esplanade what’s on Jan – Mar 2015
THE BEST OF
BLACK DOG BONE &
GINGERBREAD WITH ORKESTRA
MELAYU SINGAPURA
/ 11
EDWARD LAM’S
WHAT IS
SEX? / 33
SINGAPORE CHINESE ORCHESTRA IN
SAVAGE LAND / 38
PINK MARTINI / 63
ESPLANADE CELEBRATES SG50! GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH:
TERENCE HO / 51
IAN LOY / 53
M1 FRINGE FESTIVAL
WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT / 19
About Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 General Enquiries: 6828 8377 www.esplanade.com EsplanadeSG esplanadesingapore #esplanade
Esplanade is Singapore’s national performing arts centre. Its vision is to bring the arts to everyone, and through it, enrich the lives of its multicultural community. With an annual roster of 15 festivals and 19 programme series, its programming is guided by its mission to entertain, engage, educate and inspire. The centre’s year-round calendar of ticketed and non-ticketed programmes features a diverse range of dance, music and theatre performances, visual arts exhibitions, and more. Esplanade is operated by The Esplanade Co Ltd which is a not-for-profit organisation, a registered Charity and an Institution of Public Character.
Scan to browse Esplanade What’s On, our free quarter events guide, now available as a digital flipbook on www.issuu.com/esplanade.com.
Board Members Mrs Theresa Foo (Chairman till 31 Dec 2014) Mr Lee Tzu Yang (Chairman as of 1 Jan 2015) Mr Benson Puah (Chief Executive Officer) Dr Beh Swan Gin Mrs Rosa Daniel Dr Jennifer Lee Mr Low Eng Teong
Special thanks to our Corporate Patron
L. C. H. (S) Pte Ltd
Mrs Christine Ong Mr Ramlee Bin Buang Ms Saw Phaik Hwa Mrs Mildred Tan-Sim Beng Mei Mr Yap Chee Meng Mr Andre Yeap
Esplanade is a proud member of
Association of Asia Pacific Performing Art Centres www.aappac.net
All information correct at time of print. Design and production: ADtitude Pte Ltd Biz Reg No: 200107009N Printer: KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd The Esplanade Co Ltd is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and registered under the Charities Act. Copyright 2014 @ The Esplanade Co Ltd UEN: 199205206G
CEO’s Message Dear patrons, 2015 is finally upon us. As the nation gears up to commemorate its 50th birthday, Esplanade invites you to mark this special occasion in a meaningful way through the arts. Join us throughout the year to celebrate the songs, stories and expressions that tell of Singapore and the values that we hold dear. To kick off the SG50 festivities on New Year’s Day, we revisit our music history with two iconic bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Black Dog Bone and Gingerbread. Joined by Orkestra Melayu Singapura, they present their best hits anew in a nostalgic throwback to the past. Reflecting on what it means “to live”, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts returns with a season of soul-stirring works featuring long-time Esplanade collaborators, Singapore Chinese Orchestra, Singapore theatre director Goh Boon Teck, Tan Dun, Edward Lam and Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, and showcasing local and indie pop musicians including Olivia Ong, Hanjin, GayBird, and HUSH band. Making their return to the Esplanade stage are Pink Martini with their infectious rhythms and colourful instrumentation. Come with your family to experience theatre director and 2014 Young Artist Award recipient Ian Loy’s restaging of his first children’s production, The Magic Ocean, in English and Mandarin as part of PLAYtime! and Huayi. On the visual arts front, we gathered artists whom we have worked with over the years to express through their art, things that are most sacred to them at “home”. Taking on different forms and contributing to a multiplicity of meanings and interpretations, These Sacred Things offers an intimate glimpse into the private lives of Singaporeans. The arts have the ability to express what words cannot, whether a sense of pride for our nation or the comforting feeling from knowing we belong. This year, we celebrate not just our nation’s story but each and every one of our own. And through the multitude of expressions featured at Esplanade, we hope you find one you identify with that sings back the song inside your heart
Benson Puah Chief Executive Office The Esplanade Co Ltd
CONTENTS 3 9 11 48
MONTHLY CALENDARS What’s on from January to March FESTIVAL CALENDARS Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts PROGRAMMES SG50 SPECIAL
49 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD CELEBRATE THE ARTS AT ESPLANADE THIS SG50
51 TERENCE HO
Making Music Come Alive
53 IAN LOY
Play Time is Serious Business
66 69 72 85 89 91
FREE PROGRAMMES At The Concourse and On The Waterfront VISUAL ARTS ESPLANADE MALL ESPLANADE SPONSORS ABOUT ESPLANADE VISITOR INFORMATION
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 2
/ JANUARY OVERVIEW
1 Thu
The Best of Black Dog Bone and Gingerbread with Orkestra Melayu Singapura 8pm
10 Sat
Gala: Krystian Zimerman 7.30pm
3 Sat
The Way North 4.30pm
11 Sun
14 Wed & 15 Thu
Understanding Odissi Dance 2pm Music Playground 3pm
18 Sun
Singapore International Violin Competition 7.30pm
Bassics 7.30pm
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: White Rabbit Red Rabbit 8pm
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Grand Singe (Great Ape) 8pm M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: White Rabbit Red Rabbit 8pm
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Terra Incognita 8pm
21 Wed
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Devising Masterclass 2pm
22 & 23 Thu & Fri
4 Sun
Brahms: The Violin Sonatas 7.30pm
24 Sat
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Under Pressure–Temporary Title 8pm M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: White Rabbit Red Rabbit 8pm
30 Fri
Passionate Pilgrimage 7.30pm Late Nite with M.I.G 9.30pm
3 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade What's On is now available as a digital flipbook Scan now to browse or subscribe on issuu.com/esplanade
5 Mon
Unforgettable Gems of the '60s & '70s 10.30am & 3pm
16 Fri
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Loss-Layers 8pm
8 Thu
9 Fri
OMM Goes To The Movies II 7.30pm
Liebeslieder 7.30pm
17 Sat
M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Devising Masterclass 2pm Leo Sayer Live in Singapore 7.30pm M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Loss-Layers 8pm
25 Sun
29 Thu
Land With No Sun 7.30pm
Stringing Generations 5pm Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra presents "JOY!" 5pm M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2015: Under Pressure–Temporary Title 8pm
31 Sat
MOB-VIII: Solid Gold Handbell Concert 3pm & 7.30pm
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 4
/ FEBRUARY OVERVIEW
1 Sun
Dance Appreciation Series: Introduction To Sleeping Beauty 1pm & 4pm
2 Mon
Favourite Hokkien Songs 闽南语好歌精选 10.30am & 3pm
6 Fri
The Magic Ocean 9.30am & 11am Varsity Voices 2015 – Stars 7.30pm Mukti Marga: The Path To Liberation 8pm
9 Mon
The Magic Ocean 9.30am & 11am
10 Tue
The Magic Ocean 9.30am & 11am
12 Thu
The Magic Ocean 9.30am & 11am
Dunman Secondary School Choir 7.30pm
16 Mon
Anglican High School Symphonic Band 7.30pm
23 Mon & 24 Tue Shaoqin Bang in Concert 韶琴邦音乐会 7.30pm
27 Fri
The Magic Ocean 奇幻海洋 (in Mandarin) 9.30am, 11am, 4pm
28 Sat
The Magic Ocean 奇幻海洋 (in Mandarin) 11am, 2pm, 4pm Savage Land – An Opera in Concert 原野 － 歌剧音乐会 7.30pm Travel With Mum 和妈妈中国漫游 8pm
5 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade What's On is now available as a digital flipbook Scan now to browse or subscribe on issuu.com/esplanade
7 Sat
8 Sun
Hans Graf With The SSO 7.30pm
Rhythms of Spring 3pm
The Magic Ocean 11am, 2pm & 4pm
The Magic Ocean 11am, 2pm & 4pm
Mukti Marga: The Path To Liberation 8pm
13 Fri
14 Sat
The Magic Ocean 9.30am & 11am
The Magic Ocean 11am, 2pm & 4pm
SSO Pops Concert: Rhapsody In Blue 7.30pm
15 Sun
The Magic Ocean 11am, 2pm & 4pm What Is Traditional Chinese Music? 2pm
20 Fri
21 Sat
CouCou On MARS ⽕星⽇常 8pm
What is Sex? 红楼梦 7.30pm
in::music: HUSH band 好in::乐: HUSH 乐团 8pm
in::music - Ling Kai: No Longer 「 One 」 好in::乐- 铃凯： 不再一个人 8pm
CouCou On MARS 火星日常 8pm
22 Sun
What is Sex? 红楼梦 2.30pm & 7.30pm in::music - Hanjin: Happiness can be Simple 好in::乐 - 陈奂仁：快乐可以很 简单 5pm & 8pm You & Me • Olivia 你和我 • Olivia 8pm
Photo by Liu Chenhsiang
Rice 稻⽲ 8pm
Tan Dun: NU SHU The Secret Songs of Women 谭盾 • 女书 8pm
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 6
/ MARCH OVERVIEW
1 Sun
2 Mon
Billboard Belles 10.30am & 3pm
The Magic Ocean 奇幻海洋 (in Mandarin) 11am, 2pm & 4pm Rice 稻⽲ 5pm Travel With Mum 和妈妈中国漫游 2.30pm & 8pm
6 Fri
Gala: Sarah Chang Live 7.30pm Teahouse 茶馆 8pm
7 Sat
OMMPROM Jazz! 5pm Teahouse 茶馆 8pm
Late Nite with SA (仨): The Pursuit 9.30pm
17 Tue
The Best of Rufus Wainwright 8pm
7 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
24 Tue
The Choir Of St. John's College, Cambridge University 11am, 2pm & 4pm
8 Sun Carnival! 3pm
conun:DRUM 8pm Teahouse 茶馆 2.30pm
25 Wed
Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Symphonic Band 7.30pm
4 Wed
5 Thu
9-11 Mon-Wed
12 Thu
Virtuosic Strings 7.30pm
sixpointnine 六点九 2.30pm & 5pm
Teahouse 茶馆 8pm
sixpointnine 六点九 2.30pm & 5pm Sleeping Beauty 8pm
28 Sat
Eliahu Inbal Conducts Mahler’s Ninth 7.30pm
30 Mon
Basically Viola 8pm
Esplanade What's On is now available as a digital flipbook Scan now to browse or subscribe on issuu.com/esplanade
13-15 Fri-Sun Sleeping Beauty Fri, 8pm Sat, 1pm & 8pm Sun, 1pm & 7pm
31 Tue Pink Martini 8pm
Late Nite with Tan Wei Xiang 9.30pm
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 8
/ HUAYI – CHINESE FESTIVAL OF ARTS / AN INVITATION TO LIVE
Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts returns with an exciting array of theatre, music, dance and more from 20 Feb – 1 Mar 2015. For more information on ticketed and non-ticketed programmes, please visit www.huayifestival.com.
20 Fri Concert Hall
Recital Studio
22 Sun
TAN DUN: NU SHU – THE SECRET SONGS OF WOMEN 谭盾 • 女书 Tan Dun with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra 8pm
YOU & ME • OLIVIA 你和我 • OLIVIA Olivia Ong 8pm
23 Mon
WHAT IS SEX? 红楼梦 Edward Lam Dance Theatre Sat, 7.30pm Sun, 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Theatre
Theatre Studio
21 Sat
COUCOU ON MARS 火星日常 GayBird 梁基爵 8pm
IN::MUSIC – HUSH BAND 好in::乐 HUSH 乐团 8pm
IN::MUSIC – LING KAI: NO LONGER 「ONE」 好in::乐- 铃凯： 不再一个人 8pm
Rehearsal Studio
Various Locations around Esplanade Free
LIFESTYLE SPONSOR
9 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
IN::MUSIC – HANJIN: HAPPINESS CAN BE SIMPLE 好in::乐 - 陈奂仁： 快乐可以很简单 5pm & 8pm
SHAOQIN BANG IN CONCERT 韶琴邦音乐会 7.30pm
Festival Calendar (20 Feb-1 Mar 2015) 24 Tue
25 Wed
26 Thu
27 Fri
28 Sat
1 Mar Sun
SAVAGE LAND – AN OPERA IN CONCERT 原野 – 歌剧音 乐会 Singapore Chinese Orchestra 7.30pm
Photo by Liu Chenhsiang
RICE 稻禾 Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan Sat, 8pm Sun, 5pm
TRAVEL WITH MUM 和妈妈中国漫游 The Nonsensemakers Sat, 8pm Sun, 2.30pm & 8pm
THE MAGIC OCEAN 奇幻海洋 Ian Loy Fri, 9.30am, 11am, 4pm Sat & Sun, 11am, 2pm, 4pm
PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP: FUN WITH CHINESE DRUMMING 亲子同欢：节令鼓敲击乐 Zingo Festival Drum Group 10.30am & 2.30pm
Enjoy a variety of free programmes every evening around Esplanade from 20 Feb to 1 Mar.
OFFICIAL CARD
STUDIO PROGRAMME SUPPORTERS
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 10
Esplanade Presents
THE BEST OF BLACK DOG BONE & GINGERBREAD WITH ORKESTRA MELAYU SINGAPURA 1 Jan, Thu 8pm
(1hr 30mins, no intermission)
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TICKETS
Concert Hall $35, $50* Package of 2: $90* Performed in Malay Rock out to iconic tunes and smooth jams as we celebrate the New Year with two of Singapore’s legendary bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Black Dog Bone and Gingerbread, as well as Orkestra Melayu Singapura in this concert that is a first of its kind! A band so big in the ‘70s that they once filled a stadium in Kuala Lumpur, funk rockers Black Dog Bone return to Esplanade, this time with more of their popular rock and pop songs. And appearing for the first time in two decades, fans of Gingerbread can look forward to reunite with the band as they perform their hit singles including the best-selling Kembang Mawar and Roses.
>> More info
11 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
BRAHMS: THE VIOLIN SONATAS Lim Yan and Lee Shi Mei
3 Jan, Sat 7.30pm
(1hr 30mins, including 15min intermission)
BOOK
TICKETS
Recital Studio $25 Students: $20
In the olden days, a typical wild-haired artistic dude (think Santa) would find himself a picturesque hideout to do some masterpiece conjuring. With great inspiration by the Austrian and Swiss lakes and Johannes Brahms’ ingenuity, came the birth of three great Romantic violin sonatas. The first two sonatas are highly lyrical, while the frisky third sonata balances pulsating energy with a slow song-like movement. Written within a decade (1878-88), these three sonatas display apparent camaraderie between the violin and piano. Join Singapore musicians Lim Yan and Lee Shi Mei in this Brahmsian reverie.
