YOC)’, these singers aged 14 and above will introduce audiences to the wonderful world of Opera and art songs. Alongside a Masterclass and vocal-related workshops held throughout the Festival, the culmination of the Festival features contestants and judges from … Continue reading Music Is: Inaugural YOC International Youth Opera Festival 2022 launched by New Opera Singapore’s youth wing – ‘Youth Opera Comique’

Music Is: An Interview with rising star Lyn Lapid on authenticity, youth, and the music industry

As the world sees a rise of social media stars and an entertainment industry burgeoning with increasingly youthful talent, it’s no surprise that agents, managers and producers are tempted by the call of greed. More often than not, these predatory adults swoop in to make a quick buck off these hopeful, inexperienced youth in need of mentorship and a guide to show them the ropes, … Continue reading Music Is: An Interview with rising star Lyn Lapid on authenticity, youth, and the music industry

Music Is: Stephen Riady Endows SSO Principal Flute Chair

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is naming a chair after Executive Chairman and Group Chief Executive of OUE Limited, Dr Stephen Riady, following the donation of a major gift to the orchestra.     The Principal Flute, Stephen Riady Chair, acknowledges the first major donation to the orchestra since the pandemic began, and will be effective from the orchestra’s 2022/23 season beginning in July 2022. The position is … Continue reading Music Is: Stephen Riady Endows SSO Principal Flute Chair

Music Is: Humble Beginnings – T’ang Quartet at 30 concert

One of the best known and most accomplished string quartets in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s T’ang Quartet is marking its third decade with the first concert this year on 22nd April at Victoria Concert Hall. Classical music enthusiasts and fans of the Quartet have much to look forward to. The award-winning ensemble – also Quartet-in-Residence at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music – will begin … Continue reading Music Is: Humble Beginnings – T’ang Quartet at 30 concert