Date/Time: 29 May 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$20, S$15 ticket for Student, Senior Citizen & NSF.
---Start of Extract---
Across the Scandinavian fields, over the plains of Eastern Europe, through Japanese villages and into the quirky world of modern America, embark on a musical journey around the world and listen to an eclectic mix of songs from around the world with the Nanyang High Choir.
The repertoire includes The Syncopated Clock, The Waltzing Cat and The Typewriter by Leroy Anderson, Itsuki no Lullaby by Ko Matsushita, Spring by Lojze Lebic, Jaakobin Pojat by Pekka Kostiainen and selections from Disney.
---End of Extract---
Order your tickets from SISTIC now!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Listening Recommendation: Glagolitic Mass by Leos Janacek
Hi all,
Here's this week's listening recommendation.
Composer Leoš Janáček (1854 - 1928) was born in Northern Moravia (in modern day Czech Republic). Although known mostly for his operas, Janacek also wrote a number of anthems and choral works. His works in general are highly challenging, in both technical aspects - rhythm, pitch, harmony (dissonance, unorthodox chord spacings) , keys (modal, major/minor) and musically (in corporation of pitch contour, inflections of Czech speech, and feeling that slight sense of minimalism in his works).
Despite being an atheist, he composed one of the most highly-acclaimed choral works in the 20th century - the Glagolitic Mass. The setting was chiefly, non-liturgical, but used an Old Church Slavonic text (the term Glagolitic comes from the Glagolitic alphabet, the earliest alphabet used by the Slavs, and not to the texts used by the mass, as Janacek seems to have believed) to which a 8-movement work was structured around.
It begins and closes with triumphant fanfares dominated by the brass. In between these sections lies particularly vibrant and rhythmic writing for voices (soloists as well as choir). Before the closing Intrada, Janáček introduces a dramatic organ solo of considerable originality -- a perpetuo moto of wild energy.
Janacek attributes its conception to an electrical storm he witnessed. "It grows darker and darker. Already I am looking into the black night; flashes of lightning cut through it. I switch on the flickering electric light on the high ceiling. I sketch nothing more than the quiet motive of a desperate frame of mind to the words ‘Gospodi pomiluj’ [Love have mercy]. Nothing more than the joyous shout ‘Slava, Slava!"
Listen to see whether you can visualise the imagery Janacek had in this masterpiece.
Here's this week's listening recommendation.
Composer Leoš Janáček (1854 - 1928) was born in Northern Moravia (in modern day Czech Republic). Although known mostly for his operas, Janacek also wrote a number of anthems and choral works. His works in general are highly challenging, in both technical aspects - rhythm, pitch, harmony (dissonance, unorthodox chord spacings) , keys (modal, major/minor) and musically (in corporation of pitch contour, inflections of Czech speech, and feeling that slight sense of minimalism in his works).
Despite being an atheist, he composed one of the most highly-acclaimed choral works in the 20th century - the Glagolitic Mass. The setting was chiefly, non-liturgical, but used an Old Church Slavonic text (the term Glagolitic comes from the Glagolitic alphabet, the earliest alphabet used by the Slavs, and not to the texts used by the mass, as Janacek seems to have believed) to which a 8-movement work was structured around.
It begins and closes with triumphant fanfares dominated by the brass. In between these sections lies particularly vibrant and rhythmic writing for voices (soloists as well as choir). Before the closing Intrada, Janáček introduces a dramatic organ solo of considerable originality -- a perpetuo moto of wild energy.
Janacek attributes its conception to an electrical storm he witnessed. "It grows darker and darker. Already I am looking into the black night; flashes of lightning cut through it. I switch on the flickering electric light on the high ceiling. I sketch nothing more than the quiet motive of a desperate frame of mind to the words ‘Gospodi pomiluj’ [Love have mercy]. Nothing more than the joyous shout ‘Slava, Slava!"
Listen to see whether you can visualise the imagery Janacek had in this masterpiece.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Concert: Video Games Live
Date/Time: 19 Jun 09, 8 pm
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Ticket Price: Standard - S$115, S$85, S$70, S$55
*Through SISTIC Website, Hotline & Authorised Agents
10% discount for Early Bird.
[Applicable from 13 - 22 Mar 2009]
10% discount for Local Student.
Full Time students with valid student pass.
Please note that random checks on concession tickets will be conducted at the point of entry.
Patrons unable to present proof of eligibility are required to upgrade their concession tickets to full price tickets.
Through SISTIC Authorised Agents only
20% discount for Coupon with the purchase of New ERA products with minimum $100.
[Applicable to price cat 1 & 2 only]
[Available from 8 May 09 onwards]
15% discount for SIS Star Pass.
[Applicable from 19 May 2009 onwards]
15% discount for Post Card (present valid post card).
[Applicable from 22 May 2009 onwards]
---Start of Extract---
Video Games Live (VGL) is the biggest and most sensational game concert featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Performed to countless sold-out audiences in United States, Europe and North Asia, VGL is making its first Southeast Asian appearance in Singapore!
VGL integrates cutting-edge visuals and state-of-the-art technology with music arrangements and unique interactive segments, offering audiences an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
Produced and performed live by world famous video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, with our very own remarkable NUS Symphony Orchestra & Choir, VGL features music from the most popular video games - Pong, Mario, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and more.
Gamers & music lovers unite! Do not miss this opportunity to watch Video Games Live’s debut performance in Singapore!
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now!
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
Ticket Price: Standard - S$115, S$85, S$70, S$55
*Through SISTIC Website, Hotline & Authorised Agents
10% discount for Early Bird.
[Applicable from 13 - 22 Mar 2009]
10% discount for Local Student.
Full Time students with valid student pass.
Please note that random checks on concession tickets will be conducted at the point of entry.
Patrons unable to present proof of eligibility are required to upgrade their concession tickets to full price tickets.
Through SISTIC Authorised Agents only
20% discount for Coupon with the purchase of New ERA products with minimum $100.
[Applicable to price cat 1 & 2 only]
[Available from 8 May 09 onwards]
15% discount for SIS Star Pass.
[Applicable from 19 May 2009 onwards]
15% discount for Post Card (present valid post card).
[Applicable from 22 May 2009 onwards]
---Start of Extract---
Video Games Live (VGL) is the biggest and most sensational game concert featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Performed to countless sold-out audiences in United States, Europe and North Asia, VGL is making its first Southeast Asian appearance in Singapore!
VGL integrates cutting-edge visuals and state-of-the-art technology with music arrangements and unique interactive segments, offering audiences an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.
Produced and performed live by world famous video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, with our very own remarkable NUS Symphony Orchestra & Choir, VGL features music from the most popular video games - Pong, Mario, Sonic, Halo, Warcraft, Zelda, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and more.
Gamers & music lovers unite! Do not miss this opportunity to watch Video Games Live’s debut performance in Singapore!
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Concert: Symphony of Voices by Victoria Junior College Choir
((Updated with concert programme))
Date/Time: 14 May 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$50 (Box Seat), S$40, S$30, S$20. (Doesn't appear to have concessions for students)
Concert Programme: (many thanks to our reader, who has requested to be anonymous)
The Heavens are Telling
1988 (Hong Kong) - Choral Conductors Workshop Demonstration Choir
The father of symphony, F J Haydn composed The Creation during 1796-1798, the longest time he had ever spent on a single composition. Regarded as one of Haydn's greatest masterpiece, The Heavens are Telling is one of the mightiest choruses of the Creation and remains as popular favourite even till today.
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land
1990 (Wales) - Cardigan Eisteddfod International Choral Competition
This beautiful yet sad piece of music is a lament for lost love. The piece was published in 1890, composed by renowned English composer Edward Elgar based on a poem by Andrew Lang. Every phrase in the music brings you a deeper insight to the poet's world. At the beginning it may seems to be an idyllic recollection of a summer's love, but only to be revealed at the end that the poet's beloved is dead.
Fyer, Fyer!
1991 (Hong Kong) - Invitation from the HK Education Ministry for Concert
This madrigal is a renaissance piece that was composed by renowned English musician Thomas Morley during the Elizabethan Golden Age. Fyer, Fyer was written as part of the First Book of Ballets in 1595. The song explores the burning emotions that arise when love culminates, as depicted by the forceful singing in most sections of the song.
Ave Verum Corpus (performed by year 1 chorus)
1992 (Europe) - Concert Tour Around Europe
A traditional favourite by the 19th century composer Camille Saint-Saens, this Latin sacred music is strongly influenced by music from Italian Catholicism. It means "Hail the true body", referring to the body of Jesus Christ. A Eucharistic hymn that was used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the heartfely music is a testament to Christ's death and the final judgement.
Ma Tou Qin Zou Qi Lai Le (performed by Victoria Chorale)
1993 (Australia) - Sydney Opera House, Canberra House of Parliament
Composed by Liu Zhuang, this piece explores the theme of nation building. Also known as the Morin Khur or horse-headed fiddle, the Ma Tou Qin is a Mongolian bowed instrument with two strings and a detailed carving of a horse's head on the peg head. This song is a strong representation of the Mongolian tribal culture, reflecting both the sound of the Ma Tou Qin and traditional Mongolian overtones.
Ave Maria
1995 (Vatican City) - Saint Peter's Basilica
Ave Maria is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, based on a biblical text. Anton Bruckner wrote this seven-part setting in 1861, making it the first major composition that he completed after 5 years of arduous study. It starts with a three-part women's choir followed by a four-part men's choir which eventually unite in the proclamation of Jesus. It concludes with the asking for intervention for us sinners.
Lok Sui Ten (performed by the Victoria Chorale)
1997 (USA) - Concert Tour to USA, performed at Disneyland, LA
Arranged and commissioned by Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai and Victoria Junior College Choir in 1996, this song (based on a Hakka poem) consists of traditional Hakka droning tunes that are full of emotion. Like most Hakka folksongs, this piece is about life in the mountains. It praises the strong spirit of their people, who do not easily succumb to the difficult circumstances. The piece tells the tale of people, who do not have any shelter, being caught in heavy rains, which relentlessly pour on them.