Esplanade Presents
THE WAY NORTH
UNFORGETTABLE GEMS OF THE ‘60S & ‘70S
4 Jan, Sun 4.30pm
5 Jan, Mon 10.30am & 3pm
Recital Studio Free (Registration required)
Recital Studio $12
To register your interest, email 92steelguts@gmail.com, visit www.facebook/92steelguts or send an sms to 8494 9723 with the number of required tickets. A ticket confirmation will be sent via the same channel.
Early Bird Special (3-24 Nov 2014): $10
92steel&guts
(1hr 45mins, including 15min intermission)
Join 92steel&guts on a journey north in search of what really embodies Italy and Norway – is Respighi really the award-winning pasta chef? Is Grieg that capable seafarer from your last sailing holiday? Find out more at The Way North!
David Ng, Cat Ong and Lebbeus Lau
(1hr, no intermission)
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TICKETS
Start the year with David Ng and friends as they bring you back to the days of Elvis, The Bee Gees, Cliff Richard, Engelbert Humperdinck and many more! Coffee and tea will be provided before each performance.
92steel&guts comprises Tang Tee Tong and Wong Yun Qi, Singapore musicians who are currently based in USA and Germany respectively. The duo will be joined by guest singer Choy Siew Woon.
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 12
Orchestra of the Music Makers
Photo by Koh Swee Jin
OMM GOES TO THE MOVIES II
LIEBESLIEDER New Opera Singapore
8 Jan, Thu 7.30pm
(1hr, no intermission)
Recital Studio $20
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TICKETS
Students: $15 Liebeslieder brings you on a romantic journey of love, loss and hope through the music of Brahms and Schumann. Join the acclaimed singers of New Opera Singapore as they present an evening of vocal quartets, featuring soprano Jeong Ae Ree, mezzo-soprano Son Jung A, tenors Jonathan Charles Tay and Shaun Lee, and bass Yun Seung Woo.
13 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
9 Jan, Fri 7.30pm
(2hrs 30mins, including 20min intermission)
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TICKETS
Concert Hall $12, $18, $25, $30, $38 Students, NSFs and seniors: $10, $16, $22, $27, $35 Group savings available The Orchestra of the Music Makers makes its longawaited return to film music in January with conductor Joshua Kangming Tan and the Vocal Associates Festival and Children’s Chorus! Featuring the best hits from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Home Alone, Independence Day, Sherlock, How to Train Your Dragon, Frozen, Totoro and more, join us as we bring you on a musical adventure through some of the most memorable tunes you have heard!
Photo by Kasskara
GALA: KRYSTIAN ZIMERMAN Singapore Symphony Orchestra
10 Jan, Sat 7.30pm Concert Hall $30*, $58**, $78, $108, $148, $188 Students, NSFs and seniors: $20*, $40**
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TICKETS
Lan Shui, conductor Krystian Zimerman, piano SCHOENBERG BRAHMS
Pelleas und Melisande, Op. 5 Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
Legendary pianist Krystian Zimerman joins Lan Shui and the SSO in Brahms’ First Piano Concerto, one of the towering peaks of the genre. Schoenberg’s early music is very much in the late-Romantic tradition, drawing inspiration from Wagner, Mahler and Strauss and characterised by his exceptional skill in orchestration. The pinnacle of this phase is his opulent and epic tone poem Pelleas und Melisande, based on Maeterlinck’s popular play about a pair of doomed lovers. Scored for a huge orchestra, this work has been championed by conductors as diverse as Boulez, Abbado and Karajan. There will be a pre-concert talk at library@esplanade at 6.30pm.
“Zimerman plays poetically and with impeccable technical finesse” — Dallas Morning News
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 14
Photo by Delvin Lim
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: TERRA INCOGNITA Pat Toh
Esplanade Presents
MUSIC PLAYGROUND Cheng San Chinese Orchestra
11 Jan, Sun 3pm (1hr, no intermission) Concert Hall Free
14 & 15 Jan, Wed & Thu 8pm (50mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $22
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: $19 Spend a joyful afternoon with Cheng San Chinese Orchestra as they put a smile on your face with cheerful, invigorating tunes such as Super Mario, Kung Fu Panda Medley and Dance of Yao. Active since the late 1990s, the orchestra attracts learners from various schools as well as graduates looking to continue their passion for Chinese music. Some of their members go on to study Chinese music fulltime, returning as instructors and professional musicians.
Terra Incognita is a meditation on life through the act of walking. Come enter a world where one discovers that life is defined by every tiny step made and cheated by those not taken. An installation performance inspired by lines, roads and routes, Terra Incognita is an evolvement from Homogeneous, a presentation made in 2012 as part of Esplanade’s The Studios' RAW series. Advisory: Strobe lighting will be used in this performance. There will be a 15-min post-show dialogue. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
“It is its very simplicity that makes it powerful and elegant.” — Ng Yi-Sheng, The Flying Inkpot, on Homogeneous
>> More info
15 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Photo by The Necessary Stage
Photo by Nicolas Laverroux
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: LOSS-LAYERS A.lter S.essio FRANCE, JAPAN
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: DEVISING MASTERCLASS The Necessary Stage
16 & 17 Jan, Fri & Sat 8pm (45mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $22
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: $19 Loss-Layers is an audio-visual performance of contemporary dance, a fight that questions situations of loss (of balance, bearings, control, identity) in a hostile world. Three elements are simultaneously developed: sound, image and body – the audience can no longer decipher what is real from what is not, lost between illusion and reality. Loss-Layers is a series of situations, actions and images about the fear of the loss of identity – about who you are and who you must become to be able to live in an antagonistic world. Advisory: This production contains scenes of flashing lights There will be a 15-min post-show dialogue. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
“With the precision of a watchmaker, Fabrice Planquette manages to stage our senses within a performance where technology is not just a means to an end but part and parcel of the whole emotional scene.” — Loïc Lecomte, Director of La Luciole >> More info
17 & 18 Jan, Sat & Sun 2pm (3hrs, including breaks) Rehearsal Studio $80 (Participants will be selected via registration and must attend both sessions. Please email your CV to info@singaporefringe.com by 2 Dec 2014 to register.)
Characters and relationships are key to The Necessary Stage’s (TNS) works – indigenous, intercultural, characterdriven and issue-based. TNS’ founder and Artistic Director Alvin Tan and Resident Playwright Haresh Sharma will conduct this two-day masterclass to share their distinctive creative process, honed through the creation of important works such as Off Centre, Fundamentally Happy and Those Who Can't, Teach. Participants will create characters from a series of exercises, use tableaux and write scenes based on their improvised characters. Acclaimed actors Karen Tan and Siti Khalijah Zainal will also discuss using TNS’ devising methodology to build their characters in Model Citizens and Gemuk Girls. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
>> More info
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 16
LEO SAYER LIVE IN SINGAPORE 17 Jan, Sat 7.30pm
(1hr 30mins, no intermission)
Concert Hall $50, $100, $125, $155, $225, $250
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TICKETS
Leo Sayer certainly needs no introduction. He is a British performer and recording artist appearing famously with the Muppets, the Wiggles and on the Charlie's Angels soundtrack. Leo has more than 20 top ten singles and five top ten albums in his illustrious recording career. Add to this the hits written for Roger Daltrey, Cliff, Three Dog Night, Tina Turner, Gene Pitney, Jennifer Warnes and both Stella and Dolly Parton. It proves his prowess as an internationally acclaimed and talented songwriter throughout his four decade long career. Leo’s smash hits include More Than I Can Say, When I Need You, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, The Show Must Go On, I Can’t Stop Loving You, One Man Band, Thunder In My Heart and many more. Brought to you by British Theatre Playhouse. www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com
17 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Jasper Tan, Shawn Yap and Gabriel Hoe
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL VIOLIN COMPETITION GRAND FINAL
18 Jan, Sun 7.30pm (2hrs, including
21 Jan, Wed 7.30pm
BASSICS
15min intermission)
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TICKETS
Recital Studio $15
The bass trombone and tuba have always been known to be supporting voices in the orchestra and bands. Tonight, they take centre stage as young musicians Jasper Tan and Shawn Yap, accompanied by pianist Gabriel Hoe, present a recital focused on new music that showcases the versatility of these instruments. On the programme are works by Steven Verhelst, Daniel Schnyder, Anna Baadsvik, Christer Danielsson, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Jacques Castérède, Vittorio Monti as well as local composer, Terrence Wong.
(3hrs 30mins, including 20min intermission and 45min jury deliberation)
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TICKETS
Concert Hall $22
Students, NSFs and Seniors: $14 Featuring Singapore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Vladimir Verbitsky Launched with the purpose of discovering major global talents and showcasing aspiring professional violinists, the inaugural Singapore International Violin Competition features a star-studded nine-member jury including Pierre Amoyal of France, Shmuel Ashkenasi of Israel and Nam Yun Kim of South Korea. The Grand Final will showcase the top three finalists, selected from a pool of 148 applicants, represented by 27 countries. The winner will receive attractive prize money of USD$50,000, international concerto and recital opportunities, a three-year fine violin loan from the Rin collection as well as a recording on the Naxos Label.
“A thrilling line-up of some of the world’s top young violinists” — Lan Shui BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 18
Nassim Soleimanpour IRAN
21-24 Jan, Wed-Sat 8pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $22 Students, NSFs and seniors: $19
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Forbidden to travel out of Iran, Nassim Soleimanpour turns his isolation to his own advantage with a play that requires no director, no set and a different actor for every performance. The M1 Singapore Fringe Festival presents four unique performances, each night featuring a different Singaporean actor – Benjamin Kheng, Lim Kay Siu, Pam Oei and Karen Tan – each who will be reading White Rabbit Red Rabbit for the first time in their lives upon stepping on stage, bringing you into an allegorical menagerie of animals as you experience absent playwright’s control over the performer through his powerful script. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival in association with Aurora Nova.
TICKETS
“Nassim Soleimanpour is a fiercely – even frighteningly – original voice, and a thrillingly adept craftsman... Go see!” — The Skinny >> More info
19 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Photo by Pink Elephant Labs
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT
Photo by Blaise Parmentier
Photo by Nicolas Cantin
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: GRAND SINGE (GREAT APE) Nicolas Cantin CANADA
M1 SINGAPORE FRINGE FESTIVAL 2015: UNDER PRESSURE– TEMPORARY TITLE Groupe ACM FRANCE
22 & 23 Jan, Thu & Fri 8pm (45mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $22
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TICKETS
24 & 25 Jan, Sat & Sun 8pm (45mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $22
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: $19
Students, NSFs and seniors: $19
In his ‘’dancing’’ play Grand Singe, Nicolas Cantin’s universe imposes its difference and its main characteristics: minimalism, tragicomic humor and meticulous work on the performer’s presence. This hybrid presence tells about the encounter of a man and a woman and is a testimony of Cantin’s talent for capturing rifts and human absurdities.
Under Pressure–Temporary Title is a meta-theatrical conference about theatre and the problems we have to face as soon as we undertake a project: pressure, financial problems, delays, rows, resignations
A young artist who freely mixes genres, Nicolas Cantin has ventured boldly down the slippery slopes of intimacy. By stretching out time and relying on the extremely intense presence of his performers, he brings to light the dark side of fragility. Advisory: This performance is R18 and features nudity. There will be a 15-min post-show dialogue. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
We imagined a very simple scenic device: two directors sitting behind a table covered with stacks of papers and talk to the audience as if they were the actors of the play. The text is constructed on variations, confusion and misunderstandings. Unfortunately they freak out because their speech gets more and more confused. They finall become speechless and crazy. What can you create when you lose control? There will be a 15-min post-show dialogue. Brought to you by M1 Singapore Fringe Festival.
“Grand Singe is grand embroidery – everything is justified, correctly dosed. […] So we are handing out a perfect ten.” — Eve Lalonde, Df Danse (Translated from French)
“The writing of the play is humorous and there are absurd situations that remove its narrative aspect” — Moira Dalant, Le Souffleur (Translated from French)
>> More info
>> More info BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 20
STRINGING GENERATION Chamber•Sounds
BRADDELL HEIGHTS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS "JOY!"
25 Jan, Sun 5pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $22
25 Jan, Sun 5pm (1hr 20mins, no intermission) Concert Hall $15
For tickets, please contact Alicia at 9367 5882 or Jeremiah 9782 8503 or email chamber.sounds@gmail.com
Students, NSFs and seniors: $8 Package of 2: $24 Package of 4: $40
Featuring the chamber•sounds string players, join us in celebrating SG50 with the music of three generations of local composers. On the programme is first generation doyen Mr. Leong Yoon Pin, second generation composers Drs. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai and Kelly Tang, and third generation composers Mr. Lim Tee Hiong and chamber•sounds’ very own Jeremiah Li. Come and be delighted by locally composed string chamber music for duo, trio and quartet. Experience firsthand the different musical language of these composers and see what makes their music Singaporean.
J. MONTEIRO L.V. BEETHOVEN
“Its yearly concert… is an ample showcase of the Singapore voice.” — The Straits Times
21 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
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Overture in C – The Story of Singapore Symphony No. 9 in D minor, The Choral
Celebrate the start of a new year and Singapore’s 50th year of independence with Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra (BHSO), as they perform two inspirational pieces, Overture in C – The Story of Singapore and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 in D minor. The orchestra will be joined by soloists as well as singers of The Joy Chorale, led by chorus mistress Khor Ai Ming. In collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
“The BHSO is often seen as the Cinderella of local orchestras…” — The Straits Times
LAND WITH NO SUN (TERRA SENZA SOLE)
PASSIONATE PILGRIMAGE
29 Jan, Thu 7.30pm (1hr 20mins, no intermission) Recital Studio $30
30 Jan, Fri 7.30pm Concert Hall $15*, $22*, $32*, $45, $60, $75
Tze n Looking Glass Orchestra
Students and children aged 6-12: $18 For tickets, please email TLGO.singapore@gmail.com An original audio-film performance, where music tells the story of ten strangers from a post-apocalyptic world, come experience life in a not so distant future, through bits and pieces of their memories, dreams/nightmares, inner universe in a concert of original music, improvisations and sonic textures accompanied by elements of film and theatre. Will the journey bring hope for a better future? Featuring Tze Toh (piano + macbook), Teo Boon Chy (sax), Lazar T. Sebastine (Indian violin), Christina Zhou (violin), Christoph Wichert (bassoon), Takako Tsurumi (cello) and other guest musicians. There will be a 30-min post-show talk.
