APRIL 2017
www.sso.org.sg MCI (P) 105/06/2016
VOL. 18 / NO. 2
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Dudamel’s Singapore debut Charles Dutoit conducts a Southeast Asia premiere
Interviews with Wang Jian & Joseph Moog
Zhang Jin Min – A Bassoonist’s Swansong
CONTENTS
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08
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SSO News
Spotlight: Wang Jian & Joseph Moog
SSO News
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15
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Symphony Society
Patrons and Partners
Backstage
EDITORS Cindy Lim Leon Chia
ON THE COVER Dudamel’s Singapore debut
WRITERS Myrtle Lee Cheryl Pek
Bravissimo! is published by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Printed by First Printers. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
SSO NEWS
DUDAMEL IN SINGAPORE Fresh from leading the Vienna Philharmonic’s New Year’s Day concert, Venezuelan conducting sensation Gustavo Dudamel wowed the audience with his interpretation of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor in his Singapore concerts on January 5 and 6. In the first half he teamed up with French violinist Renaud Capuçon for Berg’s Violin Concerto. The concerts were Dudamel’s first time conducting an Asian orchestra. In a Facebook post after the concert, Dudamel called SSO “an outstanding orchestra”.
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SSO NEWS
DEBUT OF A PRODIGY On February 24 & 25, 12-year-old piano prodigy Serena Wang made her SSO debut at the Victoria Concert Hall with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.1, under the direction of guest conductor Yu Long. The all-Beethoven programme also featured the composer’s Egmont Overture and Seventh Symphony. The Chinese maestro also directed the SSO at the Esplanade Concert Hall on March 4, in a concert which saw Principal Flautist Jin Ta taking on Ibert’s Flute Concerto. The concert opens with Prokofiev’s scintillating opera The Love for Three Oranges Suite, and closes with Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony.
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SSO NEWS
CHARLES DUTOIT CONDUCTS SOUTHEAST ASIA’S PREMIERE OF STRAVINSKY’S FUNERAL SONG On February 16, Swiss maestro Charles Dutoit returned to the Esplanade Concert Hall to conduct the SSO in the highlyanticipated Southeast Asian Premiere of Stravinsky’s Funeral Song, a work assumed lost for over a century. The evening’s programme also featured the composer’s ballet The Firebird. Pianist Lukas Geniušas made his Singapore debut with Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.
PETRUSHKA WITH OKKO KAMU In his final concert as SSO’s Principal Guest Conductor, Finnish maestro Okko Kamu directed a passionate programme on March 24 featuring Stravinsky’s Petrushka and Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor with pianist Martin Helmchen.
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SSO NEWS
SSO BRINGS HOPE IN CONCERT TRIO! In March, the SSO played to over 7000 people at a trio of free concerts held from 9 to 11 March! With SSO Associate Conductor Joshua Tan at the helm, the orchestra presented a riveting performance of works that were crafted to give those present hope in uncertain times. The concerts featured music from Rimsky-Korsakov’s Russian Easter Overture, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain and The Force Awakens Suite from Star Wars. Both concerts at the Victoria Concert Hall and Gardens by the Bay were sponsored by Singapore Press Holdings, as part of the SPH Gift of Music Series. (bottom left) Anthony Chng, Fundraising and Sponsorship Manager, SSCL, Anthony Tan, Deputy CEO, SPH; Chin Soo Fang, Head, Corporate Communications, SPH; Francis Mah, Senior Manager Corporate Communications & CSR, SPH.
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SSO NEWS
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SPOTLIGHT
Wang Jian first came into the spotlight at the age of 10, through an appearance in From Mao to Mozart, a documentary which followed eminent violinist Isaac Stern on his trip to China, post-Cultural Revolution. It changed his life, as it paved the way for him to further his studies in Yale School of Music, under renowned cellist Aldo Parisot. Wang’s first cello teacher, however, was none other than his father. He started to study the cello at the age of four, and intimates that his father would always handwrite scales and exercises for him to practice, often borrowing materials from violin training etudes. “He did not want to “teach” me; he was always trying to make me find my own way to get to the goal, encouraging me to find my own ideals. I would say he made it possible for me to be able to learn on my own... which is the most important quality to have. Knowledge is secondary.” In May, Wang will take centrestage with the Dvořák Cello Concerto, a masterpiece he thinks is the king of the cello repertoire.
“The concerto is the most famous cello concerto, for a good reason! I don’t actually remember when I first played it, but I do remember playing it for 37 times one year!” The cello, Wang thinks, is a modest and unpretentious instrument. “Modesty, honesty, to be unpretentious and forgiving, are the exact qualities that make the cello so appealing to the listener. A cello can never be as brilliant as the violin, or dramatic as a piano, but few can compete with the cello for being so touching.” “Because of these natural qualities, composers tend to write more profound and philosophical scores for the cello.” Cheryl Pek
Catch Wang Jian live with the SSO in the Esplanade Concert Hall on May 5. Tickets available from www.sistic.com.sg.