Counting Frogs (performed by year 2 chorus)
1999 (Pohlheim, Germany) - Mendelssohn International Choral Competition
Arranged and commissioned by local composer Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai and Victoria Junior College Choir in 1998, the VJC Choir once again brings to you this famous Chinese folk song, a popular favourite amongst many. Beginning with 1 frog, with 2 eyes and 4 legs, the numbers keep multiplying as the tongue twister unfolds; the speed of the song also escalates when new frogs are added. The croaking of frogs and unique harmonics used in the opening set a mysterious atmosphere, slowly building up towards a grand and impressive finale.
Ave Maris Stella
2000 (Linz, Germany) - 1st Choir Olympics
Composed in 1979 by Vajda James, this energetic yet solemn piece sings praise to the Virgin Mary. It is based on a plainsong hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which origin is uncertain and can be dated as far back as the eighth century.
O Magnum Mysterium (performed by year 2 chorus)
2002 (Prague, Czech Republic) - 12th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
This sacred piece was composed by French composer Francis Poulenc, it explores the internal struggle that he as a person faces in reality. Poulenc's setting of this piece consists of a very sombre tone, which reflects the immense pain felt by him. Based on a responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas, we return to the fateful night when Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger. The sense of awe felt by those present is captured and relieved in this song, which exalts "The Great Mystery".
Now Every Tree (performed by year 1 chorus)
2003 (Genting Highlands, Malaysia) - Inaugural 21st Century International Choral Festival)
This madrigal was written in 1597, during the renaissance period, by famous English composer Thomas Weelkes. Being the most important from of music of its time, it is a polyphonic secular vocal composition that is unaccompanied. The music well expresses the sentiment of each line of the poetic text, which depicts a love-song of the seasons.
In The Bamboo Forest (performed by Victoria Chorale)
2004 (Bremen, Germany) - 3rd Choir Olympics
Composed by Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai, and commissioned by the Victoria Junior College Choir in 2003, this piece was premiered by the VJC choir in 2004. "Sitting alon, in the hush of the bamboo, I thrum my zither, and whistle lingering note. In the secrecy of the wood, no one can hear, only the clear moon comes to shine on me."
Based on this poem by Tang Dynasty poet (Wang Wei), the song describes how the simple pleasures of music and art are somtimes best enjoyed in solitude.
Confitemini Domino
2006 (Riva del Garda, Italy) - 9th Concorso Corale Internazionale
This spectacular piece of music composed by acclaimed Venezualan composer Alberto Grau, exhibits heavy Latin influences that stem from his own cultural roots. It is an extremely unique choral piece that encompasses a mixture of slow, moving passages and intense, captivating trance-like rhythms and effectively uses and incorporates a wider range of musical effects.
Hana
2007 (Pattaya, Thailand) - 3rd A Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival
This enticing piece composed by Japanese composer Ko Matsushita in 2001 expresses the fragility and tenderness of a flower, bringing as through the course of its delicate life. Does the blooming of a flower indicate its impending and inevitable death? More often than not we only see a flower for its bloom, but not its journey, in which its story unfolds. Let the VJC choir take you through this mesmerizing journey of the story of a flower.
Mate Saule
2008 (Wales) - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Mate Saule, also known as Mother Sun, is a contemporary piece written by Peteris Vasks in 1946. It is an early choral work, featuring voices oscillating like the shimer of a sun slowly rising in the horizon, lit by flares and fragments of chant. The song culminates with a breathtaking chord, consisting of 15 parts (each representing a beam of sunlight) which expresses the idea of an inspiring sunrise by the Mother Sun.
Christus Factus Est
2009 (Linz, Germany) - 2nd International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival
Composed byt the renowned Romantic era composer Anton Bruckner and completed in 1884, Christus Factus Est was dedicated to a Father from the Benedictine Monastery. It is a symphonic and beautiful piece and a prime example of the way Bruckner develops harmonic tension gradually, building to memorable climaxes and then easing away.
The Phantom Waltz
Based on two poems by Izak van der Merwe, South African composer Hendrik Hofmeys wrote this piece in 1998. It is a contemporary piece that depicts ghosts gathering for a light, yet energetic waltz at a spookey estate on an eerie night. The haunting and creepy atmosphere is further enhanced by the whispers and winds that vocalists create at different sections of the song. Watch out for the hair-raising opening as the VJC Choir welcomes you to the Phantom Waltz.
Magic Songs (Chant to Bring Back the Wolf)
Composed by renowed Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer, Magic Songs is compilation of 9 chants, of which we are only performing one. What is unique about Magic Songs is that it reflects the idea of 'Tone Magic', which requires the performers to believe strongly that they will bring out a physical effect from the chants, so as to energise the piece. The chants are to restore aspects of nature which have been destroyed or neglected by humanity. In the words of the composer, "if you sing the right note, you can make anyhing happen".
---Start of Extract---
A choir recognised both locally and internationally for its mastery of choral music, the Victoria Junior College Choir once again presents its annual concert Symphony of Voices. In conjunction with the college’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, this will be an evening that celebrates the choir’s accomplishments over the years. This promises to be an evening of spectacular music, where the choir will showcase its musicality and versatility with a variety of songs ranging from sacred music of the Latin tradition to contemporary Asian and Western compositions.
Under the guidance of esteemed choral director, Mr Nelson Kwei, the Victoria Junior College Choir has grown from strength to strength since its humble beginnings in 1985. The choir has garnered numerous awards, attaining Gold Awards in all categories they competed in during the 2004 Choir Olympics and being awarded the Grand Championship Prize in the Riva del Garda Choir Competition held in Italy in 2006. More recently, the VJC Choir was awarded the Special Jury Prize in the Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival 2007, and clinched first prize in the Youth Choirs section at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2008 held in Wales.
--End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now!
Date/Time: 14 May 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$50 (Box Seat), S$40, S$30, S$20. (Doesn't appear to have concessions for students)
Concert Programme: (many thanks to our reader, who has requested to be anonymous)
The Heavens are Telling
1988 (Hong Kong) - Choral Conductors Workshop Demonstration Choir
The father of symphony, F J Haydn composed The Creation during 1796-1798, the longest time he had ever spent on a single composition. Regarded as one of Haydn's greatest masterpiece, The Heavens are Telling is one of the mightiest choruses of the Creation and remains as popular favourite even till today.
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land
1990 (Wales) - Cardigan Eisteddfod International Choral Competition
This beautiful yet sad piece of music is a lament for lost love. The piece was published in 1890, composed by renowned English composer Edward Elgar based on a poem by Andrew Lang. Every phrase in the music brings you a deeper insight to the poet's world. At the beginning it may seems to be an idyllic recollection of a summer's love, but only to be revealed at the end that the poet's beloved is dead.
Fyer, Fyer!
1991 (Hong Kong) - Invitation from the HK Education Ministry for Concert
This madrigal is a renaissance piece that was composed by renowned English musician Thomas Morley during the Elizabethan Golden Age. Fyer, Fyer was written as part of the First Book of Ballets in 1595. The song explores the burning emotions that arise when love culminates, as depicted by the forceful singing in most sections of the song.
Ave Verum Corpus (performed by year 1 chorus)
1992 (Europe) - Concert Tour Around Europe
A traditional favourite by the 19th century composer Camille Saint-Saens, this Latin sacred music is strongly influenced by music from Italian Catholicism. It means "Hail the true body", referring to the body of Jesus Christ. A Eucharistic hymn that was used frequently during Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, the heartfely music is a testament to Christ's death and the final judgement.
Ma Tou Qin Zou Qi Lai Le (performed by Victoria Chorale)
1993 (Australia) - Sydney Opera House, Canberra House of Parliament
Composed by Liu Zhuang, this piece explores the theme of nation building. Also known as the Morin Khur or horse-headed fiddle, the Ma Tou Qin is a Mongolian bowed instrument with two strings and a detailed carving of a horse's head on the peg head. This song is a strong representation of the Mongolian tribal culture, reflecting both the sound of the Ma Tou Qin and traditional Mongolian overtones.
Ave Maria
1995 (Vatican City) - Saint Peter's Basilica
Ave Maria is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, based on a biblical text. Anton Bruckner wrote this seven-part setting in 1861, making it the first major composition that he completed after 5 years of arduous study. It starts with a three-part women's choir followed by a four-part men's choir which eventually unite in the proclamation of Jesus. It concludes with the asking for intervention for us sinners.
Lok Sui Ten (performed by the Victoria Chorale)
1997 (USA) - Concert Tour to USA, performed at Disneyland, LA
Arranged and commissioned by Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai and Victoria Junior College Choir in 1996, this song (based on a Hakka poem) consists of traditional Hakka droning tunes that are full of emotion. Like most Hakka folksongs, this piece is about life in the mountains. It praises the strong spirit of their people, who do not easily succumb to the difficult circumstances. The piece tells the tale of people, who do not have any shelter, being caught in heavy rains, which relentlessly pour on them.
Counting Frogs (performed by year 2 chorus)
1999 (Pohlheim, Germany) - Mendelssohn International Choral Competition
Arranged and commissioned by local composer Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai and Victoria Junior College Choir in 1998, the VJC Choir once again brings to you this famous Chinese folk song, a popular favourite amongst many. Beginning with 1 frog, with 2 eyes and 4 legs, the numbers keep multiplying as the tongue twister unfolds; the speed of the song also escalates when new frogs are added. The croaking of frogs and unique harmonics used in the opening set a mysterious atmosphere, slowly building up towards a grand and impressive finale.
Ave Maris Stella
2000 (Linz, Germany) - 1st Choir Olympics
Composed in 1979 by Vajda James, this energetic yet solemn piece sings praise to the Virgin Mary. It is based on a plainsong hymn dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which origin is uncertain and can be dated as far back as the eighth century.
O Magnum Mysterium (performed by year 2 chorus)
2002 (Prague, Czech Republic) - 12th International Festival of Advent and Christmas Music
This sacred piece was composed by French composer Francis Poulenc, it explores the internal struggle that he as a person faces in reality. Poulenc's setting of this piece consists of a very sombre tone, which reflects the immense pain felt by him. Based on a responsorial chant from the Matins of Christmas, we return to the fateful night when Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger. The sense of awe felt by those present is captured and relieved in this song, which exalts "The Great Mystery".