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
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Students, NSFs and seniors: 30% off* Darrell Ang, conductor Tengku Ahmad Irfan, piano BEETHOVEN ELGAR
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37 Symphony No. 2 in E-Flat major, Op. 63
This concert spotlights Elgar’s Second Symphony, a deeply personal work described by the composer as “the passionate pilgrimage of the soul”. Beethoven’s Third Piano Concerto took over three years to compose, and finally premiered in 1803 with the composer himself at the piano: not having had time to write out the solo part completely, he played almost all of it from memory. Performing this groundbreaking concerto at this SSO concert is the 15-year-old Malaysian prodigy pianist and composer Tengku Ahmad Irfan. The SSO is deeply saddened by the news that Frank Shipway, who was scheduled to conduct this concert, passed away on 6 August. There will be a pre-concert talk at library@esplanade at 6.30pm.
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Esplanade Presents
LATE NITE WITH M.I.G Mohamed Noor, Casey Subramaniam and Leonardo Mendoza
30 Jan, Fri 9.30pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $25
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Join one of Singapore's best power bands this evening for an album launch, featuring a number of compositions born of a wealth of experience. Men In Groove (M.I.G.) is a superband whose members are key players in the Singapore music scene: Mohamed Moor (drums & percussions), Casey Subramanian (bass & guitar) and Leonardo Mendoza (saxophone & electric wind instrument). Together, the fusion trio charms their way into the audience's hearts, with their blend of ethnicinfluenced contemporary sounds. At the heart of their work, M.I.G. takes on the role of a core, around which a constellation of talented artists and musicians revolve, including Kim Euntaek (keyboards), Syed Munir (guitars) and Steve Thornton (percussions). For this performance, the band will also be joined by chanteuse Rani Singam, guitarist Zul Sutan of Tania, didgeridoo player Reggie Perera and popular Indian entertainer Elamaran.
23 / JAN 2015 / www.esplanade.com
MOB-VIII: SOLID GOLD HANDBELL CONCERT Ministry of Bellz
31 Jan, Sat 3pm & 7.30pm (1hr 15mins, no intermission)
Recital Studio $25
For tickets, SMS 94503105 or email damien@mob.org.sg / ximin@mob.org.sg The award-winning Ministry of Bellz brings you Solid Gold: Handbell Music of Our Days. Led by their multitalented founder-conductor, Baba Damien Lim, MOB Young Associate Conductor Cai Ximin and featuring world-renowned Japanese handbell conductor/ composer, Toshikazu Yoshida, this concert showcases handbell favourites like Capriccio, Crazy Little Thing, Fantasy EWF, and Gallop & Fantasy No.2 in C min, in a talk-show-like setting, bringing to you an all-sensory and multi-disciplinary performance. Also performing are guest school handbell ensembles who attained the SYF Certificates of Distinction Please be advised that children aged 4 and below will not be admitted. Photography and videography will not be allowed. Brought to you by The Ministry of Bellz Ltd.
DANCE APPRECIATION SERIES: INTRODUCTION TO SLEEPING BEAUTY Singapore Dance Theatre
Esplanade Presents
FAVOURITE HOKKIEN SONGS 闽南语好歌精选 James Zhuang Qing Yu
1 Feb, Sun 1pm & 4pm (1hr, no intermission) Concert Hall $12
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Opening its 2015 Season, Singapore Dance Theatre reawakens the magic of the world’s favourite fairytale, Sleeping Beauty. Be enchanted as the magical kingdom of castles, fairies, forests and spells, come alive to present a visual spectacle of beauty and dance! Choreographed by Marius Petipa and set to a rich score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sleeping Beauty was set for SDT in 2010 by Artistic Director Janek Schergen, and features more than 150 stunning costumes designed by Tracy Grant Lord!
2 Feb, Mon 10.30am & 3pm (1hr, no intermission)
Recital Studio $12
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Early Bird Special (1-22 Dec): $10 Performed in Hokkien Be treated to Hokkien sentimental and pop tunes of popular Taiwanese artists Jiang Hui, Hong Rong Hong and more, performed by local singer James Zhuang. Sing along to timeless gems such as Wife and A Small Umbrella. Coffee and tea will be provided before the performance.
Told through narration and dance excerpts, this hourlong performance of Introduction to Sleeping Beauty is the perfect spellbinding treat for all ages! Come dressed in your favourite character costumes and get to take photographs with the cast after the show! Presented by Singapore Dance Theatre in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay as part of
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Esplanade Presents
THE MAGIC OCEAN Ian Loy
6-10 & 12-15 Feb, Fri-Tue & Thu-Sun Weekdays, 9.30am & 11am Weekends, 11am, 2pm & 4pm (40mins, no intermission)
Recital Studio $18 Package of 4: $64 School Special: $12 (For every 10 tickets purchased, schools are entitled to 1 complimentary ticket for an accompanying teacher) Swim with fishes great and small or crawl sideways with the friendly crab and starfish. Hide and play peek-a-bo in a large clam shell or peacefully glide through the sea with turtles. Get ready to ride the rolling waves or fle far, far away from the fearsome shark. In this theatrical experience specially designed for 2-4 year olds, children will discover a magical world through a visual and aural spectacle that combines shadow play, music as well as interaction. Watch the wonders of the sea come alive in The Magic Ocean. Advisory: Recommended for children aged 2–4. Infants-in-arms are required to have a ticket. Audience will be seated on the floo . An original production by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, presented as part of PLAYtime! in 2010.
25 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
VARSITY VOICES 2015 – STARS The NUSChoir
6 Feb, Fri 7.30pm (2hrs 5mins, including 20min intermission)
Concert Hall $18, $20, $22, $25
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Full-time students, NUS Staff, AlumNUS, NUSS members, NSFs and seniors: 10% off NUS students: 15% off Group bookings of 20 or more tickets: 20% off Back recently from the prestigious World Choir Games 2014 held in Riga, Latvia with three gold medals, the NUSChoir takes the stage to delight audiences with their repertoire of contemporary choral works at their annual concert Varsity Voices 2015 – Stars. Highlights of the evening include Eriks Ešenvalds’ critically acclaimed composition Stars, Leonard Bernstein’s Somewhere from West Side Story, a modern Romeo and Juliet story, and memorable jazz standard, Stardust, arranged by Roy Ringwald. Make a date to celebrate contemporary choral music with the NUSChoir on this exciting and magical night. Brought to you by NUS Centre For the Arts.
Gayatri Sriram
HANS GRAF WITH THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
6 & 7 Feb, Fri & Sat 8pm (1hr 30mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $22
7 Feb, Sat 7.30pm Concert Hall $15*, $22*, $32*, $45, $60, $75
Esplanade Presents
MUKTI MARGA: THE PATH TO LIBERATION BOOK
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Students, NSFs and seniors: $14
Students, NSFs and seniors: 30% off*
The path of a dancer is paved by bhakti (devotion). She dances not only to attain oneness with the Lord but to achieve mukti, liberation of the soul. In this performance, acclaimed dancer Gayatri Sriram sets on such a journey to seek the ultimate union with the divine through bharatanatyam. Presenting a margam, or a classical bharatanatyam recital, Mukti Marga draws on the poetry and verses of great saint-poets and composers, as well as contemporary pieces that represent the various facets of divine love and devotion.
Hans Graf, conductor Igor Yuzefovich, violin BEETHOVEN SHOSTAKOVICH BEETHOVEN
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Egmont Overture Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 77 Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Renowned Austrian conductor Hans Graf takes on two key masterworks, which were created in the midst of adversity. Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1 was completed in 1948 around the time the composer was rapidly losing favour with the Soviet authorities for his nationalistic musical ideals. The hostile environment as well as the rounds of revisions made to the work resulted in its being premiered only in 1955. Despite having been composed during a dark period in Beethoven’s life as his hearing progressively deteriorated, the Seventh Symphony contains hardly any indication of sadness or depression, which confused early audiences with its many affirmative, dance-like elements There will be a pre-concert talk at library@esplanade at 6.30pm.
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Esplanade Presents
RHYTHMS OF SPRING Hsinghai Art Association
8 Feb, Sun 3pm (1hr, no intermission) Concert Hall Free Celebrate springtime with Hsinghai Art Association in an afternoon of rhythm-led festive tunes such as Harvest Celebration, A Well-Matched Fight and Early Spring in the Miao Mountains, that express the vibrant energy of the season. Established in 1973 by youths with a shared passion for music and the arts, the group works hard to promote Chinese culture. They perform at national arts, Chinese music and choir festivals, present their own concerts as well as collaborate with renowned conductors, Chinese oratorio singers and vocalists.
Esplanade Presents
DUNMAN SECONDARY SCHOOL CHOIR 10 Feb, Tue 7.30pm
(1hr 10mins, no intermission)
Concert Hall $13
The Dunman Secondary School Choir is one of the top school choirs in Singapore. It was the first neighbourhood school choir to clinch the Gold Award at the Singapore Youth Festival Choral Competition in 1997. Led by the award-winning conductor, Mr Toh Ban Sheng, the choir has garnered some 13 Gold Awards and numerous special jury prizes at both national and international choral competitions since its formation in 1994. To date, the choir has toured the world and has performed to a full house in previous Limelight performances. It is committed to helping its members deepen their passion and talent, as well as touching lives through musicmaking. Highlights for this Limelight performance include Kalinda by Guillaume, Laya Garland by Pearsall, and Dirait-on by Lauridsen.
27 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
SSO POPS CONCERT: RHAPSODY IN BLUE
Esplanade Presents
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND
13 Feb, Fri 7.30pm Concert Hall $20*, $38**^, $58^, $78^
16 Feb, Mon 7.30pm (1hr, no intermission) Concert Hall $13
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Students, NSFs and seniors: $15*, $28** Package of four: 20% off^ Joshua Tan, conductor Makoto Ozone, piano Music by ELLINGTON and STRAYHORN GERSHWIN Concerto in F Major GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue in F Major Acclaimed Japanese jazz pianist Makoto Ozone joins Joshua Tan and the SSO for two favourite showpieces by American composer George Gershwin. His classic 1924 composition Rhapsody In Blue, which draws on lively jazz elements, is one of the most important American works of the 20th century. Coming from the composer a year later, the Concerto in F major strengthened Gershwin’s reputation as a master composer who successfully straddled the boundaries of popular and classical music.
In an evening that showcases their versatility, Anglican High School Symphonic Band presents a range of vibrant and colourful pieces from the Hungarian folk dance repertoire, Broadway musicals, animation films, as well as pop anthems. Look forward to a diverse selection of pieces, including Italian composer Vittorio Monti’s famous Csárdás; Ed Argenziano’s Funky Buckets; a high-energy medley of songs from Shrek; instrumental covers of tunes by ABBA, Lou Bega, Coldplay and Katy Perry; music from the musical, Hairspray, and more.
“In a series of dazzling, improvised cadenzas, Mr Ozone showed how much classically grounded technique can expand a jazz pianist’s freedom” — The New York Times BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 28
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Esplanade Presents
COUCOU ON MARS 火星日常
Photo by Cheung Chi-wai
GayBird HONG KONG
20 & 21 Feb, Fri & Sat 8pm (1hr 10mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $35
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Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $20 A visual music venture in revisiting an alternative future CouCou on MARS is a daring, cutting-edge music adventure that looks at the future through the experience of new media music, exploring the thoughts and imaginings that could take place in the future. This is a visually captivating production that showcases award-winning sound artist and composer GayBird’s concept of “new instruments for new music”. In addition to exploring interface design and programming for his new music inventions, GayBird brings audiences to a new dimension of visual music experience through sensor technology, real-time triggers of sound, lights, mechatronics, stage installations, and video visuals. CouCou on MARS: What the past would look like if the future had happened sooner.
Esplanade Presents
IN::MUSIC — HUSH BAND 好IN::乐 — HUSH 乐团 TAIWAN
20 Feb, Fri 8pm (1hr 30mins, no intermission) Recital Studio $30
Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $20 Performed in Mandarin HUSH band's signature lyrical blend of astronomy and philosophy has set them apart from others. Influenced by Britpop, post punk, post rock and many other genres, the lead singer, hush, has written many songs including Kepler for Stefanie Sun and Missing for Lala Hsu. Their song Third-person Narrative also won the Best Melody Award at the Freshmusic Awards in 2013. After several sold-out shows across Taiwan, HUSH band is finally coming to Singapore to meet their fans There will be a post-show autograph-signing event. in::music showcases some of the most inspiring Chinese indie bands and singer-songwriters performing their original compositions.
There will be a post-show talk on 20 Feb 2015, Fri.
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31 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
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Esplanade Presents
TAN DUN: NU SHU – THE SECRET SONGS OF WOMEN 谭盾 • 女书 with the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra USA, CHINA AND SINGAPORE
21 Feb, Sat
8pm (approx 2hrs, including 20min intermission)
Concert Hall $38*, $48**, $68, $88, $108 Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $27*, $34**
NU SHU – The Secret Songs of Women is a spellbinding and intimate look into the lives of the women of a remote village in Hunan, China. Award-winning composer and conductor Tan Dun delves into the fast-disappearing world of Nu Shu, the only existing language in the world today used exclusively by females. Thirteen microfilms provide a glimpse into a private bond of sisterhood, accompanied by Tan Dun’s compositions inspired by the ancient music of the community. Join Tan Dun as he conducts the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra and guest soloists in a programme featuring Nu Shu and other works.
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Esplanade Presents
WHAT IS SEX? 红楼梦
Edward Lam Dance Theatre HONG KONG/TAIWAN
21 & 22 Feb 2015, Sat & Sun Sat, 7.30pm Sun, 2.30pm & 7.30pm (3hrs 30mins, including 20min intermission)
Theatre $38*, $58**, $78, $98, $118 Limited for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $27*, $41** Performed in Mandarin with English surtitles
In each of us, there exists a hole—a deep, bottomless emptiness—that is our desire. Twelve men of different backgrounds read Dream of the Red Chamber in an apparent book club. Gradually, they discover that the emotional turmoil—through passion, beauty, pain, agony, wisdom and forgiveness—of the story’s 12 female characters could actually be their own. Celebrated Hong Kong director Edward Lam presents his innovative and subversive take on the unfinished Dream of the Red Chamber. This thoroughly modern theatrical adaptation features an all-male cast, and is the concluding instalment of his Four Great Classics series, following What is Man? (presented at Huayi 2008), What is Fantasy? and What is Success? Advisory: This performance contains coarse language and mature content. Recommended for audiences aged 18 years and above.
