BRAVISSIMO!
ANDREW LITTON
SSO’s New Principal Guest Conductor
THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
OCT 2017 VOL.18 / NO.4 MCI (P) 113/05/2017
INTERVIEWS DIANA DAMRAU & EUDENICE PALARUAN GIL SHAHAM & ADELE ANTHONY VIOLIN COUPLE CHARMS AT SEASON OPENING SSCC EXPERIENCE GIVING VOICES TO YOUNG TALENTS
CONTENTS
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SSO News
CroSSwOrd
Spotlight: Diana Damrau & Eudenice Palaruan
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SSO News
Patrons and Partners
Symphony Society
16 Backstage
Editors Cindy Lim, Leon Chia Writers Peggy Kek, Leong Wen Shan, Myrtle Lee, Hong Shu Hui, Cheryl Pek, Melissa Tan Photography Chrisppics+, Jack Yam, Lertkiatography, Raymond Ng On the cover Andrew Litton conducts the SSO (Jack Yam) BraviSSimO! is published by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Printed by Naili Print Media Pte Ltd. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.
SSO NEWS
ANDREW LITTON INTRODUCING SSO’S NEW PRINCIPAL GUEST CONDUCTOR On September 8, American conductor Andrew Litton led the SSO in his first concert as Principal Guest Conductor, a role previously held by Okko Kamu. Andrew directed a spirited programme that included Tchaikovsky’s drama-filled Fourth Symphony, and the Singapore premiere of Shostakovich’s October. Sharing the limelight was award-winning pianist Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, who performed Bartók’s Piano Concerto No.1.
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SSO NEWS 04
GIL SHAHAM & ADELE ANTHONY SEASON OPENING STARS On 7 July, Lan Shui led the Singapore Symphony Orchestra to open the season with Tan Chan Boon’s Soir, Rêves, Fantaisie at the Esplanade Concert Hall, before being joined by preeminent violinist Gil Shaham for Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 1. Lan Shui closed the concert with Brahms’ epic Symphony No. 1 in C minor. The following evening, Gil Shaham and his wife, violinist Adele Anthony enchanted audiences in the intimate atmosphere of the VCH: Home of the SSO in a programme of violin duets under our VCH Presents Series. The couple continued to charm audiences who met them face-to-face at their post-concert autograph session.
SSO NEWS
MELVYN TAN POET OF THE FORTEPIANO
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Pianist Melvyn Tan was our guest soloist in the short but lively Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1, a work perfectly suited to show off his trademark lightness and delicacy of touch on the piano. Melvyn’s pianistic wit and finesse proved to be a delight, a contrast to the poetic grandeur of Richard Strauss’ Death and Transfiguration, and the magisterial melodies of Brahms’ Third Symphony, conducted by Lan Shui.
CHARLES RICHARD-HAMELIN POEM OF ECSTASY Canadian pianist Charles-Richard Hamelin’s wonderful piano touch was on full display in his performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No.2, especially in the lyrical theme of the slow movement, which he rendered with breathtaking beauty. The concert conducted by Lan Shui also featured a colourful and picturesque programme of Yardumian, Liadov and Scriabin.
SSO NEWS 06
ANNA TSYBULEVA RUSSIAN STAR RISING – A NAME TO WATCH The young Russian pianist Anna Tsybuleva, winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition, made her Singapore debut on August 19 with a sensitive performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.3, remarkable for her beautiful rubato and poetic phrasing. The concert was conducted by Polish conductor Michal Nestorowicz, who also led the SSO in majestic and evocative performances of Respighi’s Fountains and Pines of Rome.
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CroSSwOrd 2
Test yourself in our CroSSwOrd! Your clue: Composers featured in the SSO 2017/18 Season 3
DOWN:
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1. Piano Concerto in F-sharp minor, Op. 1 2. Symphonie fantastique 4. The Pines of Rome
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6. Piano Concerto No.5 in E-flat major, Op. 73 “Emperor” 10. The Swan of Tuonela 8
11. The Enchanted Lake, Op. 62 ACROSS: 3. Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77
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5. Euphonium Concerto 7. Trumpet Concerto in E-flat major, S. 49
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8. October, Op. 131 9. Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 12. Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 Answers on the back page.
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Kids and adults alike were treated to plenty of activities at the VCH Organ Series: Peter And the Wolf! Even before the show started, some discovered the intricacies of the pipe organ, while others tried their hand at crafting their very own pipe organ with straws at the pre-concert booths. Attendees in the atrium enjoyed a programme of music featuring 合笙: Resonance, a sheng (Chinese mouth organ) ensemble. The unique-looking instruments sparked interest among the kids, some of whom got a close-up view of the traditional wind instrument. The free concert hosted two full-house audiences, and crowds were entertained by ACT 3 Theatrics and Very Special Theatrics, with music performed by organist Michael Knudsen, and a short introduction of the pipe organ provided by organist Margaret Chen and organ builder Adriel Yap.