Now Every Tree (performed by year 1 chorus)
2003 (Genting Highlands, Malaysia) - Inaugural 21st Century International Choral Festival)
This madrigal was written in 1597, during the renaissance period, by famous English composer Thomas Weelkes. Being the most important from of music of its time, it is a polyphonic secular vocal composition that is unaccompanied. The music well expresses the sentiment of each line of the poetic text, which depicts a love-song of the seasons.
In The Bamboo Forest (performed by Victoria Chorale)
2004 (Bremen, Germany) - 3rd Choir Olympics
Composed by Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai, and commissioned by the Victoria Junior College Choir in 2003, this piece was premiered by the VJC choir in 2004. "Sitting alon, in the hush of the bamboo, I thrum my zither, and whistle lingering note. In the secrecy of the wood, no one can hear, only the clear moon comes to shine on me."
Based on this poem by Tang Dynasty poet (Wang Wei), the song describes how the simple pleasures of music and art are somtimes best enjoyed in solitude.
Confitemini Domino
2006 (Riva del Garda, Italy) - 9th Concorso Corale Internazionale
This spectacular piece of music composed by acclaimed Venezualan composer Alberto Grau, exhibits heavy Latin influences that stem from his own cultural roots. It is an extremely unique choral piece that encompasses a mixture of slow, moving passages and intense, captivating trance-like rhythms and effectively uses and incorporates a wider range of musical effects.
Hana
2007 (Pattaya, Thailand) - 3rd A Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival
This enticing piece composed by Japanese composer Ko Matsushita in 2001 expresses the fragility and tenderness of a flower, bringing as through the course of its delicate life. Does the blooming of a flower indicate its impending and inevitable death? More often than not we only see a flower for its bloom, but not its journey, in which its story unfolds. Let the VJC choir take you through this mesmerizing journey of the story of a flower.
Mate Saule
2008 (Wales) - Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod
Mate Saule, also known as Mother Sun, is a contemporary piece written by Peteris Vasks in 1946. It is an early choral work, featuring voices oscillating like the shimer of a sun slowly rising in the horizon, lit by flares and fragments of chant. The song culminates with a breathtaking chord, consisting of 15 parts (each representing a beam of sunlight) which expresses the idea of an inspiring sunrise by the Mother Sun.
Christus Factus Est
2009 (Linz, Germany) - 2nd International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition and Festival
Composed byt the renowned Romantic era composer Anton Bruckner and completed in 1884, Christus Factus Est was dedicated to a Father from the Benedictine Monastery. It is a symphonic and beautiful piece and a prime example of the way Bruckner develops harmonic tension gradually, building to memorable climaxes and then easing away.
The Phantom Waltz
Based on two poems by Izak van der Merwe, South African composer Hendrik Hofmeys wrote this piece in 1998. It is a contemporary piece that depicts ghosts gathering for a light, yet energetic waltz at a spookey estate on an eerie night. The haunting and creepy atmosphere is further enhanced by the whispers and winds that vocalists create at different sections of the song. Watch out for the hair-raising opening as the VJC Choir welcomes you to the Phantom Waltz.
Magic Songs (Chant to Bring Back the Wolf)
Composed by renowed Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer, Magic Songs is compilation of 9 chants, of which we are only performing one. What is unique about Magic Songs is that it reflects the idea of 'Tone Magic', which requires the performers to believe strongly that they will bring out a physical effect from the chants, so as to energise the piece. The chants are to restore aspects of nature which have been destroyed or neglected by humanity. In the words of the composer, "if you sing the right note, you can make anyhing happen".
---Start of Extract---
A choir recognised both locally and internationally for its mastery of choral music, the Victoria Junior College Choir once again presents its annual concert Symphony of Voices. In conjunction with the college’s 25th Anniversary celebrations, this will be an evening that celebrates the choir’s accomplishments over the years. This promises to be an evening of spectacular music, where the choir will showcase its musicality and versatility with a variety of songs ranging from sacred music of the Latin tradition to contemporary Asian and Western compositions.
Under the guidance of esteemed choral director, Mr Nelson Kwei, the Victoria Junior College Choir has grown from strength to strength since its humble beginnings in 1985. The choir has garnered numerous awards, attaining Gold Awards in all categories they competed in during the 2004 Choir Olympics and being awarded the Grand Championship Prize in the Riva del Garda Choir Competition held in Italy in 2006. More recently, the VJC Choir was awarded the Special Jury Prize in the Voyage of Songs International Choral Festival 2007, and clinched first prize in the Youth Choirs section at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod 2008 held in Wales.
--End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Concert: Distant Worlds music from Final Fantasy
---Update---
Here's the programme from the night (23 May 09)
FF VIII: Liberli Fatali (with chorus)
FF X: To Zanarkand
FF VIII: Don't be Afraid
FF VII: Aerith's Theme
FF I - III: Medley 2002
FF V: Dear Friends (with guitar solo)
FF IX: Vamo' alla Flamenco (with guitar solo)
FF XI: Ronfaure
FF series: Main Theme
Intermission
FF VII: Opening - Bombing Mission
FF VIII: Fisherman's Horizon (with chorus)
FF XI: Memoro de la Stono - Distant Worlds (with chorus and soloist, Anna Koor)
FF IV: Theme of Love
FF series: Swing de Chocobo (my personal fav)
FF VIII: Love Grows
FF VI: Opera "Maria and Draco" (soloists, Anna Koor, Kee Loi Seng and William Lim)
Encore:
FF VI: Terra's Theme
FF VII: One Winged Angel (with chorus, and Nobuo Uematsu-sensei singing in the chorus)
--Original Post 29 Jan 09 ---
Okay the details are unknown yet, but we can confirm that play symphony is coming to Singapore again this year! 22nd and 23rd May 09, at the Esplanade. This year's concert will comprise of all the Songs from the Final Fantasy Series from square Enix. A must watch for all FF game fans and choir enthusiasts alike!
Will update when more details are available.
Here's the programme from the night (23 May 09)
FF VIII: Liberli Fatali (with chorus)
FF X: To Zanarkand
FF VIII: Don't be Afraid
FF VII: Aerith's Theme
FF I - III: Medley 2002
FF V: Dear Friends (with guitar solo)
FF IX: Vamo' alla Flamenco (with guitar solo)
FF XI: Ronfaure
FF series: Main Theme
Intermission
FF VII: Opening - Bombing Mission
FF VIII: Fisherman's Horizon (with chorus)
FF XI: Memoro de la Stono - Distant Worlds (with chorus and soloist, Anna Koor)
FF IV: Theme of Love
FF series: Swing de Chocobo (my personal fav)
FF VIII: Love Grows
FF VI: Opera "Maria and Draco" (soloists, Anna Koor, Kee Loi Seng and William Lim)
Encore:
FF VI: Terra's Theme
FF VII: One Winged Angel (with chorus, and Nobuo Uematsu-sensei singing in the chorus)
--Original Post 29 Jan 09 ---
Okay the details are unknown yet, but we can confirm that play symphony is coming to Singapore again this year! 22nd and 23rd May 09, at the Esplanade. This year's concert will comprise of all the Songs from the Final Fantasy Series from square Enix. A must watch for all FF game fans and choir enthusiasts alike!
Will update when more details are available.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Notice: Online Choir Experiment by Eric Whitacre
Hi all, just thought I would like to bring this to your attention. I was notified of this through an e-mail sent by a friend.
(The above link is to Mr Eric Whitacre's official blog.)
Whitacre is looking for singers to sing parts of his composition "Sleep" and record it on video and post it on youtube, where he can then fix all the parts together and create the world's first virtual choir! If it works out fine, he may even compose a new song to be premiered by the virtual choir. Do check out his blog for the details (read from his May 15th post onwards.)
Hope to see Singaporeans as part of the virtual choir :)
(The above link is to Mr Eric Whitacre's official blog.)
Whitacre is looking for singers to sing parts of his composition "Sleep" and record it on video and post it on youtube, where he can then fix all the parts together and create the world's first virtual choir! If it works out fine, he may even compose a new song to be premiered by the virtual choir. Do check out his blog for the details (read from his May 15th post onwards.)
Hope to see Singaporeans as part of the virtual choir :)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Listening Recommendation: The Philippine Madrigal Singers
Hi all,
This week's listening recommendation's actually a concert done by The Philippine Madrigal Singers, or more affectionately known to their fans as Madz. A two-time winner of the European Grand Prix, Madz recently performed a number of pieces in South Korea. Lucky for us, we don't have to travel all the way there to listen to them perform live! :)
Below's some of the pieces which they performed during the concert on Apr 29:
This week's listening recommendation's actually a concert done by The Philippine Madrigal Singers, or more affectionately known to their fans as Madz. A two-time winner of the European Grand Prix, Madz recently performed a number of pieces in South Korea. Lucky for us, we don't have to travel all the way there to listen to them perform live! :)
Below's some of the pieces which they performed during the concert on Apr 29:
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sing-ing Sunday: Most viewed choral videos
As the title suggests, I did a quick search on youtube for "singapore choir" and found the following to be the most viewed videos of school choirs.
No. 5: Victoria Chorale (2,827 views)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfpNvijouPo (embedding was disabled, so you'll have to access the webpage)
I guess alumni choirs count? And I sang that song before (for Christmas carolling, what else).
In Dulci Jubilo.
No. 4: TKSS Bin Nam Ma (3,515 views)
I didn't hear Bin Nam Ma during this year's SYF! Haha.
No. 3: ACJC Winter Wonderland (4,632 views)
Sadly, the recording quality isn't very good for this video. The choir seems to sound pretty good, though.
No. 2: Combined Primary School choir (5,508 views)
Wow, that's a record number of people on stage.
And presenting, the most viewed Singapore school choir video on youtube...
...
No. 1: NJC Ave Verum Corpus (19,545 views!!!)
I suppose the numbers are especially high because many people would search for Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus.
I wanted to post the top 5 least viewed school choir videos too, but found that it's very hard to find the least viewed videos, because of the search engine. After page X showing videos with close to zero views, page X+1 will have videos with tens of hundreds of views again -.-
Oh well. Maybe I will save that for another week, when I figure out how to work around this glitch! Till then.
No. 5: Victoria Chorale (2,827 views)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfpNvijouPo (embedding was disabled, so you'll have to access the webpage)
I guess alumni choirs count? And I sang that song before (for Christmas carolling, what else).