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33 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade Presents
Esplanade Presents
好IN::乐 — 铃凯： 不再一个人
好IN::乐 — 陈奂仁： 快乐可以很简单
IN::MUSIC — LING KAI: NO LONGER「ONE」
21 Feb, Sat 8pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $30
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IN::MUSIC – HANJIN: HAPPINESS CAN BE SIMPLE
22 Feb, Sun 5pm & 8pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $30
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Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $20 Performed in Mandarin
Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $20 Performed in Mandarin and Cantonese
Larkin Step, a YouTube hit with over a million views, kickstarted a music career that brought her to Australia, and she later released her debut album LinK with Singapore producers Lee Wei Song and Lee Si Song. She then gained fame on China talent show Sing My Song with her song, One Person, earning praise from Singapore pop icon Tanya Chua.
Singapore singer, actor, composer, music producer and renowned mixing engineer Hanjin has come a long way since his days at the Fat Frog Café at The Substation.
With her heartfelt songs, Singapore singer-songwriter Ling Kai lays her thoughts and emotions bare for all to experience in this up-close and intimate session. There will be a post-show autograph-signing event. in::music showcases some of the most inspiring Chinese indie bands and singer-songwriters performing their original compositions.
Now a household name in Hong Kong, he has written songs and produced albums for music icons such as Jacky Cheung, Wang Leehom, Sammi Cheng, Christina Aguilera and Rain. Hanjin’s own albums have also produced several chart toppers and resulted in many awards. Last performing here at Esplanade in 2009, Hanjin returns for a special homecoming acoustic concert of his Mandarin and Cantonese originals. There will be a post-show autograph-signing event. in::music showcases some of the most inspiring Chinese indie bands and singer-songwriters performing their original compositions.
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Esplanade Presents
YOU & ME • OLIVIA 你和我 • OLIVIA Olivia Ong
22 Feb, Sun 8pm (1hr 15mins, no intermission)
Concert Hall $38*, $58^ Limited for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $27* On Cheong Cardholders Special: $48^ Purchase You & Me Olivia Cat 1 tickets at a special price of $48 when you quote promotion code when purchasing tickets through all SISTIC channels except SISTIC mobile channel. Offer is limited to first 10 tickets and valid till 31 Dec 2014 (while stocks last).
Performed in Mandarin and English
Best known for singing the hit theme song, Ru Yan, of the Chinese drama series The Little Nyonya, Olivia Ong has gone on to become an award-winning music artist. Her self-penned song, You and Me, won the Top Local English Pop Song Award at the COMPASS Awards in 2012. The same year she was also selected to sing the National Day Parade theme song. Her versatile music style, and mellow and charismatic vocals has mesmerised audiences across Asia through the years. Now, the triumphant Singapore singer returns to Esplanade, where she was talent-spotted in 2008, to present an intimate and romantic musical journey of pop ballads. There will be a post-show autograph-signing event.
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Esplanade Presents
SHAOQIN BANG IN CONCERT
Esplanade Presents
THE MAGIC OCEAN
韶琴邦音乐会
奇幻海洋 Ian Loy
CANADA, CHINA
23 & 24 Feb, Mon & Tue 7.30pm (1hr 30mins, including 15min intermission)
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Recital Studio $35
Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $20 One of the most exciting and innovative erhu musicians today, George Gao, together with his ensemble, present a modern take on Chinese traditional musicianship performed with the shaoqin, Gao’s reinvention of the erhu. Melding a variety of music from the Middle East and South America, together with genres including country, rock, jazz and blues, Gao creates a heady fusion of music from East and West, and of the traditional and the contemporary. Together with Wu Xudong, Zhu Yunqi, Ye Chunhong, Guo Mengyu, and vocalist Jenny Zhang, Gao presents a musical feast of Erhu Capriccio No. 5, Nakhi, Dance of Youth, Michael Jackson classic Bad and more!
27 Feb-1 Mar, Fri-Sun Fri, 9.30am, 11am & 4pm Sat & Sun, 11am, 2pm & 4pm
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(40mins, no intermission)
Recital Studio $18 Package of 4: $64 Performed in Mandarin Swim with fishes great and small or crawl sideways with the friendly crab and starfish. Hide and play peek-a-boo in a large clam shell or peacefully glide through the sea with turtles. Get ready to ride the rolling waves or flee far, far away from the fearsome shark. In this theatrical experience specially designed for 2-4 year olds, children will discover a magical world through a visual and aural spectacle that combines shadow play, music as well as interaction. Watch the wonders of the sea come alive in The Magic Ocean.
There will be a post-show autograph-signing event. Advisory: Recommended for children aged 2-4. Infants-in-arms are required to have a ticket. Audience will be seated on the floo . An original production by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, presented as part of PLAYtime! in 2010
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37 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
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Esplanade Presents
SAVAGE LAND – AN OPERA IN CONCERT 原野 － 歌剧音乐会
Singapore Chinese Orchestra SINGAPORE, CHINA
28 Feb, Sat 7.30pm
(2hrs 30mins, including 20min intermission)
Adapted from Cao Yu’s classic play, The Wilderness, this production takes you on a heartwrenching journey through music and song.
Concert Hall $38*, $58, $78
With music readapted by Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) resident composer Phoon Yew Tien from the original composition by Jin Xiang and libretto by Wan Fang, this operatic concert transports you to the wilderness, in a presentation narrating the struggles of its tragic protagonists.
Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $27* Performed in Mandarin with English and Chinese surtitles
Under Music Director Tsung Yeh and Director Goh Boon Teck, opera singers Zhang Feng, Li Jing Jing , Zhang Ya Lin, Zhu Hui Ling, William Lim, and Melvin Tan take the stage with SCO and the National University of Singapore Choir led by Nelson Kwei. Co-produced by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
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Esplanade Presents
TRAVEL WITH MUM 和妈妈中国漫游
The Nonsensemakers HONG KONG
28 Feb & 1 Mar, Sat & Sun Sat, 8pm Sun, 2.30pm & 8pm
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(2hrs, no intermission)
Theatre Studio $35 Limited for students, NSFs and senior citizens: $20 Performed in Cantonese with English and Chinese surtitles Travel with Mum is a moving theatre production based on a true story, beautifully told through drama and live original music. Determined to fulfill his 99-year-old mother’s wish to see the beauty of the world while she still can, a 74-year-old man builds a tricycle and brings her on a journey across China. Starting at the northernmost part of China in Heilongjiang, they set off for Tibet on a 900-day journey that spans 30,000 kilometres pedalling through rural villages and fast-paced cities, through valleys and over hills. As they ride on, he discovers that staying by his mum’s side is the greatest reward he can give the both of them.
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Huayi Special Enjoy 15% savings with purchase of 4 or more tickets. Terms and conditions apply. Limited tickets applicable across all Huayi programmes except for The Magic Ocean, workshops, talks and masterclasses. Not valid for restricted view seats, concessions/school special tickets, special-priced tickets and ticket categories marked with * and **. Not applicable for tickets purchased through SISTIC mobile channel.
UnionPay Card Privilege Enjoy 20% savings with purchase of Huayi 2015 tickets. Terms and conditions apply. Applicable across top two ticket categories for all Huayi 2015 programmes except for The Magic Ocean, workshops and masterclasses. Not valid for restricted view seats, concessions/school special tickets, special-priced tickets and ticket categories marked with * and **. Singapore-issued UnionPay cards are not valid for online purchases. All UnionPay cards are not valid for SISTIC hotline purchases. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice at the discretion of The Esplanade Co Ltd.
www.huayifestival.com /huayifestival
39 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Photo by Liu Chenhsiang
Esplanade Presents
RICE 稻禾
Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan
28 Feb & 1 Mar, Sat & Sun Sat, 8pm Sun, 5pm (1hr 10mins, no intermission)
Theatre $38* $48**, $68, $88, $108 Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $27*, $34**
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41 / FEB 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Rice is an arresting dance work borne of the Chihshang landscape and farming community in Taiwan. Choreographer Lin Hwai-min—celebrated by Time Magazine as one of “Asia’s Heroes”—and his dancers toiled alongside farmers for the rice harvest, to create exuberant movements that tells a powerful story of the land that also contemplates the undoing of our planet. Accompanied by Hakka folk songs and Western opera arias, as well as the sounds of rustling of grain, soughing of wind, and the peaking of thunder—this is a moving presentation that is rich with stunning images of the land and abundant with the force of life. Co-produced by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
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Esplanade Presents Esplanade Presents
BILLBOARD BELLES Wendy Chin & Friends
VIRTUOSIC STRINGS 弓弦飞扬
Li Yuan, Qin Zi Jing & Yuan Qi
2 Mar, Mon 10.30am & 3pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $12
4 Mar, Wed 7.30pm (1hr 10mins, no intermission) Recital Studio $28*
Early Bird Special (5-26 Jan 2015): $10 Performed in English
Students, NSFs and seniors: $20^ Early Bird Special (7 Jan-4 Feb 2015): $16^, $24*
Returning to the Coffee Morning & Afternoon Tea stage is none other than Wendy Chin! She will be singing hits of famous female singers from the ‘60s to the ‘70s like Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Patsy Cline, The Carpenters and many more.
The erhu is one of the most popular bowed-string instruments of the huqin family. It has a lyrical, singing voice and the ability to express a range of feelings and moods.
Coffee and tea will be provided before each performance.
Discover the expressive qualities of the erhu with Singapore Chinese Orchestra musicians Li Yuan, Qin Zi Jing and Yuan Qi, as they showcase their virtuosity through a series of vibrant compositions. The Grapes are Ripe carries a warm, friendly tune that depicts the joyous spirit of the Uygur youths during harvest season while Three Variations on the Yangguan Pass conveys the immense hurt of friends’ parting. On the Grasslands, with its distinct Mongolian flavou , powerfully portrays the brave and diligent people of Mongolia and their picturesque grasslands. Finally, Little Flower Drum, a celebratory piece composed for the huqin trio, ends the concert on an energetic high. In collaboration with Singapore Chinese Orchestra.
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Esplanade Presents
TEAHOUSE 茶馆
Beijing People’s Art Theatre CHINA
45 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
5-8 Mar, Thu-Sun Thu-Sat, 8pm Sun, 2.30pm
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(3hrs, including 20min intermission)
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Theatre $48*, $68**, $88^, $108^+, $128^+ Students, NSFs and seniors: $33*, $48** Early Bird Special (2 Dec 2014-11 Jan 2015): 15% savings^ Package of 4 or more (from 12 Jan onwards): 10% savings^ Huayi 2015 ticket stub holders: 10% savings^
UnionPay Card Privilege Enjoy 20% savings+
Applicable for top two ticket categories only. Not valid for restricted view seats, concessions/school special tickets and ticket categories marked with * and **. Singapore-issued UnionPay cards are not valid for online purchase. All UnionPay cards are not valid for SISTIC hotline purchase.
OFFICIAL CARD
Seismic shifts across 50 years of modern Chinese history play out against the backdrop of a traditional Chinese teahouse, with its owner becoming an inadvertent witness to the events that irrevocably alter the course of a nation. Teahouse is hailed as an enduring classic in Chinese Theatre, offering a riveting panorama of characters from all walks of life. Written by noted Chinese playwright and writer Lao She, and staged by the acclaimed Beijing People’s Art Theatre. >> More info
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Photo by Colin Bell
GALA: SARAH CHANG LIVE Singapore Symphony Orchestra
6 Mar, Fri 7.30pm Concert Hall $30*, $58**, $78, $108, $148, $188
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Students, NSFs and seniors: $20*, $40** Lan Shui, conductor* Wong Kah Chun, conductor Sarah Chang, violin WAGNER LISZT LISZT DVORAK
Overture to Tannhäuser Orpheus Les Préludes Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53*
Celebrated violinist Sarah Chang returns to join Lan Shui and the SSO for Dvorak’s richly lyrical Violin Concerto in A minor. Franz Liszt was one of the pioneers of the symphonic poem, and of the twelve he wrote, Les Preludes remains the most popular today. In the first half, Singaporean conductor Wong Kah Chun makes his SSO debut directing Wagner’s Tannhauser Overture and Liszt’s Orpheus and Les Preludes. There will be a pre-concert talk at library@esplanade at 6.30pm and a post-concert symphony chat.
47 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade Presents
LATE NITE WITH SA(仨): THE PURSUIT 6 Mar, Fri 9.30pm (1hr, no intermission) Recital Studio $25 Music may be time and culture-specific but sound knows no limits. In producing art, the trio of SA(仨) create their own soundscapes, exploring all possibilities not bound by time or culture. Founded in 2010, part of the band’s name, 仨, meaning “three” in northern Chinese dialect, is a tribute to their Chinese roots. Professionally trained in Shanghai, Hongkong and Beijing, Andy C plays the dizi (flute), Natalie Alexandra plays the guzheng (zither) and Cheryl Ong plays drums and percussions. For SA(仨), their exploration of sound begins with each instrument and every original composition is a bold experiment that combines traditional elements with modern techniques, such as live looping. Spontaneous at every turn, each performance is a risk that the band takes as they delve into the question of identity.
ESPLANADE INVITES YOU TO CELEBRATE THE ARTS WITH US THIS SG50 As Singapore prepares to revel in one of its biggest birthday parties yet, we look forward to a spectacular year of celebrations to commemorate our nation’s 50th year of independence. Esplanade marks this special occasion in a meaningful way through the arts. And whether or not you are a seasoned arts-goer or someone completely new to the arts, we invite you to join us just the same as we celebrate the Singapore story all through 2015.
Where else would you rather be?
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 48
5 1
reasons why YOU should celebrate z
ARTS at
ESPLANADE this SG50
Celebrate our local arts all at one place In 2015, Esplanade brings you some of the best productions and artists from across cultures and disciplines that represent our past, present and future.