Modest and unpretentious Wang Jian
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SPOTLIGHT
Love at first sight Joseph Moog
Growing up in Ludwigshafen in Germany, Joseph Moog was surrounded by plenty of music in the family home. “My parents are both musicians working in different orchestras. My mother is a violinist and my father a clarinettist. They both used to play in various chamber music ensembles. They bought a piano when I was three years old and I was immediately attracted to the instrument, starting to imitate melodies I had heard in the house. I simply fell in love with the sound and the beauty of the piano!” The German pianist, who turns 30 this year, will be in town to perform at the Singapore International Piano Festival on June 1. His first recital in Singapore will feature music by Haydn, Chopin, Debussy and Liszt. “I think the programme I chose is both highly interesting for piano music lovers and for curious listeners in general,” Moog muses. “It will be a fascinating journey through time and it features a broad selection of styles while maintaining a strong connection between the individual composers and works. The cultivated, witty and adventurous Fantasia by Haydn poses an unusual preparation for Chopin’s most famous Second Sonata with its tempestuous musical drama. After the intermission there will be the progressive Impressionism of Debussy followed by some of Liszt’s
most Romantic compositions. At the same time Liszt has quite literally enabled the transition from Romanticism to Impressionism with his later works.” This rising star was named a Young Steinway Artist in 2009, and in 2015 he was Gramophone’s Young Artist of the Year. “This was a very special moment for me, as I enjoy recording and releasing CDs very much. It is also a tremendous honour to be mentioned amongst prize-winners such as Haitink, Järvi, Anderszewski and many others,” Moog confides. Offstage Moog says he relishes spending time with his friends and family: “I really enjoy taking long walks and trips together with my wife and the dogs. Sports and physical activities have always been a major part of my life and it helps to create a balance to the present day, so I live to swim, play soccer or work out on a regular basis.” Cindy Lim
Joseph Moog will open the Singapore International Piano Festival at the Victoria Concert Hall on June 1. Tickets available from www.sistic.com.sg.
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SSO NEWS
TWIN CELLISTS TAKE CENTRE STAGE
The Victoria Concert Hall played host to twin cellists cellists Ng Pei-Sian and Ng Pei-Jee on February 3. The gripping programme included Bach’s famous Cello Suites No. 2 and No. 3, Handel’s Trio Sonata No. 16 for two cellos and harpsichord and Barriére’s Sonata No. 10 in G Major for two cellos. The evening’s concert ended on a high note with Kats-Cherin’s Phoenix Story, a work specially commissioned for the twins.
INTIMATE LETTERS The audience spent a special Valentine’s Day evening at the Victoria Concert Hall as Swiss-based Stradivari Quartet serenaded them with an enchanting programme featuring Schumann’s String Quartets No. 1 & 2, and Janáček’s “Intimate Letters”.
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SSO NEWS
ROYAL CONCERTGEBOUW ORCHESTRA MASTERCLASS On January 26, six members of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) had the privilege of taking part in a masterclass conducted by violinist Borika van den Booren and French horn player Laurens Woudenberg from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Over 60 students from 11 schools had the opportunity to observe the masterclass conducted at the Music and Dance Studios of the Victoria Concert Hall. (right top) Mr Laurens Woudenberg with SNYO horn players (right bottom) Selected SNYO strings players with Ms Borika van den Booren
SNYO TAKES ON THE CLASSICS On March 18, 17-year-old Dylan Wee, winner of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, took on the ever-popular Barber’s Violin Concerto at the Victoria Concert Hall. Principal conductor Leonard Tan opened the concert with Johann Strauss II’s jovial Die Fledermaus Overture, and closed with Brahms’ Third Symphony, a masterpiece that legendary conductor Hans Richter described as “Brahms’ Eroica”.
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SYMPHONY SOCIETY
Lan Shui’s t h SSO Season
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The SSO announced on January 11 that Lan Shui will be stepping down as Music Director in two years’ time, after the SSO 40th Anniversary Concert in 2019. Lan Shui said that with the birth of his second son in June 2016 in Singapore, he wanted to spend more time with his wife and two children.
Lan Shui with pianist Nicholas Angelich
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Lan Shui said: “In the last 20 years we have grown so much together and today the SSO is in a good place. There is excellent teamwork between the board, orchestra and management. I am proud to have given my best years to the orchestra, and the SSO family will always have a special place in my heart.”