In Dulci Jubilo.
No. 4: TKSS Bin Nam Ma (3,515 views)
I didn't hear Bin Nam Ma during this year's SYF! Haha.
No. 3: ACJC Winter Wonderland (4,632 views)
Sadly, the recording quality isn't very good for this video. The choir seems to sound pretty good, though.
No. 2: Combined Primary School choir (5,508 views)
Wow, that's a record number of people on stage.
And presenting, the most viewed Singapore school choir video on youtube...
...
No. 1: NJC Ave Verum Corpus (19,545 views!!!)
I suppose the numbers are especially high because many people would search for Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus.
I wanted to post the top 5 least viewed school choir videos too, but found that it's very hard to find the least viewed videos, because of the search engine. After page X showing videos with close to zero views, page X+1 will have videos with tens of hundreds of views again -.-
Oh well. Maybe I will save that for another week, when I figure out how to work around this glitch! Till then.
Concert: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Date/Time: 14 Jun 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$80, S$60, S$45, S$30, S$20
*10% discount for ArtsFest Club Members
ArtsFest Club Members to quote or key password upon purchase.
10% discount for General Sales Package I (2-3 shows)
15% discount for General Sales Package J (4 shows & above)
20% discount for Local / International Full Time Students, Senior Citizens (60 yrs old & above) and NSFs
---Start of Extract---
Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album, 2005 & 2009
Come witness the spectacular return of nine-man a cappella choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo – the voice and soul of South Africa.
Following its raved international debut in Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland, this household name in world music has transcended the poverty and dark times of apartheid to become the cultural ambassador of South Africa. Formed in the troubled 1970s by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs indigenous Zulu music, blended with the choral traditions and sensibilities of Christian gospel music. Its message of peace, harmony and unity has won the hearts of the world, having been invited to perform at Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, the 1996 Summer Olympics, and concerts for the Queen of England, Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. Three Grammy Awards and numerous nominations attest to the heartrending and spiritual power of its music.
“It’s amazing what real music can do.” – Timesunion.com
In a career that has spanned nearly thirty years Ladysmith Black Mambazo have recorded forty albums, sold over 6 million records and brought home 3 Grammy awards. The group is a national treasure of the new South Africa, in part because they embody the traditions suppressed in the old South Africa. Black Mambazo has also been invited to perform at many special occasions, including two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies, a concert for Pope John Paul II in Rome, 1996 Summer Olympics and during Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee. Time does not seem to be slowing down Ladysmith Black Mambazo as they continue to travel the world, spreading their message of “Peace, Love and Harmony”.
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC today!
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$80, S$60, S$45, S$30, S$20
*10% discount for ArtsFest Club Members
ArtsFest Club Members to quote or key password upon purchase.
10% discount for General Sales Package I (2-3 shows)
15% discount for General Sales Package J (4 shows & above)
20% discount for Local / International Full Time Students, Senior Citizens (60 yrs old & above) and NSFs
---Start of Extract---
Grammy Award for Best Traditional World Music Album, 2005 & 2009
Come witness the spectacular return of nine-man a cappella choir, Ladysmith Black Mambazo – the voice and soul of South Africa.
Following its raved international debut in Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland, this household name in world music has transcended the poverty and dark times of apartheid to become the cultural ambassador of South Africa. Formed in the troubled 1970s by Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo performs indigenous Zulu music, blended with the choral traditions and sensibilities of Christian gospel music. Its message of peace, harmony and unity has won the hearts of the world, having been invited to perform at Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies, the 1996 Summer Olympics, and concerts for the Queen of England, Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. Three Grammy Awards and numerous nominations attest to the heartrending and spiritual power of its music.
“It’s amazing what real music can do.” – Timesunion.com
In a career that has spanned nearly thirty years Ladysmith Black Mambazo have recorded forty albums, sold over 6 million records and brought home 3 Grammy awards. The group is a national treasure of the new South Africa, in part because they embody the traditions suppressed in the old South Africa. Black Mambazo has also been invited to perform at many special occasions, including two Nobel Peace Prize Ceremonies, a concert for Pope John Paul II in Rome, 1996 Summer Olympics and during Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee. Time does not seem to be slowing down Ladysmith Black Mambazo as they continue to travel the world, spreading their message of “Peace, Love and Harmony”.
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC today!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Choral Masterclass by Stephen Cleobury
((Edited to correct erroneous date))
Date/Time: 26 Jul 09, 11 am
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $12
Note: Internet Booking starts on 18 May 2009, 9am.
Other Sales Channel starts on 18 May 2009, 10am.
---Start of Extract---
Learn the finer points of choral singing from one of the world’s most respected music director, Stephen Cleobury, from The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.
This choral masterclass will feature the participation of two Singaporean choirs – Singapore Lyric Opera Children’s Choir and The Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/choir/director.html
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC!
Date/Time: 26 Jul 09, 11 am
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $12
Note: Internet Booking starts on 18 May 2009, 9am.
Other Sales Channel starts on 18 May 2009, 10am.
---Start of Extract---
Learn the finer points of choral singing from one of the world’s most respected music director, Stephen Cleobury, from The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.
This choral masterclass will feature the participation of two Singaporean choirs – Singapore Lyric Opera Children’s Choir and The Philharmonic Chamber Choir.
http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/choir/director.html
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC!
Concert: The Choir of King's College, Cambridge
Date/Time: 26 Jul 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$88, S$68, S$48, S$28, Box Seat - S$88
*S$24 (Cat 3), S$14 (Cat 4) for Student
S$33.60 (Cat 3), S$19.60 (Cat 4) for Senior Citizen (age above 60 yrs) and NSF
Note: Internet Booking starts on 18 May 2009, 9am.
Other Sales Channel starts on 18 May 2009, 10am.
---Start of Extract---
Programme
Lobet den Herrn (Ps. 117)
Bach
Hör mein bitten (Ps. 102)
Purcell
ehova, quam multi sunt (Ps. 3)
Purcell
Voluntary on the Old 100th
Purcell
Sonata no.3 (1st movement)
Mendelssohn
Richte mich, Gott (Ps. 43)
Mendelssohn
Hear my prayer (from Ps. 55)
Mendelssohn
Organ Concerto Op. 4 no. 4.
Handel
Missa Sancti Johannis de Deo (Kleineorgelmesse)
Haydn
Komm, Jesu, komm
Bach
“...impeccable intonation, unfailing rhythmic vitality...” – The Times
Experience the pure, angelic voices of the Boys of King's College, one of the world's best known representatives of the great British choral tradition.
Led by music director Stephen Cleobury, this world-famous choir will perform a repertoire of choral favourites from Bach, Purcell, Mendelssohn, Handel and Hadyn, accompanied by a string ensemble comprising some of Singapore’s best musicians – Chan Yoong Han (violin), Michael Loh (violin), Tan Wee Hsin (viola), Chan Wei Shing (cello) and Yang Zhengyi (double bass) – and organist Peter Stevens performing organ solos and an organ concerto.
Internationally recognised as the pre-eminent representative of the great British church music tradition, the choir owes its existence to King Henry VI who envisaged the daily singing of services in his magnificent chapel. Today, famous for its many recordings, the choir is heard on radio by millions all over the world and has travelled to the USA and Canada, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei and Tokyo. The choir has worked with many distinguished soloists and orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Kurt Masur.
Performed in English, Latin and German. 110mins, including 20min intermission.
Explorations: Post-Performance Autograph Signing by Stephen Cleobury 26 Jul 09, Sun
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now! :)
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: Standard - S$88, S$68, S$48, S$28, Box Seat - S$88
*S$24 (Cat 3), S$14 (Cat 4) for Student
S$33.60 (Cat 3), S$19.60 (Cat 4) for Senior Citizen (age above 60 yrs) and NSF
Note: Internet Booking starts on 18 May 2009, 9am.
Other Sales Channel starts on 18 May 2009, 10am.
---Start of Extract---
Programme
Lobet den Herrn (Ps. 117)
Bach
Hör mein bitten (Ps. 102)
Purcell
ehova, quam multi sunt (Ps. 3)
Purcell
Voluntary on the Old 100th
Purcell
Sonata no.3 (1st movement)
Mendelssohn
Richte mich, Gott (Ps. 43)
Mendelssohn
Hear my prayer (from Ps. 55)
Mendelssohn
Organ Concerto Op. 4 no. 4.
Handel
Missa Sancti Johannis de Deo (Kleineorgelmesse)
Haydn
Komm, Jesu, komm
Bach
“...impeccable intonation, unfailing rhythmic vitality...” – The Times
Experience the pure, angelic voices of the Boys of King's College, one of the world's best known representatives of the great British choral tradition.
Led by music director Stephen Cleobury, this world-famous choir will perform a repertoire of choral favourites from Bach, Purcell, Mendelssohn, Handel and Hadyn, accompanied by a string ensemble comprising some of Singapore’s best musicians – Chan Yoong Han (violin), Michael Loh (violin), Tan Wee Hsin (viola), Chan Wei Shing (cello) and Yang Zhengyi (double bass) – and organist Peter Stevens performing organ solos and an organ concerto.
Internationally recognised as the pre-eminent representative of the great British church music tradition, the choir owes its existence to King Henry VI who envisaged the daily singing of services in his magnificent chapel. Today, famous for its many recordings, the choir is heard on radio by millions all over the world and has travelled to the USA and Canada, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taipei and Tokyo. The choir has worked with many distinguished soloists and orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Kurt Masur.
Performed in English, Latin and German. 110mins, including 20min intermission.
Explorations: Post-Performance Autograph Signing by Stephen Cleobury 26 Jul 09, Sun
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC now! :)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Concert: Old Friends, New Melodies by AJC Alumni Choir
Date/Time: 26 Jun 09, 7 pm - 9.30 pm
Venue: YMS Arts Centre, 54 Waterloo St
Ticket Price: $12
---Start of Extract---
Established in 2006, the Anderson Junior College Alumni Choir was formed by a group of choristers that recently graduated from AJC. We felt that two years of singing, performing and competing was simply not enough to measure our passion for music.
So here we are - our first public concert as an alumni choir!