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Throwback to the past Where would we be if not for the vision and perseverance of our pioneers? Pay tribute to the lives and stories of our Singapore artists who have dedicated themselves to their art.
Learn more about the extraordinary stories of our arts pioneers! Head on down to Esplanade’s newly installed Tribute.sg exhibition or log on to www.tribute.sg to find out more. WHERE: next to Esplanade Concert Hall Meeting Point
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Celebrate a multitude of expressions Every one of us has a different way of expressing how Singapore is dear to us. Contribute to a multiplicity of interpretations and join local artists as they share what being Singaporean means to them.
Catch These Sacred Things, a visual arts exhibition featuring local artists who each share what is most sacred to them at “home”. WHEN: 16 Jan–1 Mar at Jendela (Visual Arts Space), Mon–Fri, 11am – 8.30pm, Sat & Sun, 10am–8.30pm (Open on public holidays)
Fall in love with the arts...again Discover or renew your love for the arts. Try out something different this year, be it watching a play if you are a concertgoer, or immersing yourself in a culture not your own.
This quarter, Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2015 invites you “to live”. Watch music, dance and theatre productions that reflect on and celebrate life, by some of Esplanade’s long-time collaborators. WHEN: 20 Feb–1 Mar
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Reunions! Reunions! Reunions!
There is no better time to reconnect with an old friend than during the SG50 celebrations! Esplanade reunites with some of our long-time collaborators. We also bring back some artists from the past who make their long awaited return to the stage.
Kick off the festivities on New Year’s Day with two iconic bands Attach to from the ‘70s and ‘80s, Black Dog underside Bone and Gingerbread, performing with Orkestra Melayu Singapura. WHEN: 1 Jan at the Esplanade Concert Hall at 8pm
MAKE YOUR OWN
DIY 3D ESPLANADE SG50 ARTWORK!、
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Customise it. 2. Cut along the dotted lines. 3. Fold along the solid lines. 4. Glue it together as indicated. Tada! Now it's time to show it off! Share your artwork with us! Post it on Instagram or Facebook and hashtag esplanade
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www.esplanade.com / 50
MAKING MUSIC COME ALIVE Behind The Scenes with longtime Esplanade collaborator
TERENCE HO General Manager of Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO)
Managing a world class Chinese orchestra is no easy feat, not unless you are Terence Ho, who is equally at ease running a 21km marathon as he is running the business and operational sides of the SCO. Terence, who at one time played the erhu under influential conductor Tay Teow Kiat, has big dreams for the orchestra that stem from a simple belief that music has the ability to transform lives and bring happiness. Fresh from a world record-breaking mega concert at the National Stadium in June and a season packed with concerts all around Singapore, the SCO now sets their eyes on pushing their creativity further in their latest collaboration with Esplanade, Savage Land, an operatic orchestral concert featured this Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts. We speak to Terence about the orchestra’s long-standing relationship with Esplanade, the Chinese classical music scene, and what it means to be alive. Savage Land is Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s latest collaboration with Esplanade. How far has the relationship between the SCO and Esplanade come? SCO’s relationship with Esplanade goes back many years to when the arts centre first opened in 002, and it deepens each year. We have come far together, and when it comes to developing our creativity and our art, there is no end in sight—the sky is the limit. In our collaborations with Esplanade, we always explore ways on how we can make SCO productions a more holistic experience for the audience, like we did with Savage Land, for example. We hope that when audiences come to watch us perform, they will like what we do, catch our other performances and fall in love with Chinese classical music in general.
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How has the Chinese classical music scene in Singapore changed in the last 10 years? What do you think are some of the contributing factors? I believe that the Chinese classical music scene in Singapore has grown three-dimensionally. Firstly, as the top Chinese orchestra in Singapore, we (the SCO) set the standard in the development of the Chinese music scene. Secondly, in our research and development, we dig into our identity, culture and heritage and build them into our music. Finally, if we compare Singapore with other countries in Asia, our nation has the highest ratio of orchestras, which shows the popularity and reach of Chinese classical music here. If we continue to develop these areas, the Chinese classical music industry will have a strong ecosystem, which will in turn generate new talent and make the scene more competitive. Huayi 2015 invites one and all “to live”, to reflect and interpret what it means to be alive in today’s world. How does this resonate with you in relation to the arts? Life and the arts must come together—the latter cannot exist alone. It must draw inspiration from our mindset today and have a social impact on the people. We must therefore ensure that any production we stage or music piece we commission or compose must always be meaningful. Performing in the orchestra is not just about reading notes and playing the instrument accordingly—there will be no meaning, no interpretation and no expression, which makes for a lifeless performance or production. With any production that we stage—be it a multimedia show or a Chinese orchestra music concert—there must be life! There must be a strong interpretation of the music by the musicians, a passionate expression, and a distinctive identity to the work you’re presenting.
2015 is a significant year for us as a nation. What comes to mind when you think about Singapore’s greatest achievement? Singapore brands and how they are trusted around the world. This has seeped into our arts scene as well. People from overseas come specially to catch our performances, which is very encouraging for us. Some of them are festival directors from other countries! What makes you proud to be Singaporean? From my conversations with foreigners during my travels, Singapore seems to have a reputation of being a vibrant city. Our governance, education system, innovations, multiculturalism, and how we care for our community are often commended—these make me feel proud to be a Singaporean. What are your and SCO’s hopes for the future of Singapore? We hope to inspire people through our music. We want to transform the lives of Singaporeans and help Singapore become a more gracious society that cares for its people. Basically, we want everyone to be inspired and be happy! Don’t miss Singapore Chinese Orchestra’s Savage Land this 28 Feb, Sat, 7.30pm, as part of Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2015. >> Click here to read Terence's full interview on Esplanade.com/SG50
www.esplanade.com / 52
PLAY TIME IS SERIOUS BUSINESS Behind The Scenes with longtime Esplanade collaborator
IAN LOY
Theatre practitioner, actor, director and playwright Founder of MySuperFuture Theatrical Productions At 35 years old, Ian Loy has carved himself a niche in the local arts scene specialising in theatre for young audiences. The practitioner, who came out on his own and founded MySuperFuture Theatrical Productions in 2009, is no stranger to Esplanade’s popular children’s theatre series, PLAYtime!. In fact, he has created more than ten original works for the series and will be returning to Esplanade in 2015 as part of the centre’s SG50 celebrations to restage his first childrens production, The Magic Ocean. We catch up with the recent Young Artist Award recipient to share in his joy as he tells us what it means to be Singaporean, how the young audience theatre scene has grown, and what his hopes for the future are. Congratulations on receiving the Young Artist Award in October. What ran through your mind when you first heard the news? I was like, “Waaah!” and “Whoa!” because I thought I wouldn’t get it! It was a great feeling, and among the first few people I phoned to share the news and thanked were Angela (my wife), Luanne (PLAYtime! producer) and Benson (CEO of Esplanade). It was a very exciting moment that has since encouraged and inspired a greater sense of social responsibility to my craft. I work extensively with communities and wish for kids with special needs or who are at-risk to have access to quality theatre like everyone else. And I want to continue doing this with Esplanade as it’s where I first started. This award has given me energy to run all these races as well as the inspiration and creativity for future projects. What makes you proud to be Singaporean? Singapore is a cosmopolitan society. People from all over [the world] come here to work, to have a life, and somehow, we are all mashed together. Despite our different cultures, we live side by side and accept one another. This is why Singapore is unique and this is what I’m proud of.
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What do you think is Singapore’s greatest achievement since its independence? The first word that comes to mind is “diversity”—the diversity that Singapore has built over these years. Although the conditions are not yet ideal, we still put it together. We’ve had some rough times but we went through it together. There’s been a lot of criticism but there has also been a lot of encouragement.
The Magic Ocean was your first childrens production. In 2015, it is restaged in English and Mandarin as part of PLAYtime! and Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2015. What went through your mind when you decided to revisit the piece? Directing and performing The Magic Ocean again is like going full circle for me because it’s the first production I eve embarked on. It’s my baby—it has grown and been through phases with each staging. From the time it started in 2009 till now, I’ve seen what works and received all kinds of criticism and positive remarks. So I decided that I must use these to do better. In this regard, the 2015 show will be different. It’ll be interesting to see how the mandarin production will pan out.
What are your thoughts on the current boom in local theatre for young audiences? What are the contributing factors to this spike? Parents today are generally more informed and they want to expose their children to as many things as possible, so many artists and companies are picking up on this demand. That’s why you have an array of programmes for the young, such as workshops, activities, festivals, and big shows being brought in from overseas. It is a boom but we have to be sure that the theatre productions do not lose its Singapore identity. Most of the time in my shows, I include an Asian element, be it the music or physical performance, to preserve our unique identity.
What do you think is most important to keep it going? We need to keep artists inspired and believe that it is worthwhile investing in young audiences. And we need to have the right tools and knowledge to meet their cognitive needs. For instance, you can’t put up a show titled Red Riding Hood and claim that it’s good for all ages. You want to maximise their reach within that age group. For me, I always believe that something special happens between the ages of two and under, two to four, five to eight, and nine to 12—these are the markers that I set for myself. Where do you see your brand of children’s theatre heading from here on? I hope to develop my craft and my skills by learning from others. I’m always afraid that I get to a point when I think I know everything, considering I started out at the young age of 19. Theatre is not built solely on my ideas and preferences, so moving forward, I want to learn from the actors, collaborators and musicians I work with, even from the young audience and the parents who come to see my shows. What are your hopes for the future? Personally, I’d like to see more art intervention in the various communities here. There is a case study I once read which intrigued me; it was about how a small town in London has been transformed from a slum to a lively neighbourhood through art. Drugs, poverty and broken families were rife in that town before a group of artists went and introduced art programmes and workshops on sculpting and painting. It started a social change, and bit by bit, the morale of the neighbourhood was lifted. They say art moves people and it did! Soon, many started taking their children there to see and participate in the activities. People from other areas also started pouring into that town, changing it. That’s what I want to happen in Singapore—a kind of art intervention that’s big enough to make a social change. Catch Ian’s restaging of The Magic Ocean this February as part of PLAYtime! and Huayi 2015. >> >> Click here to read Ian's full interview on Esplanade.com/SG50 Esplanade.com/SG50
www.esplanade.com / 54
Celebrating life in the Arts Honouring individuals who have, through their tireless passion and selfless dedication, contributed to the Arts in Singapore.
www.tribute.sg
OMMPROM: JAZZ!
Esplanade Presents
Orchestra of the Music Makers, Chan Tze Law, Jeremy Monteiro, Tama Goh, Christy Smith
7 Mar, Sat 5pm (1hr 15mins, no intermission) Concert Hall $15
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: $8* Package of 2: $24 Package of 4: $40 Chan Tze Law, conductor Tama Goh, drums WILLIAM WALTON DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH KELLY TANG GEORGE GERSHWIN
Jeremy Monteiro, piano Christy Smith, bass
Johannesburg Festival Overture Suite for Variety Orchestra (Selections) Montage: Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra An American in Paris
OMM meets Singapore’s very own “Giant of Jazz” Jeremy Monteiro! Together with his Trio, Tama Goh and Christy Smith, Jeremy will perform Kelly Tang’s re-orchestrated Montage – Concerto for Jazz Piano and Orchestra. The orchestra will also perform the swirling and psychedelic Johannesburg Festival Overture, Shostakovich’s Suite (formerly known as the Jazz Suite 2), and, capturing the glamour and excitement of Paris in the 1920s, Gershwin’s An American in Paris.
CARNIVAL! kidsphilharmonic@sg
8 Mar, Sun 3pm (1hr, no intermission) Concert Hall Free TCHAIKOVSKY SAINT-SAËNS JERRY BOCK arr. IRA HEARSHEN BIZET
The Nutcracker Suite Selections from Carnival of the Animals Fiddler on the Roof Symphonic Dances Farandole from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 Carillon from L’Arlésienne Suite No. 1
Join kidsphilharmonic@sg in an orchestral fantasy of much loved tunes such as Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, George Bizet’s Arlesienne Suite and Symphonic Dances from the musical Fiddler on the Roof. Formed in 2011 with the aim of training young musicians for the orchestra, kidsphilharmonic@sg made its concert debut in September 2012 and has since grown in number to the 70-member strong music group that it is today. Its diverse repertoire ranges from symphonies to chamber music.
Brought to you by Orchestra of the Music Makers in collaboration with Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
“The OMM Prom has become the de facto pops concert of the masses” — The Straits Times BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 56
Esplanade Presents
CONUN:DRUM
Esplanade Presents
SIXPOINTNINE
Eugene Toh, Lim Rei, Trivandrum D Rajagopal, Tan Lee Ying, Bernard Yong
六点九
8 Mar, Sun 7.30pm (1hr 5mins, no intermission) Recital Studio $25
9-12 Mar, Mon-Thu 2.30pm & 5pm (1hr 30mins, no intermission) Theatre Studio $20 (school bookings only)
Students, NSFs and seniors: $15 Package of 2: $40
All bookings for F.Y.I productions will have to be done online via www.esplanade.com/fyi. Performed in Mandarin
Look out for conun:DRUM this coming March, a percussion recital that will bring before you a potpourri of music from different cultures and traditions! Join Eugene Toh and friends as they unravel a tangle of interlocking rhythms and textures in an exciting line-up of solos and collaborative works. Awaiting you is a rhythmic jigsaw of traditional, modern and fusion percussion, a selection that will surely pique your interest. Sample a wide variety of musical flavours ranging from traditional South Indian to contemporary Chinese music, Middle Eastern frame drumming and Western theatrical percussion.
Drama Box
Singapore is a more diverse place now than ever before. It is more common these days to have classmates, friends and neighbours that come from different parts of the world. sixpointnine is a forum theatre performance that allows students to examine their definition of “others” and their prejudices, the implications of labelling those who are perceived as being different as well as to question and discover for themselves the role that the “I” can play in re-defining mindsets and embracing diversit . Through interactive activities and discussion, students will be invited to reflect on the issue as well as share their views and experiences.
