Music Is: Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony

In November 2020, Russian composer Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony made history as the first Singaporean-commissioned symphony to be recorded by the London Philharmonic Orchestra under their LPO label. Launched on major online music streaming services such as Spotify and iTunes, while in March 2021, the symphony is set to receive a live performance by the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra at the Esplanade. First premiering in 2005 … Continue reading Music Is: Vladimir Martynov’s Utopia Symphony

Review: As The Winds Blow by Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Putting SSO’s Woodwind and Brass Ensemble in the spotlight after a lengthy hiatus.  Of all the families of instruments that have been most maligned during the COVID-19 period, it is the wind instruments that have taken the longest hiatus, owing to how they’re perceived to be the group posing the highest risk of spreading transmissions. But eleven months on since their last live performance in … Continue reading Review: As The Winds Blow by Singapore Symphony Orchestra

Music Is: Bangkok-based Korean producer Saint Nine drops tropical electro-pop single “Don’t Call Me Sugar”

Bangkok-based Korean electronic producer Saint Nine has officially released his new single, “Don’t Call Me Sugar.” The eclectic artist is the newest addition to the growing roster of Umami Records, an independent record label based in Singapore. A tropical electro-pop track infused with Latin-Cuban melodies, suave instrumentation, and a vocal performance by an unnamed two-time Grammy nominee, “Don’t Call Me Sugar” deep-dives into a compelling … Continue reading Music Is: Bangkok-based Korean producer Saint Nine drops tropical electro-pop single “Don’t Call Me Sugar”

Music Is: SSO Chief Conductor Hans Graf in first live concert in January 2021

In January 2021, Singapore Symphony Orchestra Maestro Hans Graf will make his first appearance in front of a live audience in his role as SSO Chief Conductor this January. On 6th January, Chief Conductor Hans Graf joins the orchestra to conduct Mozart’s Symphony No. 36 (“Linz”) alongside the composer’s Piano Concerto No. 23, with soloist Albert Tiu. This concert, at the Esplanade Concert Hall, will be Hans Graf’s first in front of … Continue reading Music Is: SSO Chief Conductor Hans Graf in first live concert in January 2021

Preview: ROCK 21! at the Esplanade Concert Hall

With the announcement of Phase 3 of our circuit breaker taking effect from 28th December, it’s good cause for a (safe) celebration this New Year. And for fans of Singapore Malay rock, you’re in for a treat, as the Esplanade presents ROCK 21! Bring out those leather jackets and come on down to the Esplanade Concert Hall on 1st January 2021, New Year’s Day to … Continue reading Preview: ROCK 21! at the Esplanade Concert Hall

★★★★☆ Review: Crazy Christmas Fun-raising Concert – Keep the DREAM Alive by Dream Academy

The show must go on, as Dream Academy brings back their beloved Crazy Christmas revue to save 2020. It’s been a tough year for all of us, but if it’s one thing we’ve learnt, it’s that there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. And for us at least, over the last few years, we’ve come to look forward to our new annual … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Crazy Christmas Fun-raising Concert – Keep the DREAM Alive by Dream Academy

Music Is: Shye releases debut album ‘days to morning glory’

Electro-pop singer, songwriter and producer Shye has her debut album ‘days to morning glory’ via Where Are The Fruits. A follow up to the 2018 release ‘Augu7ine’ EP, the 14-track album consists of 10 new tracks plus the previously-released singles “too well”, “don’t be shy”, “love u” and “feeling like”. The album is a mixture of folk, techno and indie pop, infused with R&B, modern rock and classical elements, all of which Shye gravitates towards and … Continue reading Music Is: Shye releases debut album ‘days to morning glory’

Music Is: Asian-American hip-hop artist Blahza and Seira release single ‘GPS’

Asian-American hip-hop artist Blahza and newcomer Seira have released a new emo-rap single, “GPS.” Reminiscent of Juice WRLD with its chill, spacey touch and laid-back delivery, the vibey bop follows the rapper’s journey to finding his way back to love. According to Blahza, the song is a reassurance of his loyalty and romantic affection for the love of his life despite having to spend days … Continue reading Music Is: Asian-American hip-hop artist Blahza and Seira release single ‘GPS’

Music Is: Eve Alai collaborates with Naomi G on new single ‘Who? (Ah Vi)’

Singapore electronic producer Eve Alai links up with dark pop songstress Naomi G on a crossover track about the dark side of losing ourselves in the new digital age. ‘Who? (Ah Vi)’ is what you get when house music collides with the brooding, more ethereal end of pop music.  A confident attempt to flood the virtual clubs with smoke-and-lasers treatment, the thumping pop banger touches … Continue reading Music Is: Eve Alai collaborates with Naomi G on new single ‘Who? (Ah Vi)’

Preview: Crazy Christmas Fun-raising Concert – Keep the DREAM Alive by Dream Academy

As with all arts companies this year, Dream Academy has had to cancel most of their 2020 season, making the abrupt switch to producing digital content in lieu of live performances, and taking a hit to their finances. But with the slow and steady return of live theatre, Dream Academy is ready to welcome audiences back to their shows, with the return of their seasonal … Continue reading Preview: Crazy Christmas Fun-raising Concert – Keep the DREAM Alive by Dream Academy