SYMPHONY SOCIETY
Shui first conducted the SSO as guest conductor in 1993. Since 1997 when he took over from Choo Hoey, who himself held the position for 18 years, Shui has built the orchestra into one of the best orchestras in Asia. On January 13, the SSO’s Beethoven Gala commemorating Shui’s 20th season played to a full-capacity audience in the Esplanade Concert Hall, which included 11 Team Singapore athletes. The orchestra’s board will appoint a committee to oversee the search for a new music director, a process that is expected to take up to three years. During this time, more guest conductors will be invited to work with the orchestra, and artistic planning will be overseen by CEO Chng Hak-Peng after Shui steps down. SSO Chairman Mr Goh Yew Lin said: “We owe Lan Shui a great debt of thanks. Over the past twenty years, he has patiently built the SSO into one of Asia’s finest. He knew from the start what he wanted to achieve, and he could be incredibly tenacious on matters of principle and standards; but he also remained a thoughtful, caring and inspiring leader throughout. I am saddened by his decision to leave, but I also look forward to the new possibilities that will open up as we begin the search for a worthy successor.”
Jean Wee & Peggy Kek
Chng Kai Jin, Lim Chi Wen, Clarinda Tjia-Dharmadi-Martin, Paige Parker, Christopher Martin
SSCL Chairman Mr Goh Yew Lin giving a thank you speech
Team Singapore with representatives from SSO
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PATRONS AND PARTNERS
A heartfelt
Without the generous gifts of our corporate sponsors and loyal donors, the SSO would not be able to stage outstanding concerts with an orchestra of brilliant musicians, nor provide subsidies for student tickets. We are launching this new section in Bravissimo! to shine the spotlight on our Patrons and Partners. They support us year after year and make it possible for the SSO to be a truly “national orchestra” that brings the gift of music to the diverse communities of Singapore. In this issue, we would like to highlight some of our long-time corporate sponsors.
Principal Cello Chair Sponsor
The success of an orchestra depends in large part on the talent it can attract and retain. Excellent musicians are much sought after by orchestras around the world. Through the Musician Chair Sponsorship scheme, the Zhendong Foundation has been contributing to the development and sustainability of the SSO by supporting the Principal Cello Chair. It has donated $600,000 to the SSO since 2011. We are also thankful to the Keppel Corporation for supporting the Fixed Chair Cello since 2010. Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore has a relationship with the SSO that goes back almost 30 years. In 1989, PCS started to donate $10,000 a year as a Corporate Seat sponsor. Since 2006, it has increased its sponsorship to $20,000 each year.
Corporate Seat Sponsor
Other Corporate Seat sponsors who have supported us for more than 15 years are Prima Limited, Hong Leong Foundation and Stephen Riady Group of Foundations. More recently in 2013, Nomura Asset Management Singapore also became a Corporate Seat sponsor. Our deepest appreciation to our corporate patrons and we very much hope that they will inspire other organisations to give the gift of music too.
‘Can you please convey my appreciation to your sponsors? Patrons of the arts are key to outreach programmes such as the one on Sunday, outreaching to a different type of audience and opening their ears for the future.’ Cecile Collineau, who brought her 9-year-old daughter to the Children’s Concert on 20 March 2017
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BACKSTAGE
Zhang Jin Min
A Bassoonist’s Swansong SSO Principal Bassoonist Zhang Jin Min has been a familiar face among the SSO woodwind for a long time: 30 years, in fact. “I’ve witnessed milestones from the time maestro Choo Hoey established the orchestra’s strong foundation, to the era where maestro Lan Shui shaped it into an internationally acclaimed orchestra and showcased us to the world.” Jin Min reminisces. “There are simply too many memorable experiences I have had with the SSO that have touched my heart.” Nevertheless, Jin Min professes to living a simple life. Besides work, he enjoys hanging out with friends for a drink and chat, and the occasional spot of fishing.
But his musical life is anything but ordinary. As Adjunct Associate Professor of Bassoon and Head of Woodwind Studies at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, he has contributed significantly to music education in Singapore. He wants to help shape the Conservatory to become “a juggernaut in the field of music education.” On 19-20 May 2017, Jin Min will perform his swansong with the SSO as he steps down as Principal Bassoon at the end of the 2016/2017 season. Partnering him in the Sinfonia Concertante by Crusell for triple wind are none other than his old buddies, Han Chang Chou and Ma Yue. “I’ve known them for over 30 years, from back when we’re all in China. We grew up together and have worked together in SSO for decades. We have gone through highs and lows, and it is my honour and pleasure to be playing alongside my dear friends on my last performance with SSO. This arrangement is made possible by our music director, Lan Shui, and I am very grateful for this last opportunity.” Asked what the audience can look forward to in the triple concerto, Jin Min remarks that it will be a treat for the ear with the unique combination of bassoon, clarinet and horn in Swedish-German Romantic style. As the farewell concert for this SSO veteran, it will certainly be special. Leon Chia / Cheryl Pek
Zhang Jin Min (right) with Ma Yue (left) and Han Chang Chou
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