57 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Photo by Nicole Then
GET ESPLANADE WHAT’S ON DELIVERED TO YOU! Want to be up-to-date on whatever’s new, in and around Esplanade? Subscribe to Esplanade’s calendar of events and you will have information on all the shows, events and exhibitions happening here, right at your fingertips
SLEEPING BEAUTY Singapore Dance Theatre
12-15 Mar, Thu-Sun Thu & Fri, 8pm, Sat, 1pm and 8pm, Sun, 1pm and 7pm
(3hrs, including two 20min intermissions)
Theatre $30, $50, $70
Yes! I would like to subscribe to Esplanade What’s On 1-year subscription (4 issues) at $12 (incl.7% GST)
Presenting an audio and visual spectacle of beauty and dance, Sleeping Beauty is definitely a classical repertoire not to be missed. Set to a rich score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, this latest staging by artistic director Janek Schergen features choreography by Marius Petipa, and more than 150 stunning costumes designed by Tracy Grant Lord! In all its splendour and grandeur, this full-length classical ballet is the perfect spellbinding treat for all ages! For more information, please visit www.singaporedancetheatre.com.
“The archaic, opulent 19th century grandeur of the set, with scenic hangings and beautiful costumes, made it a visual treat.” — The Flying Inkpot
2-year subscription (8 issues) at $24 (incl.7% GST) PAYMENT DETAILS Bank/Cheque no. for S$
(made payable to ‘The Esplanade Co Ltd’)
SUBSCRIBER’S DETAILS Ms/Miss/Mrs/Mr NRIC/Passport No. Address Postal Code
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Email Mail this subscription form with your enclosed cheque to: Marketing Communications Department c/o The Esplanade Co Ltd 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038381 You will receive an acknowledgement via email. Subscription is open to Singapore addresses only. Payment is non-refundable. Subscription will begin with the next quarter’s issue after receipt and processing of payment by Esplanade. For more information please contact 6828 8377
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Co.Reg.No. 199205206G Information correct at time of print.
Singapore Dance Theatre opens its 2015 performance season with Sleeping Beauty. Be enchanted as the world’s favourite fairytale comes alive with the magical kingdom of fairies, forests and true love, in multi-sensory style!
Esplanade Presents
THE BEST OF RUFUS WAINWRIGHT 17 Mar, Tue 8pm (1hr 30mins, no intermission)
Theatre $48*, $68**, $88^, $108^ Limited for students, NSFs and seniors: $35*, $55** Mosaic Friends Special Enjoy $10 off Cat 1 tickets at $98 (U.P. $108) and Cat 2 tickets at $78 (U.P. $88). Online booking available. Not applicable on the SISTIC mobile app. To sign up to be a Mosaic Friend, visit www.mosaicmusicseries.com
59 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Praised by the New York Times for his “genuine originality�, Rufus Wainwright has established himself as one of the great male vocalists and songwriters of his generation. The Juno Award-winning musician had two Best Alternative Albums for Rufus Wainwright and Poses, and was nominated as Songwriter of the Year for his album Release the Stars in 2008. In 2014, he released Vibrate: The Best of Rufus Wainwright, a new career-spanning collection that features 18 standout songs defining one of musics most innovative talents. Now, Wainwright makes his way to Mosaic to share his greatest hits in a special solo show.
Photo by Ben Wright
THE CHOIR OF ST JOHN'S COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 24 Mar, Tue 7.30pm
(1hr 45mins, including 15min intermission)
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Concert Hall $20, $35, $50, $65, $80 Students, NSFs and seniors: 25% off Early Bird Special(until 31 Jan): 25% savings Mastercard holder Special Until 31 Jan: 25% savings 1–28 Feb: 15% savings 1–24 Mar: 10% savings Group Package of 10 or more (from 1 Feb onwards): 25% savings The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge University, is one of the finest men and boys choirs in the world, known and loved by millions from its recordings, broadcasts and concert tours. A cornerstone of the great English choral tradition since the 1670s, the Choir is recognised for its distinctive, rich and expressive sound and is today directed by Andrew Nethsingha.
61 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade Presents
ANG MO KIO SECONDARY SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND 25 Mar, Wed 7.30pm (2hrs, including 20min intermission) Concert Hall $13 Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Symphonic Band is led by resident conductor, Brando Tan, and assistant conductor, Sebastian Koh. With 100 members, the band has a wide ranging repertoire which they perform at various venues around Singapore. Last year, it had the honour of performing for Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the National Day commemoration ceremony. This evening, the band will be joined by Ang Mo Kio Alumni Wind Ensemble, and will entertain you with a selection of wind music.
ELIAHU INBAL CONDUCTS MAHLER’S NINTH
BASICALLY VIOLA
28 Mar, Sat 7.30pm Concert Hall $15*, $22*, $32*, $45, $60, $75
30 Mar, Mon 8pm (1hr 15mins, no intermission) Recital Studio $28
Singapore Symphony Orchestra
Jeremy Chiew, Lim Yan, Siew Yi Li, Lim Juan
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: 30% off* Eliahu Inbal, conductor MAHLER
Symphony No. 9 in D major
Distinguished conductor Eliahu Inbal makes his Singapore debut with Mahler’s magnificent Ninth Symphony. Described as Mahler’s “dark night of the soul”, the Ninth reflects earlier tragedies and the fear brought about by a recently diagnosed heart condition that would kill Mahler two years later. Apart from emotional anguish and some bitterness, the music also demonstrates a fervent desire for life and love. The closing Adagio is a glowing farewell, one of the most poignant movements in all symphonic music.
Package of 2: $50 Package of 5: $80 For tickets, please email chamber.sounds@gmail.com or contact Alicia at 9367 5883 or Jeremiah at 9782 8503. It is often helpful to go back to the basics — what constitutes music, and what is a viola? This recital aims to showcase the three basic music elements of melody, rhythm and harmony, as well as the viola as a solo instrument. Join violist Jeremy Chiew and pianist Lim Yan as they present an evening of viola repertoire. Violinist Siew Yi Li and cellist Lim Juan will also partake in the programme's finale, Schumann's poignant Piano Quartet in E-flat Major, Op. 47.
There will be a pre-concert talk at library@esplanade at 6.30pm.
“He does not seek histrionic excitement for its own sake, rather he allows the expressive flow of the musical line to cast its own spell.” — MusicWeb International
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 62
63 / MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Photo by Holly Andres
Ngee Ann City presents
PINK MARTINI 31 Mar, Tue 8pm (1hr 30mins, no intermission) Theatre $48*, $68**, $88, $118, $148
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TICKETS
Students, NSFs and seniors: $38*, $58** Brought to you by
Pink Martini, the international musical phenomenon from Portland, Oregon, USA is back in Singapore five years after their sensational Mosaic Music Festival appearance in 2010.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Founded in 1997, and commonly referred to as Portland’s “little orchestra”, Pink Martini combines infectious rhythms, distinctive vocals, and colourful instrumentation to create an around-the-world musical adventure. With elements of Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Edith Piaf, and Latin, Afro-Cuban salsa, bossa nova, Italian folk, and Middle Eastern influences in their music, they have drawn rave reviews worldwide.
EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR
Fans in Singapore can expect to hear the band’s favourite renditions of latin, samba, jazz, and good old-fashioned pop tunes. >> More info
“Utterly cosmopolitan yet utterly unpretentious” — The Washington Post
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 64
CONCOURSE & OUTDOOR THEATRE FREE PROGRAMMES /
JAN–MAR 2015
Esplanade Presents
Join us at the Esplanade Concourse and enjoy a wide array of free indoor programmes every evening! Featuring music as diverse as classical, jazz, rock, pop, traditional ethnic, fusion, and alternative, there is something for everyone.
CAFÉ 21 LIVING R O O M CAFÉ 21 LIVING ROOM
On The Waterfront
Look forward to a weekend of timeless Chinese classics and originals that will bring your spirits up as the Chinese New Year festivities approach.
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE 13-15 Feb At The Concourse & On The Waterfront
Be serenaded with timeless love songs this special Valentine’s Day weekend. For the month of Jan, tune in to a fresh brew of tunes and celebrate the festive season at the Concourse, proudly sponsored by Café 21.
ALL THINGS NEW 1-18 Jan
Café 21 Living Room (At The Concourse) & On The Waterfront
Thematic music performances happen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday (including public holidays) at our Esplanade Waterfront! Come enjoy free performances at the Outdoor Theatre under the stars.
6-8 Feb
Valentine’s Day Weekend
The Concourse is an intimate performance space located between the Concert Hall and Theatre.
Esplanade Presents
PERENNIAL BLOSSOMS
Begin the year on a positive note with upbeat melodies and original tunes. All Things New brings you some of the freshest releases and collaborations in the local scene.
INSTRUMENTALLY YOURS 19 Jan-1 Feb Café 21 Living Room (At The Concourse) & On The Waterfront
Hear every note and feel every beat, immerse yourself in rousing dialogues between instruments of diverse traditions. Sometimes, music speaks louder without words.
COME TOGETHER 2-18 Feb
At The Concourse
Celebrate the value of friendship in music-making as we bring to the fore two weeks of collaborations. Witness the dynamics of new and established partnerships as artists explore new territories together while forging bonds and strengthening ties.
COOL CLASSICS 2-22 Mar & 9-22 Mar At The Concourse
Who says the classics can’t be cool? At the Concourse this March, we bring you unique renditions of classical music from all over the world. Enjoy familiar favourites as you have never heard them before and discover trendsetting new sounds.
RANG DE HOLI 5-8 Mar
At The Concourse & On The Waterfront
It’s Holi, festival of colours! Join us at Esplanade as we celebrate this spring festival with an entire weekend of music, dance and of course, COLOUR!
ROCKING THE REGION 13-15 & 20-22 Mar On The Waterfront
We play host to a myriad of acts from around the region presenting a smorgasbord of different music styles.
BRIDGING THE BLUES 23-31 Mar
At The Concourse & On The Waterfront
At Esplanade, we’ve got the blues for you. Be mesmerised by a variety of styles from this music genre that has influenced jazz, R&B and rock. On 28 Mar, Sat, we celebrate Earth Hour with a series of soulful performances.
www.esplanade.com / 66
Esplanade Presents
PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP: FUN WITH CHINESE DRUMMING FREE PROGRAMMES
亲子同欢：节令鼓敲击乐 Zingo Festival Drum Group
20 Feb – 1 Mar 2015
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us as Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts 2015 brings you a host of free programmes. Over two weekends, enjoy Chinese traditional arts, instrumental and choral music, evergreen hits and performances by talented local singers and ensembles. Don’t miss our exhilarating festival opening on 20 Feb 2015 as well! For more information, please visit www.huayifestival.com from January 2015 onwards.
22 & 28 Feb, Sat & Sun 10.30am & 2.30pm (1hr 30mins, no breaks)
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TICKETS
Rehearsal Studio 1 Adult + 1 Child: $24 1 Adult + 2 Children: $36 2 Adults + 1 Child: $36 Conducted in English & Mandarin Advisory: Tickets need to be purchased as an adult-child package. Recommended for children aged 7–10 years old with their parent/guardian. Accompanying adults must be above 16 years old. Get into the festive spirit with your child at this energetic workshop where you and your child can learn basic percussive rhythms and simple choreographed movements of Chinese drumming. This is a fun bonding activity for parents and kids who get to enjoy a fun learning experience together! No prior drumming experience required. Please dress comfortably for the workshop. Please meet at Theatre Studio entrance, Level 4, 15mins before activity.
>> More info www.huayifestival.com 67 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade Presents
Esplanade Presents
Raka Maitra
Samuel Wong
UNDERSTANDING ODISSI DANCE 11 Jan, Sun 2pm (2hrs, no break) Rehearsal Studio $15
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC? BOOK
TICKETS
Odissi is an ancient classical dance form, originating in the temples of the East Indian state of Orissa. Dating back to the 1st century BC, it is one of the most lyrical and delicate of Indian dance forms. It is characterised by its fluid movements, intricate footwork, and statuesque poses inspired by the sculptures in the ancient temples of Orissa. Join Raka Maitra as she takes you through the beautiful world of this dance form.
15 Feb, Sun 2pm (2hrs, no break) Rehearsal Studio $15
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TICKETS
In ancient China, Chinese instrumental music took on multiple forms, from ceremonial music in imperial courts to narrative music in ethnic storytelling traditions. Today, it can be found in the riff of a pop song or in Chinese ensemble repertoires all around the world. So why does it resonate with many? Learn how to appreciate this age-old form with awardwinning pipa player and artistic director of The TENG Company, Dr Samuel Wong, as he expounds on its various styles, genres and interpretations. Find out more about Chinese music aesthetics, traditional and folk repertory, the Chinese orchestra, the development of new trends and why Chinese music is here to stay.
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 68
/ VISUAL ARTS – AN INVITATION TO BE HERE Celebrating Singapore’s 50th birthday, Esplanade Visual Arts invites one and all to be here—to be present and to be in the moment. As we gather local artists from different disciplines to share and reflect with us, we invite you to also contribute to the multiplicity of interpretations—to stand before each artwork and engage your mind and spirit...to put it simply, to be here.
Esplanade Presents
HAPPINESS IS... FINDING THE GARDEN LIES WITHIN Ernest Chan 9 Jan–5 Apr Community Wall
In this series, the ambiguous relationship between reality and fantasy, fact and fiction are explored. Ernest Chan engages in automatic drawing to investigate private fantasies in the realm of the subconscious; he delves into how one’s identity and innermost thoughts are revealed as one’s mind is freed—from social obligations and stereotypical perceptions—during imaginative play. Inspired by stories, myths, models, props and photography, he creates layers of spatial complexity and narratives through painting, drawing, mixed media and printmaking. In conjunction with These Sacred Things
Esplanade Presents
THESE SACRED THINGS Various artists
including Ang Sookoon, Angie Seah, Ahmad Abu Bakar, April Ng, Betty Susiarjo, Claire Lim, Charles Lim, Chua Boon Kee, Chiew Sien Kuan, Chen Kunyi, Chng Seok Tin, Chen Sai Hua Kuan, Ernest Chan, Grace Tan, Jeremy Hiah, Justin Lee, KC Poh, Ken Cheong, Khiew Huey Chien, LATENT SPACES, Lina Adam, Leroy Sofyan, Lim Soo Ngee, Lim Bee Ling, Loh Jahan, Miguel Chew, Mohamad Riduan, Oh Chai Hoo, Quek Kiat Sing, Speak Cryptic, Susie Wong, Tan Chwee Seng, Tay Bak Chiang, Tang Ling Nah, Teo Huey Ling, Wang Ruobing, Victor Tan, Yeo Chee Kiong, Yeo Wee Hwee, Yeo Shih Yun, Yong Kah Kin
16 Jan–1 Mar Jendela (Visual Arts Space) We invited many artists whom we have presented over the years—and who have grown with us —to respond to the theme of These Sacred Things. We asked them to describe what is sacred to them at home (be it their immediate home environment or Singapore at large) and reflect on the notion of sacredness. The works span a wide range of mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, videos, installations as well as site-specificworks and indefinable mediums. Together, these contribute to a tapestry of diverse visions, ideas and textures that is rich in meaning.