Spread the word and bring your friends along for a night of classics, contemporaries and pop a cappella. Get tickets from any alumni choir member now! We look forward to seeing you at YMS on the 26th of June!
---End of Extract---
View their concert details on facebook, alternatively for tickets, e-mail them at ajalumnichoir@gmail.com.
Venue: YMS Arts Centre, 54 Waterloo St
Ticket Price: $12
---Start of Extract---
Established in 2006, the Anderson Junior College Alumni Choir was formed by a group of choristers that recently graduated from AJC. We felt that two years of singing, performing and competing was simply not enough to measure our passion for music.
So here we are - our first public concert as an alumni choir!
Spread the word and bring your friends along for a night of classics, contemporaries and pop a cappella. Get tickets from any alumni choir member now! We look forward to seeing you at YMS on the 26th of June!
---End of Extract---
View their concert details on facebook, alternatively for tickets, e-mail them at ajalumnichoir@gmail.com.
Looking for commentary on VJC Choir's concert
Hi all,
If you were at last night's Symphony of Voices, do let us know how you felt the choir did. A list of their programme would be most useful as well :)
E-mail us at singforharmony.gmail.com or yeshamiel@gmail.com
Thanks again!
If you were at last night's Symphony of Voices, do let us know how you felt the choir did. A list of their programme would be most useful as well :)
E-mail us at singforharmony.gmail.com or yeshamiel@gmail.com
Thanks again!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Listening Recommendations: Nox Aurumque by Eric Whitacre
Hi all,
Apologies for the late post. Here's this week's listening recommendation:
Nox Aurumque's composer Eric Whitacre's latest work, and was only recently premiered in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 22 Mar 09. He (or his compatriots) has very kindly posted a pretty high quality video on youtube!
Here's a quote from his official blog regarding the piece:
---Start of Extract---
Nox Aurumque (Night and Gold) is the piece that just received its premiere in Minneapolis last month. As the name implies, it is sort of a ‘companion’ piece to Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold).
In writing it, I wanted to echo some of the musical material in Lux Aurumque, while at the same time filling it with themes from Paradise Lost. I asked Charles Anthony Silvestri (Sleep, Leonardo Dreams, Lux Aurumque, Her Sacred Spirit Soars) to write me an original poem in Latin, and as usual, he knocked it out of the park. Here’s the translation:
NOX AURUMQUE
Gold,
Tarnished and dark,
Singing of night,
Singing of death,
Singing itself to sleep.
And an angel dreams of sunrise,
And war.
Tears of the ages.
O shield!
O gilded blade!
You are too heavy to carry,
Too heavy for flight.
Gold,
Tarnished and weary,
Awaken!
Melt from weapon to wing!
Let us soar again,
High above this wall;
Angels reborn and rejoicing with wings made
Of dawn,
Of gold,
Of dream.
Gold,
Singing of wings,
Singing of shadows.
---End of Extract---
The piece, as Mr Whitacre puts it, sounds like a haunting reminder of his other pieces as he borrowed a couple of motifs from his other works, e.g. Paradise Lost, Lux Aurumque. *For more on this, visit his blog post*.
The piece will be published once the other choirs who commissioned this work perform it! :)
Enjoy!
Apologies for the late post. Here's this week's listening recommendation:
Nox Aurumque's composer Eric Whitacre's latest work, and was only recently premiered in Minneapolis, Minnesota on 22 Mar 09. He (or his compatriots) has very kindly posted a pretty high quality video on youtube!
Here's a quote from his official blog regarding the piece:
---Start of Extract---
Nox Aurumque (Night and Gold) is the piece that just received its premiere in Minneapolis last month. As the name implies, it is sort of a ‘companion’ piece to Lux Aurumque (Light and Gold).
In writing it, I wanted to echo some of the musical material in Lux Aurumque, while at the same time filling it with themes from Paradise Lost. I asked Charles Anthony Silvestri (Sleep, Leonardo Dreams, Lux Aurumque, Her Sacred Spirit Soars) to write me an original poem in Latin, and as usual, he knocked it out of the park. Here’s the translation:
NOX AURUMQUE
Gold,
Tarnished and dark,
Singing of night,
Singing of death,
Singing itself to sleep.
And an angel dreams of sunrise,
And war.
Tears of the ages.
O shield!
O gilded blade!
You are too heavy to carry,
Too heavy for flight.
Gold,
Tarnished and weary,
Awaken!
Melt from weapon to wing!
Let us soar again,
High above this wall;
Angels reborn and rejoicing with wings made
Of dawn,
Of gold,
Of dream.
Gold,
Singing of wings,
Singing of shadows.
---End of Extract---
The piece, as Mr Whitacre puts it, sounds like a haunting reminder of his other pieces as he borrowed a couple of motifs from his other works, e.g. Paradise Lost, Lux Aurumque. *For more on this, visit his blog post*.
The piece will be published once the other choirs who commissioned this work perform it! :)
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sing-ing Sunday: Debussy
I think this is a good arrangement and rendition of Debussy's Trois Chansons (which includes Dieu qu'l la fait bon regarder! and Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain) for trombone quartet. Very lovely brassy sounds.
While I can't find any videos of Singaporean choirs singing Dieu qu'l la fait bon regarder!, many school choirs have sung Yver.
Here is NJC choir's version of Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain.
Concert: Thank you for the Music (SLO Children's Choir)
Date/Time: 7 Aug 09, 3.30 pm, 8 Aug 09, 3.30 pm & 7.30 pm.
Venue: Esplanade Recital Studio
Ticket Price: $18 (Discounts available, view SISTIC website for more details)
---Start of Extract---
Feature works from Classical, local and Asian folksongs and contemporary music
---End of Extract---
Order your tickets from SISTIC!
Venue: Esplanade Recital Studio
Ticket Price: $18 (Discounts available, view SISTIC website for more details)
---Start of Extract---
Feature works from Classical, local and Asian folksongs and contemporary music
---End of Extract---
Order your tickets from SISTIC!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Afterthoughts on the SYF season
Hey guys,
Thought I should do a summary of the SYF season (or at least what I heard).
Generally, the overall level of choral singing has improved! Kudos to all performers and conductors for their hard work. There were much less 'cringe'-worthy moments, and there were definitely performances which made you feel like you were in the concert hall, rather than 'judging' or 'critiquing'. This was especially so for the JC category.
In addition, I'll just like to point out that the sound upstairs is VERY different from what you perceive in the stalls. I had the benefit of actually listening to choirs on both levels (not during the competition). As such, it may explain why there were some 'shocks' when the results came out.
The JC/ IP schools generally gave decent performances, what some of them lacked in musicality, they made up for it with technical difficulty or vice versa. However, none of the schools (including the G/GwH schools) managed to conquer all 3 pieces. There were a few which were close (I won't mention who), but still fell short of doing so. Pitching has generally improved though the intricate bits (e.g. end of phrases, sustained notes) still need some work. It was in this category where you could tell that every school had their niche tone/ genre of pieces which they were most comfortable performing, which made it interesting and enjoyable to listen to.
The Sec schools (imo), have improved the most. Schools, which did not have an established brand-name, have stepped up and produced choirs which may be comparable to that of choirs in international competitions. Tone is more cohesive than before, though many of the schools would benefit from voice training (yeah I know it's difficult and not cheap, but that's the ideal situation). However, conductors tend to re-use past repertoire, or the practice which my friends call recycling, and I generally didn't like. One example was Ti Hor Hor. I remember hearing that piece so many times within that short span of time in which I was there listening.
Lastly, I thank you all readers for your time, comments and all during the SYF season. Finally, to all performers and choristers, thank you for your hard work. I hope you have produced music which have touched you in one way or another, and continue to do so for many years to come.
Thought I should do a summary of the SYF season (or at least what I heard).
Generally, the overall level of choral singing has improved! Kudos to all performers and conductors for their hard work. There were much less 'cringe'-worthy moments, and there were definitely performances which made you feel like you were in the concert hall, rather than 'judging' or 'critiquing'. This was especially so for the JC category.
In addition, I'll just like to point out that the sound upstairs is VERY different from what you perceive in the stalls. I had the benefit of actually listening to choirs on both levels (not during the competition). As such, it may explain why there were some 'shocks' when the results came out.
The JC/ IP schools generally gave decent performances, what some of them lacked in musicality, they made up for it with technical difficulty or vice versa. However, none of the schools (including the G/GwH schools) managed to conquer all 3 pieces. There were a few which were close (I won't mention who), but still fell short of doing so. Pitching has generally improved though the intricate bits (e.g. end of phrases, sustained notes) still need some work. It was in this category where you could tell that every school had their niche tone/ genre of pieces which they were most comfortable performing, which made it interesting and enjoyable to listen to.
The Sec schools (imo), have improved the most. Schools, which did not have an established brand-name, have stepped up and produced choirs which may be comparable to that of choirs in international competitions. Tone is more cohesive than before, though many of the schools would benefit from voice training (yeah I know it's difficult and not cheap, but that's the ideal situation). However, conductors tend to re-use past repertoire, or the practice which my friends call recycling, and I generally didn't like. One example was Ti Hor Hor. I remember hearing that piece so many times within that short span of time in which I was there listening.
Lastly, I thank you all readers for your time, comments and all during the SYF season. Finally, to all performers and choristers, thank you for your hard work. I hope you have produced music which have touched you in one way or another, and continue to do so for many years to come.
Concert: SLO Youth Choir in Concert
Date/Time: 6-7 Aug 09, 8 pm
Venue: Esplanade Recital Studio
Ticket Price: S$18
Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.
---Start of Extract---
A musical journey with famous tunes from operas, folksongs, musical theatre and pop culture.
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC today!
Venue: Esplanade Recital Studio
Ticket Price: S$18
Please add to above price $3 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets above $20 and $1 Booking Fee per ticket for tickets $20 and below. Charges include GST where applicable.
---Start of Extract---
A musical journey with famous tunes from operas, folksongs, musical theatre and pop culture.
---End of Extract---
Book your tickets from SISTIC today!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The Simpsons (A Cappella!)
Dear all,
Here's something interesting to listen to!
This video was featured in last Sunday's episode of the Simpsons (U.S), with the group's YouTube clip of them singing the Simpson's theme song rather than the usual one!
