Music Is: SSO Celebrates Start of 2022/23 Season

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra has unveiled the first half of its 2022/2023 season. Apart from spotlighting a stellar line-up of international artists including Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman, South Korean violinist Soyoung Yoon, Canadian violinist James Ehnes, South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son, Venezuelan trumpeter Pacho Flores, Scottish pianist Steven Osborne and Ukrainian-born Israeli violinist Vadim Gluzman, the new season affirms a fresh restart in the music scene with full programmes, full audiences as well as new appointments – where the SSO’s current Chief Conductor Hans … Continue reading Music Is: SSO Celebrates Start of 2022/23 Season

By The Book: Epigram Books reveals judging panel for the 2023 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

Epigram Books has announced the judging panel for the 2023 Epigram Books Fiction Prize (EBFP). The panel comprises Meira Chand, Carissa Foo, Peter Schoppert, Michelle Yeoh, and is chaired by Edmund Wee. Meira Chand is the author of nine novels including A Different Sky, which was a “Book of the Month choice” by UK bookshop chain, Waterstones, and was on Oprah Winfrey’s recommended reading list. … Continue reading By The Book: Epigram Books reveals judging panel for the 2023 Epigram Books Fiction Prize

By The Book: J.H.Low’s Lemonade Sky snags the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award

Lemonade Sky by J.H. Low has been awarded the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award 2022 (HABA) for Best Picture Book. Paired with bold artful illustrations and a moving story, Lemonade Sky tells the story of a young boy’s journey of self-discovery in search of his own “lemonade sky”—a place where he believes he can truly be free. Author and illustrator J.H. Low approaches a sensitive … Continue reading By The Book: J.H.Low’s Lemonade Sky snags the Hedwig Anuar Children’s Book Award

★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

Unpacking and reimagining the complexities of Salome through a modern lens. Princess of Judea, villainous exotic dancer, or vengeful femme fatale? The historical figure of Salome’s claim to fame lies in her request to see the head of John the Baptist as reward for performing a dance for her step-father. But one thing that is never made clear is her intentions for doing so, with … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: project SALOME by Ong Keng Sen / T:>works (SIFA 2022)

Janice Koh conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, for her contribution to the arts

For her outstanding contribution to the arts, Singaporean actress Janice Koh has been conferred France’s prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters). Held in an intimate ceremony at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice on Monday, the 6th of June, the evening’s proceedings were overseen and organised by the Embassy of France in … Continue reading Janice Koh conferred the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, for her contribution to the arts

Preview: Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita by Wild Rice

How much do you know about Zubir Said, besides the fact that he composed our national anthem? This July, Wild Rice’s latest production will ensure you know enough about the great man that you’ll no longer refer to him as ‘Mr. Mari Kita’. Don’t Call Him Mr, Mari Kita is a sensational new musical tribute to Zubir Said, who, besides the National Anthem, is also … Continue reading Preview: Don’t Call Him Mr. Mari Kita by Wild Rice

★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

The outback becomes both nightmare and dreamscape for a couple running from their own problems. The name ‘devil’s cherry’ brings to mind a great many things – ideas of temptation, of evil, and perhaps, the loss of innocence. The moniker itself is an alternative to its more common name ‘deadly nightshade’, a poisonous plant and invasive species to Australia, bearing black, cherry-like fruit. Just a … Continue reading ★★★☆☆ Review: Devil’s Cherry by Kaylene Tan and Paul Rae (SIFA 2022)

★★★★★ Review: Bangsawan Gemala Malam by Teater Ekamatra (SIFA 2022)

Shakespeare’s classic comedy lends itself perfectly to the bangsawan form. In Malay culture, the bangsawan is a traditional opera form performed by theatre troupes, regaling its audiences with epic tales, its scenes both melodramatic and comedic, punctuated by song and dance. While no longer as common in modern day Singapore, the form has found new life during the 2022 Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), … Continue reading ★★★★★ Review: Bangsawan Gemala Malam by Teater Ekamatra (SIFA 2022)

★★★★☆ Review: Sylvia by Pachyderm Theatre

Man’s best friend counters the dog days of life. How much do we love our pets? For one man, it might just be a relationship that’s unnervingly close to a romance, much to the chagrin of his wife. Written by A.R. Gurney and directed by Pavan J. Singh, Sylvia is a modern romantic comedy that follows middle-aged ‘empty-nesters’ Greg and Kate (Sean Worrall and Susie … Continue reading ★★★★☆ Review: Sylvia by Pachyderm Theatre

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)