69 / JAN – APR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Esplanade Presents
DAPUNTA HYANG: TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE Zai Kuning in collaboration with Mohamad Riduan 15 Jan–19 Apr Concourse
In this new commission work, Zai Kuning further develops the ship series by looking more deeply into the structure of warring ships in this region, the Phinisi. Together with an installation with books attached to the ship, it tells the history of how knowledge was traditionally transported by the Bugis to this region. In conjunction with These Sacred Things
Esplanade Presents
WALKING THROUGH HAW PAR VILLA Chen Sai Hua Kuan and Wang Ruobing 30 Jan–12 Apr Tunnel
Walking through Haw Par Villa is an interactive installation that uses optical illusion featuring the Haw Par Villa—a very special Singaporean theme park. The installation gathers and processes the park’s visual information which had been collected during a walk by the artists. It interacts with visitors who walk past, showing them optical illusions that are misleading, as the eye and brain make unconscious inferences. This work deals with both personal and collective memories of Singapore’s past and highlights the complexity of the notion of heritage and tradition. In conjunction with These Sacred Things
Esplanade Presents
MAKAN ANGIN
Lim Soo Ngee 2 Feb Waterfront Promenade Makan Angin (literally, “eating wind” in Malay, or “jiak hong”—“吃风”—in Hokkien) depicts a family of five enjoying a day out at the old Esplanade waterfront. This commissioned public bronze sculpture by notable local sculptor, Lim Soo Ngee, adds a touch of nostalgic whimsy to a promenade still beloved by locals and visitors alike. It reminds us that the simplest act of ‘eating wind’ can be one of life’s greatest delights.
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 70
BASEMENT FILMS @ B1 Curated by Objectifs 6 Jan–1 Apr Basement films are located at B
KARANG GUNI 07:28 Anthony Chen
A chance encounter between two strangers – a foreigner and a local used goods collector – results in the possibility of an unlikely friendship.
CURRY FISH HEAD 08:00 Srinivas Bhakta
Curry Fish Head tells the story of a girl as she goes through the changing landscapes of Singapore from the late 1960s to the present day.
HOCK HIAP LEONG 06:00 Royston Tan
Hock Hiap Leong pays tribute to a 55-year-old coffee shop on Armenian Street that was a great inspiration to many people. The Urban Redevelopment Board’s 2001 plans to demolish the coffee shop inspired the filmmaker to capture this historical icon
DI (LITTLE BROTHER) 07:00 Michael Kam
Set in a tiny Housing Development Board (HDB) apartment in 1970s Singapore, Di (Little Brother) features a comic battle of wills between two young brothers who are at home on their own while their mother steps out for a brief errand.
FAMILY DINNER 04:18 Shen Jia Hui, Clara Gan
Stay-home Bunny Dad is dissatisfied with his family life and attempts to cook a sumptuous family dinner. However, the dinner slowly falls apart as the story unfolds.
71 / JAN – APR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
/ ESPLANADE MALL
Eat, drink, shop! Scan to find out more about the latest Esplanade Ticket Holder specials.
library@esplanade Books & Media #03–01, Tel: 6332 3255 Daily: 11am–9pm except PH
Singapore’s first public library devoted to the performing arts, library@esplanade chronicles the field in all its manifestations, offering print, visual and aural materials of a broad-ranging nature.
ARCH
Souvenir #02–07, Tel: 6338 0161 Daily: 10.30am–9.30pm
Celebrate heritage with ARCH with a wide range of heritage gifts and collectibles are uniquely designed with high quality craftsmanship on a class of its own.
The Band World Music #02–08, Tel: 6651 2163 Daily: 11.30am–8.30pm
Serving Singapore’s community of wind instrumentalists for the past two decades, The Band World offers the best and widest selections of wind instruments and accessories.
Csar Luxe
Lifestyle #02–11, Tel: 6336 8786 Daily: 12pm–9pm
A galleria that epitomises the finest and most exquisite intricacies of French living, Csar Luxe brings the ultimate in design creativity and craftsmanship. SHOPS
CAFÉS, BARS & RESTAURANTS
Goodgoods
Lifestyle #02-13, Tel: 9320 0033/ 9750 4920 Daily: 12pm–8.30pm
Founded in 2010 with a strong belief that the best products come from exquisite workmanship and design, Goodgoods houses uniquely fine labels of men’s leather products. For more details, visit www.goodgoods.com.sg.
GroomWerkz Car Grooming Autocare B2 Carpark, Tel: 6227 7238 Mon–Fri: 7.30am–4.45pm
Automobile paint protection and detailing professionals endorsed by car enthusiasts, GroomWerkz’s team of meticulous professionals ensures top-notch finishing and genuine customer service.
Kenko Reflexology & Spa Wellness #02–19, Tel: 6363 0303 Daily: 10.30am–9pm
Pamper yourself with a soothing, relaxing massage at Kenko’s Reflexology & Spa. Single and double treatment rooms in the spa offer you the privacy you need.
Kenko Wellness Spa Wellness #02–21, Tel: 6363 0303 Daily: 10.30am–9pm
Step into an oasis of serenity and de-stress with a variety of invigorating body scrubs, revitalising massages and therapeutic hydrotherapy treatments. www.esplanade.com / 72
/ ESPLANADE MALL
Maestro Guitars & Ukuleles Music #02–02, Tel: 6333 3238 Daily: 12.30pm–10pm
The only brand in Singapore that makes its own instruments, each Maestro guitar is delicately built to ensure responsiveness, richness in tonal colour, exceptional performance and outstanding workmanship.
Mocha
Fashion #02–10, Tel: 6336 0775 Sun–Thu: 12pm–9.30pm Fri & Sat: 12pm–10.30pm
From an eclectic ensemble of stylish apparel and accessories sourced globally and made in-house, find off-season indie brands and fashion forward pieces. New items added weekly.
Poster Hub
Gifts & Memorabilia #02–17, Tel: 6333 5623 Daily: 12pm–9.30pm
Specialising in premier lifestyle prints, original movie posters and memorabilia, Poster Hub scours the globe for the best collector and niche decorative items.
Salva’s Foreign Exchange Convenience #01–08A, Tel: 6835 9151 Mon–Thu: 10am–12am Fri–Sun: 10am–1am
A one-stop convenience store.
Studio Haroobee Nambé
Kitchen & Decor #02–05, Tel: 6338 5372 Daily: 12pm–9pm
Nambé’s passion for exceptional design began in 1951 with a focus on creating dining collections that transcend trends and generations, and enhance lives through designs that emotionally connect and quality that inspires.
The Naturalist Grandeur Wellness #02–09, Tel: 6339 9981 Daily: 1pm–10pm
Singapore’s leading aromatherapy boutique well known for its commitment to true authenticity and quality of their vast collection of fine perfumery absolutes and premium essential oils. 73 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Learning Centre #02–20, Tel: 6336 9611 Tue & Wed: 10am–7.30pm Fri–Sun: 10am–6pm Closed on Mon & Thu
An art studio for everyone, Studio Haroobee offers quality art classes that encourage self-expression and creativity. Students’ works are regularly exhibited to the public at selected galleries. For more details, visit www.studioharoobee.edu.sg.
Tong Ming Xi
Music #02–06, Tel: 6238 8750 Daily: 11.30am–8.30pm
Tong Ming Xi offers comprehensive repair, restoration and maintenance services for string instruments, and stocks a wide range of quality contemporary and antique violins, violas, cellos, bows and accessories.
Barossa
Australian cuisine #01–11, Tel: 6534 5188 Mon–Thu: 12–3pm; 6pm–1am Fri: 12–3pm; 6pm–2am Sat: 12pm–2am Sun: 12pm–1am
Enjoy hearty Australian-inspired restaurant and bar where ‘outback meets chic’. Choose from a wide range of wines and champagnes, craft beers by Archipelago Brewery, Martinis and cocktail at Esplanade Waterfront.
Blue Mahoe Estate Caffe
Cafe #02–04 Tel: 6338 8302 Daily: 11am–11pm
The ultimate luxury in coffee. Blue Mahoe Estate Caffe. It’s not just a taste, it’s a whole new experience.
Books and Cranny Western cuisine library@esplanade #03-02, Tel: 6337 0704 Daily, 11am–9pm Closed on PH
Book in a hand, a quiet corner for another, a flavourfu beverage some may seek, or a simple meal so one may rest thy weary feet. Books and Cranny is the place to meet.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Cafe #01–02/04 Sun–Thu: 8am–11pm Fri–Sat: 8am–12am
Brewed in Southern California since 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is the oldest and largest specialty coffee and tea retailer in the USA, known for sourcing and providing the finest ingredients and flavours fro around the world. SHOPS
CAFÉS, BARS & RESTAURANTS
Chocz.
Dessert #02-15, Tel: 6238 0803 Daily: 11am–11pm
A gift of pure indulgence and a pleasure for the palate.
Gajalee Indian Seafood Restaurant Indian cuisine #01-13C, Tel: 6733 3278 Daily: 11.30am–3.30pm; 6.30pm–10.30pm
Synonymous with seafood delicacies, the awardwinning Gajalee serves a wide choice of traditional, authentic cuisine from western coastal region of India.
Grand Pavilion Cafe Chinese and local cuisine #02–25, Tel: 6337 6720 Mon–Fri: 12pm–3pm; 6pm–10.30pm Sat & Sun: 12pm–3pm; 5pm–10.30pm
Indulge in an array of sumptuous local delights of signature dishes and hot and cold desserts.
Grand Pavilion Restaurant
Cantonese cuisine #02–27/29, Tel: 6337 6720 Daily: 12pm–3pm; 6pm–10.30pm
Serving dim sum during lunch hour, a full a la carte menu for lunch and dinner, and specialty set menus that feature Master Chef Chan Tak Ming’s signature dishes.
www.esplanade.com / 74
/ ESPLANADE MALL
Häagen-Dazs
Dessert #02–01/03, Tel: 6336 4022 Sun–Thu: 11am–10.30pm Fri & Sat: 11am–12am
When it comes to the finest in super premium ice cream, Häagen-Dazs is renowned for those melt-in-the-mouth moments of pleasure, an ultimate indulgence in luxury ice-cream.
Harry’s @ Esplanade Bar #01–05/07, Tel: 6334 0132 Sun–Thu: 12pm–1am Fri & Sat: 12pm–2am
Pay a visit to Harry’s @ Esplanade, whether it’s to unwind after a day’s work, hang out with a few friends, or just for an enjoyable night out!
Jang Shou Korean Charcoal B.B.Q. Korean cuisine #01–13A/B, Tel: 6337 8880 Mon–Sat: 11.30am–3pm; 5pm–10.30pm Sun: 5pm–10.30pm
Serving food that is characteristic of Korean culture and generations of culinary tradition.
Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Local cuisine #01–15, Tel: 6438 4038 Mon–Thu: 5pm–2am Fri–Sat: 5pm–3am Sun: 4pm–1am
This is one of the best places for dinner and supper in Singapore. Tuck into Satay, BBQ Chicken Wings, Chilli Crab, Oyster Omelette and Fried Carrot Cake under the moonlight and by the bay. 75 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
Dessert #01–06/08, Tel: 6235 9556 Sun–Thu: 12pm–11pm Fri & Sat: 12pm–12am
Home to a chocolate culture embodying every fantasy and childhood dream of chocolate, where patrons can try new products at the bar as well as the best cup of hot chocolate.
Mirchi – Taste of India Indian cuisine #02–23, Tel: 6334 5590 Daily: 12pm–2.30pm; 6pm–11pm
Famous for its tender, delicious kebabs and mouth-watering curries, Mirchi – Taste of India cooks up refreshing treats for the palate. For more information, please visit www.mirchi.com.sg.
Molly Roffey’s Irish Pub
Pub #01–13E, Tel: 6238 1875 Sun–Thu: 3pm–1am Fri & Sat: 3pm–2am
An authentic Irish pub experience for Singapore diners and the night crowd, serving bites and pints and featuring live screening of sports matches with the stunning Marina Bay as its backdrop.
No Signboard Seafood Restaurant
Chinese cuisine #01–14/16, Tel: 6336 9959 Daily: 11am–11pm
One of Singapore’s long-established family-run companies offering a plethora of seafood cuisine that stays true to its roots.
Orgo
Bar Roof Terrace, Tel: 6336 9366 Daily: 6pm–2am
Led by renowned Japanese mixologist, Tomoyuki Kitazoe, Orgo uses the finest and freshest natural ingredients in its modern French food menu and extensive list of original mixology and classic drinks.
Toast Box
Cafe #01–01/03, Tel: 6338 6854 Sun–Thurs: 7.30am–10.30pm Fri & Sat: 7.30am–11pm
Step into the store and be greeted by aroma of freshly brewed Nanyang Coffee, the prominent butter mountain, the smell of freshly toasted bread, and sights of coffee or tea pulling. Savour the local dishes and drinks while you enjoy the relaxing ambience at Toast Box.
Tomo Izakaya Simply Peranakan Cuisine Peranakan cuisine #02-12, Tel: 6333 9382 Daily: 12pm–9pm
Serving authentic home-cooked Nonya food, Simply Peranakan Cuisine uses only the freshest ingredients and a select choice of spices to preserve the original taste of Peranakan cuisine.
Japanese cuisine #01–09, Tel: 6333 0012 Sun–Thu: 12pm–3pm; 5pm–11pm Fri & Sat: 12pm–3pm; 5pm–1am
Enjoy the conviviality of sharing small dishes of food such as robatayaki, yakitori, sushi, ramen, soba, and karaage, paired with sake, shochu, beer, wine or spirits, at Tomo Izakaya.