The group's the Pacific Northwest's Canvas, and though they've disbanded, they've had immense hype of late due to this video! haha
Enjoy! :)
---Item taken from A Cappella News---
((Edit: Visit Canvas at this url now! :)))
Here's something interesting to listen to!
This video was featured in last Sunday's episode of the Simpsons (U.S), with the group's YouTube clip of them singing the Simpson's theme song rather than the usual one!
The group's the Pacific Northwest's Canvas, and though they've disbanded, they've had immense hype of late due to this video! haha
Enjoy! :)
---Item taken from A Cappella News---
((Edit: Visit Canvas at this url now! :)))
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Commentary
Dear all,
After some e-mails from readers, in order to facilitate commentary on the blog, we've amended the current comment posting requirement to openid, which is more flexible than having to use a gmail acct.
Thank you, and we look forward to more wonderful choral and a cappella singing in Singapore!
After some e-mails from readers, in order to facilitate commentary on the blog, we've amended the current comment posting requirement to openid, which is more flexible than having to use a gmail acct.
Thank you, and we look forward to more wonderful choral and a cappella singing in Singapore!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Concert: Limelight 2009 Anglican High School Choir
Date/Time: Tues, 30 Jun 09, 7.30 pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $20
---Start of Extract---
Eric Whitacre
The Seal Lullaby
Sleep
Lux Aurumque
Nelson Kwei
Yu Chang (Male Chorus)
Maiden of Miao (Miao Jia Shao Nu)
Vytautas Miskinis
Ave Maria
Ave Regina coelorum (Female Chorus)
Bob Chilcott
Aesop’s Fables
Hear the choir explore different genres of music, in particular contemporary choral works.
Immerse yourself in Eric Whitacre’s intricate choral piece set to powerful literature and be transported to the rolling meadows and hills of a pastoral landscape with Nelson Kwei’s colourful arrangements of two Chinese folk melodies. Then, feel the soulful tug of Vytautas Miskini’s music, and hear the morality tales of Aesop in a new way with Bob Chilcott’s Aesop’s Fables.
---End of Extract---
Purchase your tickets from SISTIC now!
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket Price: $20
---Start of Extract---
Eric Whitacre
The Seal Lullaby
Sleep
Lux Aurumque
Nelson Kwei
Yu Chang (Male Chorus)
Maiden of Miao (Miao Jia Shao Nu)
Vytautas Miskinis
Ave Maria
Ave Regina coelorum (Female Chorus)
Bob Chilcott
Aesop’s Fables
Hear the choir explore different genres of music, in particular contemporary choral works.
Immerse yourself in Eric Whitacre’s intricate choral piece set to powerful literature and be transported to the rolling meadows and hills of a pastoral landscape with Nelson Kwei’s colourful arrangements of two Chinese folk melodies. Then, feel the soulful tug of Vytautas Miskini’s music, and hear the morality tales of Aesop in a new way with Bob Chilcott’s Aesop’s Fables.
---End of Extract---
Purchase your tickets from SISTIC now!
Concert: Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco (The Little Singers of Monaco)
((bumped up due to updates))
Date/Time: 7-8 Jul 09, 8 pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Ticket Price: From $25-60
---Start of Extract---
Spend an enchanting evening with Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco, the Little Singers of Monaco (LSM) and enjoy a programme of fine choral music ranging from sacred music, songs of master composers that include Bach, Charpentier, Mendelssohn, Mozart, etc, Gregorian chants to modern French chansons and songs from Monaco.
Based in the Cathedral of Monaco, the LSM's musical sensitivity and rich traditions of European royal choirs have won them critical acclaim wherever they perform.
For more information, please visit www.nafa.edu.sg, under the calendar of events.
---End of Extract---
Taken from an OCBC bank flyer
---Start of Extract---
The Little Singers of Monaco (In aid of NAFA Student Relief Fund)
Under the royal patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
Be enchanted by the melodious voices of the "Little Singers of Monaco" (LSM) rendering in sweet harmony sacred music, Renaissance music, works of early master composers, French chansons and songs from Monaco that reflect the geographical characteristics of Monaco’s location in Southern France.
Based in the Cathedral of Monaco, the 31-strong LSM with a century old tradition is internationally renowned for their musical sensitivity and rich traditions of European royal choirs, winning critical acclaim and fans wherever they perform. Their touring concert programme features works by Charpentier, Bach, Pergolesi, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Franck, Fauré, Casals and Andrew Lloyd Webber, including modern songs from Monaco and Paris namely "Les Grands Boulevards", "La romance de Paris", "Les Champs-Elysées", "Mademoiselle de Paris" and "Sous le ciel de Paris".
The LSM have also been associated with the operatic performances of the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, and many other popular opera productions.
---End of Extract---
Get your tickets from SISTIC today!
Date/Time: 7-8 Jul 09, 8 pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Ticket Price: From $25-60
---Start of Extract---
Spend an enchanting evening with Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco, the Little Singers of Monaco (LSM) and enjoy a programme of fine choral music ranging from sacred music, songs of master composers that include Bach, Charpentier, Mendelssohn, Mozart, etc, Gregorian chants to modern French chansons and songs from Monaco.
Based in the Cathedral of Monaco, the LSM's musical sensitivity and rich traditions of European royal choirs have won them critical acclaim wherever they perform.
For more information, please visit www.nafa.edu.sg, under the calendar of events.
---End of Extract---
Taken from an OCBC bank flyer
---Start of Extract---
The Little Singers of Monaco (In aid of NAFA Student Relief Fund)
Under the royal patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
Be enchanted by the melodious voices of the "Little Singers of Monaco" (LSM) rendering in sweet harmony sacred music, Renaissance music, works of early master composers, French chansons and songs from Monaco that reflect the geographical characteristics of Monaco’s location in Southern France.
Based in the Cathedral of Monaco, the 31-strong LSM with a century old tradition is internationally renowned for their musical sensitivity and rich traditions of European royal choirs, winning critical acclaim and fans wherever they perform. Their touring concert programme features works by Charpentier, Bach, Pergolesi, Mozart, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Franck, Fauré, Casals and Andrew Lloyd Webber, including modern songs from Monaco and Paris namely "Les Grands Boulevards", "La romance de Paris", "Les Champs-Elysées", "Mademoiselle de Paris" and "Sous le ciel de Paris".
The LSM have also been associated with the operatic performances of the Monte-Carlo Opera and the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, and many other popular opera productions.
---End of Extract---
Get your tickets from SISTIC today!
JC SYF Schedule/ Results
((Edit: Bumped up, updated and amended some erroneous results (typos). Dear all, if you have the names of the conductors, we would appreciate it if you could e-mail it to us at singforharmony@gmail.com or yeshamiel@gmail.com. Thank you! ))
Hi all,
Sorry for this late update of the SYF schedule.
We'll be updating this post once the results are out.
Stay tuned! All the best to competing choirs tomorrow! :)
Schedule and order taken from cdas.org.sg
0930 Yishun JC - S - Adrian Poon
0945 Victoria JC - GwH - Nelson Kwei
1000 Raffles Institution JC - G - Toh Ban Sheng
1015 Jurong JC - CoP - Foo Shi Hua
1030 Anglo-Chinese JC - GwH - Valerie Wilson
Break
1115 Catholic JC - GwH - Toh Ban Sheng
1130 Dunman High (JC) - S - Jennifer Tham
1145 National JC - GwH - Lim Ai Hooi
1200 Tampines JC - S - Ong Chiak Yin
1215 Meridian JC - GwH - Foong Hak Luen
Lunch
1345 Nanyang JC - S - Gabriel Cheow
1400 ACS (I) - S - Phua Ee Kia
1415 Temasek JC - S - Jennifer Tham
1430 St. Andrew JC - S - Albert Tay
1445 Anderson JC - GwH - Nelson Kwei
Break
1530 Pioneer JC - S - Ong Chiak Yin
1545 Serangoon JC - B - Khor Ai Ming
1600 Hwa Chong JC - GwH - Lim Ai Hooi
1615 River Valley (JC) - S - Jennifer Tham
Hi all,
Sorry for this late update of the SYF schedule.
We'll be updating this post once the results are out.
Stay tuned! All the best to competing choirs tomorrow! :)
Schedule and order taken from cdas.org.sg
0930 Yishun JC - S - Adrian Poon
0945 Victoria JC - GwH - Nelson Kwei
1000 Raffles Institution JC - G - Toh Ban Sheng
1015 Jurong JC - CoP - Foo Shi Hua
1030 Anglo-Chinese JC - GwH - Valerie Wilson
Break
1115 Catholic JC - GwH - Toh Ban Sheng
1130 Dunman High (JC) - S - Jennifer Tham
1145 National JC - GwH - Lim Ai Hooi
1200 Tampines JC - S - Ong Chiak Yin
1215 Meridian JC - GwH - Foong Hak Luen
Lunch
1345 Nanyang JC - S - Gabriel Cheow
1400 ACS (I) - S - Phua Ee Kia
1415 Temasek JC - S - Jennifer Tham
1430 St. Andrew JC - S - Albert Tay
1445 Anderson JC - GwH - Nelson Kwei
Break
1530 Pioneer JC - S - Ong Chiak Yin
1545 Serangoon JC - B - Khor Ai Ming
1600 Hwa Chong JC - GwH - Lim Ai Hooi
1615 River Valley (JC) - S - Jennifer Tham
JC SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 1/4
Hi all,
I didn't update live 'cause I didn't wanna incur the wrath of the ushers, anw, the following are my live thoughts. It's more or less what I thought at that point, but more polished. The predictions are in no way altered. :) I apologise for any typos. Do let me know if there are any errors. Thanks!
Yishun JC
Bogorod/tse Devo - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Varsha ("Monsoon") - Vanraj Bhatia
Prediction: S
Actual: S
Set piece started off a little flat, and the TBs could have projected for balance. Both the A and Ts could be more focused with their tone. First choice piece had some nice phrasing, but had a couple of pitch errors (As esp). Felt the sound from the Ts could be fuller. Final piece had some split notes, and I didn't really think the piece was executed well (in terms of expressing the intent of the composer) and as such was a tad bland for me. However, overall it was alright and should deserve a silver.