Supply & Demand Rooftop Bar
Italian & Southeast Asian cuisine #01–13, Tel: 6336 0588 Mon–Thu: 11.30am–10.30pm Fri & Sat: 6pm–3am Sun: 12pm–10.30pm
Treat yourself to delicious yet affordable Italian signature dishes, flavourful Southeast Asian specialties and zesty cocktails. For reservations: esp@cre8group.com.sg
ThaiExpress
Thai cuisine #01–13D, Tel: 6533 6766 Daily: 11.30am to 10.30pm (Last Order: 9.45pm)
Offering authentic Thai cuisine cooked and prepared by a team of Thai chefs, ThaiExpress serves dishes that are made fresh and full of exotic flavours
SHOPS
CAFÉS, BARS & RESTAURANTS
www.esplanade.com / 76
DINING DEALS 15off%
15off%
Barossa #01-11
Blue off Mahoe Estate Caffe #02-04
UP TO 15% OFF
WITH YOUR TICKETS!
Häagen-Dazs #02-01/03
10off%
Mirchi - Taste of India #02-23
Molly Roffey’s Irish Pub #01-13E
10off%
Simply Peranakan Cuisine Supply & Demand #02-12 #01-13
Orgo #04-01, Roof Terrace
10off%
Tomo Izakaya #01-09
10off%
10off%
Kenko Wellness Spa #02-21
10off%
Mocha #02-10 off
10off%
10off%
Maestro Guitars & Ukuleles #02-02
10off%
Nambé #02-05
The Naturalist Grandeur #02-09
77 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
10off%
RETAIL DEALS
Csar Luxe #02-11
Valid till 31 Mar 2015. Terms and conditions apply. www.esplanade.com/ticketholder
10off%
Harry’s @ Esplanade #01-05/07
15off%
10off%
ENJOY EXCLUSIVE OFFERS ON THE DAY OF THE PERFORMANCE
Chocz. #02-13/15
15off%
15off%
Grand Pavilion Restaurant #02-27/29
10off%
10off%
Poster Hub #02-17
PRE AND POST SHOW MENUS THAI EXPRESS
BAROSSA
#01-11 Available 5.30pm – 7.30pm daily
#01-13D Three-course set meal (soup, salad and main course) : $20++
Two-course set dinner $20++ Additional House Wine of Half Pint Archipelago $5++ Additional Dessert of the Day $5++ Additional Soft Drink or Juice $2++
TOMO IZAKAYA
#01-19 Complimentary dish with every jug of Sapporo draft beer purchased. 1-for-1 cocktails/ mocktails (U.P. $16++ onwards)
GAJALEE INDIAN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT #01-13C Three-course set meal (kebabs, biryani and dessert): $80++ for two persons
ORGO
#04-01, Roof Terrace Available 6pm – 8pm daily A selection of two tapas and two drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks or special cocktails) at $40/++ Available 9.30pm – 12am daily Choose from Esplanade Tasting Menu at $120/++ per person with wine/cocktail pairing available at additional $80/++ or Esplanade Dessert Menu at $30/++ per person with cocktail pairing available at additional $20/++
Terms and conditions for all ticket holder promotions apply: Vaild till 31 Mar 2015. Not applicable with other promotions, discounts, vouchers and o˜ ers by credit or privilege cards. Ticket stubs presented must be for shows in Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and used on the day of the performance. Prices indicated may be subject to service charge and prevailing government taxes. Management reserves the right to amend any promotional terms and conditions without prior notice. For more details, visit www.esplanade.com/ticketholder
Information correct at time of print. 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802 Tel: 68288377 | www.esplanade.com | Co. Reg. No: 199205206G
BOOK TICKETS / www.esplanade.com / 78
/ ESPLANADE SPONSORS Esplanade extends our deepest gratitude to our partners and sponsors whose generosity and support for the arts have enabled us to touch more lives.
LIFESTYLE SPONSORS
Product of Viz Branz Pte. Ltd.
Product of Viz Branz Pte. Ltd.
PROGRAMME SPONSORS
Bowen Enterprises (Pte) Ltd
85 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
Din Tai Fung
PROGRAMME SPONSORS
Golden Peony Fragrant Rice
Ngee Ann Development
For bright back ground
Hong Leong Foundation
On Cheong Co Pte. Ltd.
Keppel Corporation Limited
For dark back ground OUE Limited
Keppel Land Limited
Field Catering & Supplies Pte Ltd
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
UnionPay
www.esplanade.com / 86
CORPORATE PATRON
L.C.H. (S) Pte Ltd
CENTREMEDIA TECHNOLOGY PARTNER
Sharp-Roxy Sales (Singapore) Pte Ltd
ESPLANADE DONORS Citicall Communications Pte Ltd Singapore Telecommunications Limited
87 / JAN – MAR 2015 / www.esplanade.com
/ ABOUT ESPLANADE PRESENTS PROGRAMMES As one of the world’s busiest performing arts centres, Esplanade’s vision is to bring the arts to everyone and to enrich the lives of its community. The centre’s programming is guided by its mission—to entertain, engage, educate and inspire. Esplanade’s year-long calendar features a rich and diverse range of ticketed and non-ticketed programmes spanning different cultures and genres across music, theatre, dance and the visual arts that cater to the interests of a multicultural audience. The centre works in close partnership with local, regional and international artists to develop artistic capabilities, push artistic boundaries and engage audiences. More than 70% of the 3,000 shows that take place each year at the centre are free. Esplanade is also a popular performance home for arts groups and commercial presenters who hire its venues to stage a wide range of programmes.
Cultural Festivals & Series Celebrating contemporary Chinese arts in the Lunar New Year
Celebrating Malay arts during the Hari Raya Puasa period
A variety of Malay programmes throughout the year
Intimate explorations of Chinese classical music
Celebrating traditional and contemporary Indian arts during Deepavali
A showcase of Indian performing arts throughout the year
Genre Festivals & Series
SERIES
Three days of indie rock and alternative music on the bay
The best of Western classical music performed by the world’s best orchestras and musicians
A celebration of dance and the joy of movement
Dance presentations by the world’s best dance companies throughout the year
Esplanade Presents
An unexpected turn with the fun and the offbeat
Contemporary classical chamber music from the 20th century and beyond
Monthly intimate music sessions with homegrown talents
A selection of contemporary and experimental works that seeks to bring inspiration
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Showcasing the best of school choirs and concert bands at Esplanade Concert Hall
Celebrating the joy of ensemble singing
Music from various genres by stellar artists from around the world
Community Festivals / Programmes / Special Events
Presenting the diverse sounds, colours and moods of sacred music from around the world
Good times and sentimental favourites for our seniors
Free indoor performances at Esplanade Concourseevery evening
English and Chinese evergreens every first Monday of the month
Weekend arts workshops and talks for everyone
A month full of festivities with fireworks to end the year and welcome the new
Interactive arts education programmes for students
Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with a range of Chinese folk arts performances and activities for all the family
Celebrating our nation’s birthday
Free outdoor performances at Esplanade Waterfront - every Friday to Sunday evening, and on the eve of and on public holidays
Interactive plays for 2-4 year olds
A curatorial showcase of exhibitions by Asian artists througout the year
ESPLANADE FESTIVALS IN 2015 JAN FEB
Huayi
MAR APR
A Tapestry of Sacred Music
MAY
Flipside
JUN
Yfest
Melodic Sunday treats every month at Esplanade Concert Hall
A four-day gathering of Asian artists and industry peers
A burst of fun for children 12 years and under in celebration of Children’s Day
A celebration of youth culture through a brilliant mesh of music, dance, visual arts and lifestyle activities
With an annual roster of 15 festivals and 19 programme series, and with a special focus on Asian culture, Esplanade caters to diverse audiences in Singapore with a thoughtful curation of programmes spanning different cultures, languages and genres. Cultural
Baybeats
Music
JUL AUG
National Day
SEP
Moonfest
OCT
Octoburst
NOV
Kalaa Utsavam
DEC
Voices
Pesta Raya
Dance Children
da:ns A Date with Friends Celebrate December
Family Community
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/ VISITOR INFORMATION
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore 038981
Cultural Performance Exposure Scheme (CPES) Fund u Applicable to Primary/ Secondary/ Tertiary schools for use on eligible productions performed in Mandarin.
Customer Service hotline
F.Y.I productions All F.Y.I productions are applicable for the TOTE Board Arts Grant subsidy. Bookings via www.esplanade.com/fyi.
Box Offic
u Primary/ Secondary/ Tertiary schools receive one complimentary ticket for every 20 tickets purchased or 10 complimentary tickets for every 100 tickets purchased per production.#
6828 8377
Mezzanine level Opening hours: 12–8.30pm
Book online
www.sistic.com.sg 6348 5555
Ticketing Information All tickets are subject to prevailing SISTIC booking fee: $20 and below: $1 $20.01–$40: $3 above $40: $4 Concession and Special Packages u For most events, concessions are available for full-time students, senior citizens (aged 60 and above) and NSFs. Please provide valid identity passes with tickets upon entry. For school, group and corporate bookings, customised experiences and services, please contact 6828 8389 or email boxoffice@esplanade.co u
Funds & Subsidies for Schools TOTE Board Arts Grant u Primary/Secondary/ Tertiary schools enjoy a subsidy of up to 50% (excluding GST) of ticket price. u SPED schools enjoy a subsidy of up to 70% (excluding GST) of ticket price.
u SPED schools receive two complimentary tickets for every 10 tickets purchased per production.#
#Complimentary offer only available for single transactions for the same show.
Things to Note: u Lost tickets will be replaced only once and at the cost of $5. Only tickets for reserved seating events can be replaced. You must be able to verify your transaction details in order to get the replacement tickets. Events are subject to changes and cancellations. Refunds will be granted for cancelled performances subject to return of tickets and authentication of purchase. u
u All patrons (including children) must have tickets for admission to ticketed events. u Latecomers will only be admitted at appropriate pauses in the programme or during intermission, if any. u Patrons who buy restricted view seats will have less favourable sightlines, which vary according to each event’s set-up. u Infants-in-arm and children aged below six years will not be admitted to ticketed events unless otherwise stated.
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Security u Bag Checks For safety reasons, all bags and items brought in to performing venues are subject to security checks. Bulky items and plastic carriers must be deposited at baggage carts outside the venue. u Flowers and Gifts for Artists For safety and security reasons, these are not accepted in the Theatre or Concert Hall. In the Studio spaces, presentation of flowers and gifts i subject to the artist’s consent. The same security checks as above apply.
Photography and Filming Visitors are allowed to photograph, film or take videos of the public area only for personal use. Commercial use and public exhibition of the footage or materials without prior written consent is prohibited. Photography, videography or any form of recording (including that of mobile phones) is strictly prohibited within our performance venues at all times. Esplanade reserves the right to refuse admission to patrons entering with recording devices. Self-service lockers for cameras and video cameras are available for use outside the venues. For editorial or commercial photography or videography requests, please contact corporate@esplanade. com or call 6828 8305 on weekdays 8.30am to 6pm. Please note that photographs and videos of patrons may be may be taken at events for use in our archival and publicity material.
Accessibility We recommend that all patrons with special requirements state their needs at the time of booking tickets or call the Esplanade Customer Service hotline prior to attendance.
On-Site Amenities
Getting Here
Cloakroom for bags and other personal items u Located at Mezzanine level u Only open during ticketed performances within the Concert Hall & Theatre u Esplanade will not be held liable for damage or loss of items deposited
u By Car Basement carpark: An 808-lot carpark below the centre can be accessed from both sides of Esplanade Drive.
Food & Beverages u A variety of food and beverages is available at the Esplanade Mall and the Concert Hall and Theatre foyer bars u Eating and drinking are permitted in the foyer areas only Lost and Found To report or retrieve lost and found items, please go to Esplanade Information Counter by the Concert Hall foyer entrance (open 10am – 9pm daily) or call our Customer Service hotline at 6828 8377. Nursing Room Available 10am – 9pm daily at Mezzanine Level
Mon – Fri 6am – 12pm, 2 – 6pm 12 – 2pm 6 – 10pm 10pm – 6am
$2 per hour or part thereof $2 per entry $6 per entry $2 per entry
Sat & Sun 6am – 6pm 6 – 10pm 10pm – 6am
$2 per hour or part thereof $6 per entry $2 per entry
Waterfront carpark: A 27-lot carpark located before the Power Station can be accessed from Raffles venue. Daily charges are $1.50 per 1/2hr or part thereof. Payment by cashcard at carpark entry and exit.
u By Bus Bus Stop No. 02061 Buses stop outside Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles venue. Bus service numbers 36, 56, 70, 70M, 75, 77, 97, 97E, 106, 111, 133, 162M, 171, 195, 531, 700A, 857, 960, 961, 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, , NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8.
Bus Stop No. 02111 Buses stop along Esplanade Drive. Bus service numbers 10, 57, 70, 128, 162, 196, 700, 128, 196e, 850E, 868, 951E, 971E. u By MRT The nearest MRT stations are City Hall and Esplanade station. u By Motorcycle Free parking is subject to availability. u By Taxi There is a taxi stand located at Esplanade Mall entrance.
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/ VISITOR INFORMATION Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is located on six hectares of prime waterfront land by the Marina Bay, which is part of Singapore’s civic district that comprises heritage, arts and entertainment facilities.
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Theatre with a capacity of 2,000 designed in an intimate horseshoe shape. It houses Singapore’s largest performing stage and easily adapts to performances of different scales.
Concert Hall seats 1,600 with another 200 seats in the Gallery. Designed with the best acoustics in mind, it hosts a diverse range of music performances.
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Theatre
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Theatre Studio
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Forecourt
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Recital Studio
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Concert Hall
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Outdoor Theatre
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Jendela
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Passages – The Esplanade Story
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Esplanade Mall
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Recital Studio (245 seats) provides flexibl spaces for small scale performances and rehearsals.
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Jendela (Visual Arts Space) showcases a range of visual artworks.
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Passages – The Esplanade Story at the Upper Concourse enables visitors to find ou more about the centre’s history, usage and place in the development of the arts in Singapore.
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Theatre Studio (220 seats) provides flexible spaces fo small scale performances and rehearsals.
Esplanade Mall offers over 8,000sqm of exciting retail, food and entertainment outlets and library@esplanade, Singapore’s first performing arts librar .
Outdoor spaces include the circular-shaped Outdoor Theatre, two open-air facilities, The Edge and Stage@Powerhouse, the 300m Waterfront, the Forecourt at Esplanade’s main entrance, the Courtyard and a landscaped Roof Terrace.
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Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay 1 Esplanade Drive S038981 www.esplanade.com Customer Service hotline: 6828 8377 SISTIC hotline: 6348 5555