Victoria JC
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land - Edward Elgar
The Phantom Waltz - Hendrik Hofneyr
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
Sops started the set piece a little flat. Nice phrasing in the piece, but had some pitch problems towards the end. Generally liked the set piece, thought they captured the mood well. The first choice piece, by Elgar, was generally good all-around, but had some pitch errors. Thought the piece could have tugged at one's heart-strings more. The final piece was avant garde. There were a few messy moments and were thus unclear at parts. However, towards the end they got the feel of the waltz. Overall a great performance.
Raffles Institution JC
I thank you God for most this amazing day - Eric Whitacre
Ronde - Maurice Ravel
Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: G
The guys started the set piece a little flat at the starting chord. T were a little too harsh at the middle section, while the As were slightly flat at the end section. They could have made the ending and its chord 'grander'. Overall, pitching, dynamics and phrasing was good. First piece is by Eric Whitacre and is a risky song-choice given its length. The beginning was very musical, however, I personally felt the rest of the sections were a little detached at times and didn't flow quite so organically. There was also a T sticking out at times. However, it was a generally solid performance and very musical. Final piece is technically difficult and the TBs started off a little flat. Diction was also not very clear and there were some pitching errors. They ended sharp. Should be a HG but perhaps GwH if they can forgive the mistakes in Ronde.
Jurong JC
The Blue Bird - Charles Stanford
Street Calls - Leong Yoon Pin
Prediction: CoP
Actual: CoP
First thing I noticed were the gloves. What's up with them? They would have looked perfectly fine without them. Generally for all three pieces, pitching was a major issue. It was especially so for Ts. There was a B who was sticking out and they lacked subtlety in their phrasing. Some of you felt that I was too harsh with my criticism but this was honestly difficult to listen to.
Anglo-Chinese JC
Forvarskvall - David Wikander
Dayo Dayo Kupita - Nilo Alcala
Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: GwH
Closing off before the break's ACJC. Overall, having heard them for so many years, I was kinda disappointed, but if one judges objectively without any past preconceptions, they did pretty alright. The set piece had some pitch errors, but my general critique's the tone, which is though homogenous and tight, is slightly airy (all), and lacked depth (men). First piece was generally musical, and had a homogeneous sound, but still some pitch errors. Second piece was alright. Challenging rhythmically but I felt they delivered pretty well but didn't really 'wow' the crowd. There was a tenor sticking out though. Overall, they were well, but as I said, was a little disappointed as I had high expectations of ACJC.
I didn't update live 'cause I didn't wanna incur the wrath of the ushers, anw, the following are my live thoughts. It's more or less what I thought at that point, but more polished. The predictions are in no way altered. :) I apologise for any typos. Do let me know if there are any errors. Thanks!
Yishun JC
Bogorod/tse Devo - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Varsha ("Monsoon") - Vanraj Bhatia
Prediction: S
Actual: S
Set piece started off a little flat, and the TBs could have projected for balance. Both the A and Ts could be more focused with their tone. First choice piece had some nice phrasing, but had a couple of pitch errors (As esp). Felt the sound from the Ts could be fuller. Final piece had some split notes, and I didn't really think the piece was executed well (in terms of expressing the intent of the composer) and as such was a tad bland for me. However, overall it was alright and should deserve a silver.
Victoria JC
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land - Edward Elgar
The Phantom Waltz - Hendrik Hofneyr
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
Sops started the set piece a little flat. Nice phrasing in the piece, but had some pitch problems towards the end. Generally liked the set piece, thought they captured the mood well. The first choice piece, by Elgar, was generally good all-around, but had some pitch errors. Thought the piece could have tugged at one's heart-strings more. The final piece was avant garde. There were a few messy moments and were thus unclear at parts. However, towards the end they got the feel of the waltz. Overall a great performance.
Raffles Institution JC
I thank you God for most this amazing day - Eric Whitacre
Ronde - Maurice Ravel
Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: G
The guys started the set piece a little flat at the starting chord. T were a little too harsh at the middle section, while the As were slightly flat at the end section. They could have made the ending and its chord 'grander'. Overall, pitching, dynamics and phrasing was good. First piece is by Eric Whitacre and is a risky song-choice given its length. The beginning was very musical, however, I personally felt the rest of the sections were a little detached at times and didn't flow quite so organically. There was also a T sticking out at times. However, it was a generally solid performance and very musical. Final piece is technically difficult and the TBs started off a little flat. Diction was also not very clear and there were some pitching errors. They ended sharp. Should be a HG but perhaps GwH if they can forgive the mistakes in Ronde.
Jurong JC
The Blue Bird - Charles Stanford
Street Calls - Leong Yoon Pin
Prediction: CoP
Actual: CoP
First thing I noticed were the gloves. What's up with them? They would have looked perfectly fine without them. Generally for all three pieces, pitching was a major issue. It was especially so for Ts. There was a B who was sticking out and they lacked subtlety in their phrasing. Some of you felt that I was too harsh with my criticism but this was honestly difficult to listen to.
Anglo-Chinese JC
Forvarskvall - David Wikander
Dayo Dayo Kupita - Nilo Alcala
Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: GwH
Closing off before the break's ACJC. Overall, having heard them for so many years, I was kinda disappointed, but if one judges objectively without any past preconceptions, they did pretty alright. The set piece had some pitch errors, but my general critique's the tone, which is though homogenous and tight, is slightly airy (all), and lacked depth (men). First piece was generally musical, and had a homogeneous sound, but still some pitch errors. Second piece was alright. Challenging rhythmically but I felt they delivered pretty well but didn't really 'wow' the crowd. There was a tenor sticking out though. Overall, they were well, but as I said, was a little disappointed as I had high expectations of ACJC.
JC SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 2/4
Catholic JC
Jauchzet Dem Herm, Alle Welt (Psalm 100) - Felix Mendelssohn
Pokpok Alimpako - Francisco Feliciano
Prediction: G
Actual: GwH
Set piece started off well, but they had a messy middle section. They had good phrasing and dynamics, and a nice build to the end. However, they were slightly pitchy at parts. First piece (Mendelssohn) was alright, and felt they did bring out most of the nuances. There were some voices sticking out though, particularly in T. Final piece was their saving grace. It had generally good pitching but there was one part where the men were flat (just after the first section, dunno how to describe where it is). This was a better performance than their first piece, and should earn them at least a G.
Dunman High (JC)
Trois Chansons de Charles d'Orleans - Claude Debussy edited by John Rutter
Pater Noster - Alberto Grau
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
The IP schools generally have a smaller choir due to the size of the cohort they get. As such, mistakes were very much more evident. My general issue was that the sops were slightly airy and the men (mostly Bs) could be deeper in their tone. The set piece had many pitch problems, esp within the girls. It wasn't really a good start. First piece was a great improvement from the set piece, however, they could used more phrasing and a wider dynamic range for the piece. Pitching was much more accurate but could still be better. The last piece ended flat, and it was this piece where I esp felt the basses could be deeper in their sound. Generally alright, and the final two pieces were much better than their set piece. Could be LS but may drop to HB if the judges deem the mistakes in the set piece to be too severe.
National JC
Denn er hat Seinen Engeln befohlen - Felix Mendelssohn
Prelude to Kalinda Koute-Tande & Kalinda - Sydney Guillaume
Prediction: HG
Actual: GwH
The set piece started sharp, and had a bunch of pitch problems through out which were rather evident. The B's tone were shallow imo, but thought it may have been only to accentuate the 'Chinese' feel of the music. The Ss were a little screechy for me, but then again not everyone would agree with me on that one. Thought the set piece wasn't executed well (mainly because of pitching). Their first piece was much better than their set piece. Generally good pitching throughout. Nice phrasing and dynamics, and musically sound. However, I personally felt it lacked an emotional depth to the music. Similar to VJ's, I thought it could have tugged at one's heartstrings more. The final piece had a stable sound. Good overall and it was an interesting piece, however, imo, it also lacked a depth to the music. Should be HG due to the mistakes in the set piece.
Tampines JC
Nachtwache I - Johannes Brahms
Alleluia - Marek Jasinski
Prediction: LG
Actual: S
Generally I felt the tone was airy and it lacked depth. The set piece started off alright, but the tenors rushed a phrase and then things started going a little rocky. Some pitch errors (flat) esp at the end of phrases, and they could have done more phrasing to better bring out the inflections Chinese instruments have. The first piece was better in tune, but lacked subtlety to it. The final piece had a stable start, but there were pitch errors and the middle section become flat. But overall, a decent performance.
Meridian JC
Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain - Claude Debussy
Mate Saule - Peteris Vasks
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
Some of my friends didn't really agree with me on this one, but I stick to my predictions and critique (and evidently I was right lol). First thing I noticed was that gold thing on the collar of the girls clothing. Looked funny from a far, like a gold necklace or something. Anw, generally I didn't like the guy's tone. It was a little too constricted and not free. The set piece was flat at the front, and had some effy pitching during the interplay bits, but overall an alright performance. The first piece was, ok. That's all I have to say, but it lacked an emotional depth to it. The next piece i've heard so many choirs do so I'm pretty familiar with it. It was this piece which I esp felt the T's tone was a bit weird, and the music lacked a little subtlety to the phrasing. There was one voice sticking out, and the chord after the loud section was out of tune, but it was a pretty alright performance of the piece. Yeah they went sharp but it was pretty solid. Based on the general level of performance, it should get GwH.
Jauchzet Dem Herm, Alle Welt (Psalm 100) - Felix Mendelssohn
Pokpok Alimpako - Francisco Feliciano
Prediction: G
Actual: GwH
Set piece started off well, but they had a messy middle section. They had good phrasing and dynamics, and a nice build to the end. However, they were slightly pitchy at parts. First piece (Mendelssohn) was alright, and felt they did bring out most of the nuances. There were some voices sticking out though, particularly in T. Final piece was their saving grace. It had generally good pitching but there was one part where the men were flat (just after the first section, dunno how to describe where it is). This was a better performance than their first piece, and should earn them at least a G.
Dunman High (JC)
Trois Chansons de Charles d'Orleans - Claude Debussy edited by John Rutter
Pater Noster - Alberto Grau
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
The IP schools generally have a smaller choir due to the size of the cohort they get. As such, mistakes were very much more evident. My general issue was that the sops were slightly airy and the men (mostly Bs) could be deeper in their tone. The set piece had many pitch problems, esp within the girls. It wasn't really a good start. First piece was a great improvement from the set piece, however, they could used more phrasing and a wider dynamic range for the piece. Pitching was much more accurate but could still be better. The last piece ended flat, and it was this piece where I esp felt the basses could be deeper in their sound. Generally alright, and the final two pieces were much better than their set piece. Could be LS but may drop to HB if the judges deem the mistakes in the set piece to be too severe.
National JC
Denn er hat Seinen Engeln befohlen - Felix Mendelssohn
Prelude to Kalinda Koute-Tande & Kalinda - Sydney Guillaume
Prediction: HG
Actual: GwH
The set piece started sharp, and had a bunch of pitch problems through out which were rather evident. The B's tone were shallow imo, but thought it may have been only to accentuate the 'Chinese' feel of the music. The Ss were a little screechy for me, but then again not everyone would agree with me on that one. Thought the set piece wasn't executed well (mainly because of pitching). Their first piece was much better than their set piece. Generally good pitching throughout. Nice phrasing and dynamics, and musically sound. However, I personally felt it lacked an emotional depth to the music. Similar to VJ's, I thought it could have tugged at one's heartstrings more. The final piece had a stable sound. Good overall and it was an interesting piece, however, imo, it also lacked a depth to the music. Should be HG due to the mistakes in the set piece.
Tampines JC
Nachtwache I - Johannes Brahms
Alleluia - Marek Jasinski
Prediction: LG
Actual: S
Generally I felt the tone was airy and it lacked depth. The set piece started off alright, but the tenors rushed a phrase and then things started going a little rocky. Some pitch errors (flat) esp at the end of phrases, and they could have done more phrasing to better bring out the inflections Chinese instruments have. The first piece was better in tune, but lacked subtlety to it. The final piece had a stable start, but there were pitch errors and the middle section become flat. But overall, a decent performance.
Meridian JC
Yver, vous n'estes qu'un villain - Claude Debussy
Mate Saule - Peteris Vasks
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
Some of my friends didn't really agree with me on this one, but I stick to my predictions and critique (and evidently I was right lol). First thing I noticed was that gold thing on the collar of the girls clothing. Looked funny from a far, like a gold necklace or something. Anw, generally I didn't like the guy's tone. It was a little too constricted and not free. The set piece was flat at the front, and had some effy pitching during the interplay bits, but overall an alright performance. The first piece was, ok. That's all I have to say, but it lacked an emotional depth to it. The next piece i've heard so many choirs do so I'm pretty familiar with it. It was this piece which I esp felt the T's tone was a bit weird, and the music lacked a little subtlety to the phrasing. There was one voice sticking out, and the chord after the loud section was out of tune, but it was a pretty alright performance of the piece. Yeah they went sharp but it was pretty solid. Based on the general level of performance, it should get GwH.
JC SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 3/4
Ok I apologise to everyone for this quarter of performance, I had lunch with someone and I totally forgot about the time. I had a friend who was inside and these are his predictions:
Apparently the emcee said the name of "Dum Belle" as "dumb bell" and caused a huge explosion of laughter inside the hall. Dunno how true it is but that's what he told me.
Nanyang JC
The Shower - Edward Elgar
Dum Belle - (not stated)
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
ACS (I)
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land - Edward Elgar
Kasar Mie La Gaji - Alberto Grau
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Temasek JC
Os justi - Anton Bruckner
Tanchame - Ko Matsushita
Prediction: HS/ LG
Actual: S
St. Andrew JC
Lay a Garland - Robert Pearsall
Knowee - Stephen Leek
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Anderson JC
Ronde - Maurice Ravel
Magic Songs (movements 1,4 and 9 only) - R. Murray Schafer
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
((According to him, their Ronde was better than RIJ's in terms of pitching and rhythm, and was thus stable. However, it was a lot slower than the intended speed.))
Apparently the emcee said the name of "Dum Belle" as "dumb bell" and caused a huge explosion of laughter inside the hall. Dunno how true it is but that's what he told me.
Nanyang JC
The Shower - Edward Elgar
Dum Belle - (not stated)
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
ACS (I)
My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land - Edward Elgar
Kasar Mie La Gaji - Alberto Grau
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Temasek JC
Os justi - Anton Bruckner
Tanchame - Ko Matsushita
Prediction: HS/ LG
Actual: S
St. Andrew JC
Lay a Garland - Robert Pearsall
Knowee - Stephen Leek
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Anderson JC
Ronde - Maurice Ravel
Magic Songs (movements 1,4 and 9 only) - R. Murray Schafer
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
((According to him, their Ronde was better than RIJ's in terms of pitching and rhythm, and was thus stable. However, it was a lot slower than the intended speed.))
JC SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 4/4
Came back in time for this part and boy was the hall packed :S
Pioneer JC
Verlorene Jugend (Op. 104, No 4) - Johannes Brahms
Like a Prayer, Like a singing, Like a Weeping - Mauro Zuccante
Prediction: S
Actual: S
Generally their tone is secure, though I would prefer deeper TBs. Set piece had a few effy pitchings but they more or less had a sense of key, and they had some nice phrasing here and there. Start of the next piece was a little messy and the pitching wasn't quite there. Again, some nice phrasing here and there. Their final piece was much better in terms of pitching despite there were still pitch problems, and I liked the piece. Thought the phrasing and dynamics could be more subtle though.
Serangoon JC
I Love My Love - Unknown (Cornish Folksong)
Nicolette - Maurice Ravel
Prediction: B
Actual: B
The set piece was rough, for the most part, the pitching was inaccurate. They recovered a little in the middle section, but I felt like they weren't listening close enough to each other's part. They were kinda like in their own individual slightly sharp/flat key but relatively accurate if you just listen to individual parts. Pitching is better in the next piece, but remained an issue. Some nice phrasing here and there. Final piece is by Ravel, which I think will be a problem, but their pitching was much better. Diction is a bit weird but overall i would say that they spent a lot of time on this piece. Pitching was a major problem for all the pieces, however, Nicolette had better pitching than the rest of the pieces and they would probably nail a B.
Hwa Chong JC
Orpheus, with his lute - George Maclarren
Que Rico E - Guido Lopez-Gavilan
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
There were a lot of Ms Lim's supporters in the audience today haha. Anw, their sound in the set piece is very stable. The tone for the basses is similar to NJ's so I assume the shallow tone was to accentuate the 'Chinese' feel. Some pitch problems here and there (and they went sharp esp towards the end) but a pretty solid performance. The next piece had a lot of nice phrasing and dynamics, but was a slightly pitchy (the start). They had a warm sound, and I wanted to fall deep into the music, but just couldn't. It was good but not magical. The final piece was impressive, and they did it despite it being technically challenging due to pitching (dissonance) and rhythm. Generally pitching at bits not quite there, and they went slightly sharp, and was messy at some points, but I think the judges would be impressed enough to give them GwH.
River Valley (JC)
Norveg Leanyok - Zoltan Kodaly
Ubi Caritas - Imant Raminesh
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Another IP choir, the size really plays a significant role. In general, pitching was an issue for all three pieces. They had a number of pitch errors (e.g. girls at the start) in the set piece. The tone could be deeper (for guys) and the girls were slightly airy. The first piece was better executed than the set piece. Some pitch errors still audible, but an improvement from the set piece. The final piece had some pitch errors as well, the music was in general nice, but lacked a musical depth to it. The last two pieces were decent, but the set piece may result in the choir getting B.
Pioneer JC
Verlorene Jugend (Op. 104, No 4) - Johannes Brahms
Like a Prayer, Like a singing, Like a Weeping - Mauro Zuccante
Prediction: S
Actual: S
Generally their tone is secure, though I would prefer deeper TBs. Set piece had a few effy pitchings but they more or less had a sense of key, and they had some nice phrasing here and there. Start of the next piece was a little messy and the pitching wasn't quite there. Again, some nice phrasing here and there. Their final piece was much better in terms of pitching despite there were still pitch problems, and I liked the piece. Thought the phrasing and dynamics could be more subtle though.
Serangoon JC
I Love My Love - Unknown (Cornish Folksong)
Nicolette - Maurice Ravel
Prediction: B
Actual: B
The set piece was rough, for the most part, the pitching was inaccurate. They recovered a little in the middle section, but I felt like they weren't listening close enough to each other's part. They were kinda like in their own individual slightly sharp/flat key but relatively accurate if you just listen to individual parts. Pitching is better in the next piece, but remained an issue. Some nice phrasing here and there. Final piece is by Ravel, which I think will be a problem, but their pitching was much better. Diction is a bit weird but overall i would say that they spent a lot of time on this piece. Pitching was a major problem for all the pieces, however, Nicolette had better pitching than the rest of the pieces and they would probably nail a B.
Hwa Chong JC
Orpheus, with his lute - George Maclarren
Que Rico E - Guido Lopez-Gavilan
Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH
There were a lot of Ms Lim's supporters in the audience today haha. Anw, their sound in the set piece is very stable. The tone for the basses is similar to NJ's so I assume the shallow tone was to accentuate the 'Chinese' feel. Some pitch problems here and there (and they went sharp esp towards the end) but a pretty solid performance. The next piece had a lot of nice phrasing and dynamics, but was a slightly pitchy (the start). They had a warm sound, and I wanted to fall deep into the music, but just couldn't. It was good but not magical. The final piece was impressive, and they did it despite it being technically challenging due to pitching (dissonance) and rhythm. Generally pitching at bits not quite there, and they went slightly sharp, and was messy at some points, but I think the judges would be impressed enough to give them GwH.
River Valley (JC)
Norveg Leanyok - Zoltan Kodaly
Ubi Caritas - Imant Raminesh
Prediction: HB/ LS
Actual: S
Another IP choir, the size really plays a significant role. In general, pitching was an issue for all three pieces. They had a number of pitch errors (e.g. girls at the start) in the set piece. The tone could be deeper (for guys) and the girls were slightly airy. The first piece was better executed than the set piece. Some pitch errors still audible, but an improvement from the set piece. The final piece had some pitch errors as well, the music was in general nice, but lacked a musical depth to it. The last two pieces were decent, but the set piece may result in the choir getting B.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