KAHCHUN WONG & SHAI WOSNER EMPEROR AND PATHÉTIQUE Up-and-coming young Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong conducted his full SSO concert debut on August 25, leading the orchestra in Beethoven’s Emperor Piano Concerto with pianist Shai Wosner, and Tchaikovsky’s highly charged Sixth Symphony. 31-year-old Kahchun’s rising star continues its ascent internationally as he takes up the role of Chief Conductor of Germany’s Nuremberg Symphony Orchestra from 2018.
SSO NEWS
PETER AND THE WOLF RESONATING WITH THE KIDS
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DIANA DAMRAU TIMELESS OPERA. ENDLESS FEELINGS. Called “a soprano of matchless intelligence” (The Guardian), with a voice that can “do anything she wants with any note at any given time” (Opera News), the celebrated soprano Diana Damrau is the SSO’s gala guest artiste on November 1 – and we await with bated breath for the operatic delights she and her husband bass-baritone Nicolas Testé will present at the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore. The two met while singing the oratorio L’apocalypse selon Saint Jean (by 20th century French composer Jean Françaix) in Munich with the late Swiss conductor Marcello Viotti. “When we sang Don Giovanni in Geneva a few years later our love story started.” She recalls. “We adore singing with each other, despite a bassbaritone and a soprano rarely having the chance to be a couple on stage… but we can play all kinds of revenge, consolation and comic scenes together.” The couple have two sons, born in 2010 and 2012. BraviSSiMo asked Ms Damrau what advice she would give to parents who want to nurture their children in singing. “First of all sing a lot with them, listen to a lot of singing and then let them join a chorus or offer them singing lessons or send them to a school with a musical base.” Her home country German has such schools and there are “early schools” for singing. She adds how in Germany, a book was recently released with a singing school that parents can enjoy with their kids, called “Der Singfrosch” (www.kleiner-singfrosch.de). In fact, the couple will be in Singapore with their children and a teacher. Outside of her rehearsal and programme with the SSO, Ms Damrau expressed how she would love to take a guided tour to see the architecture and temples in Singapore. Which singing role or character has the most special meaning for you? We asked her. “The most special role for me is Violetta in Verdi’s La Traviata. I fell in love with opera when I saw Zeffirelli’s opera film with Teresa Stratas.” Ms Damrau describes how in terms of singing, Violetta’s role has everything that the human voice can do and express, and how some say it is written for three voice types. “Violetta lives in a world led by men where women did not have many rights - she lives her life as a courtesan, but obtains culture and education, wealth and freedom to make her own decisions. She finds true love in the moment when she is incurably ill and gives up everything for the sake of it – ultimately even that love, in order to protect him and his family. Violetta’s story and her character are deeply touching and moving. It is almost more than a life can take. “Opera is never out of date. All human feelings are expressed. We can always find something that will touch us personally and make us think and feel.” Diana Damrau performs with the SSO on 1 Nov 2017. Leon Chia
Photo Credit: Jürgen Frank | Diana Damrau wears luxury faux fur by Pelush.
SPOTLIGHT 08
SPOTLIGHT
EUDENICE PALARUAN SSO’S NEW CHORAL DIRECTOR
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BraviSSimO! spoke to Eudenice Palaruan, our new Choral Director from the SSO 2017/18 season. We were keen to discover the synergies and fresh ideas that this leading figure in the Philippine choral world could bring to the Singapore choral scene. Congratulations on your appointment, Eudenice! What would you like to share in the Singapore music scene from the musical traditions of the Philippines? I am grateful to SSO for accepting me as the new conductor of the Singapore Symphony Chorus (SSC). Indeed the Philippine choral tradition is more than music performance; it’s a way of life for the Filipinos. That is probably why you’re asking what tradition innate to the Filipinos I can share to Singapore rather than asking me what Filipino Music can I share. (Yes, exactly! – Ed.) One important aspect of Filipino vocal music is the close interaction between performers and listeners. In our music tradition, there is no dichotomy between performer and audience. In my 35 years of practice, I have seen how Filipino choristers made themselves closer to the public via networking, collaborative performances and outreach programmes with other choirs. We have produced a singing audience where 90% are either choristers or choral enthusiasts. We sometimes make our audience sing with the performers in four-part harmony. Having worked with music from the Asian tradition and the European classical repertoire, what can you share with us about the relationship between these genres? More so than conducting, I have invested even greater time lecturing on the choralization of Asian vocal music to local choirs, arrangers and composers. You see, Asian vocal music is melodically oriented while Western vocal music is harmonically oriented. Most Asian songs and melodies were originally presented either in solo or unison without secondary voices. During my years with the Philippine Madrigal Singers as a vocalist and resident arranger/composer, it was my task to arrange our folk songs in the European madrigal style. Thus I was part of the madrigalization and choralization movement of Filipino and Asian songs in the 1980s till today. My students and I passed on this technique to the next generation of arrangers through institutions like the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music, University of the Philippines College of Music, the Philippine Madrigal Singers, and other institutions outside
the Philippines. Now the anthology of Asian choral works has increased so significantly that most established choirs in Southeast Asia are patronizing more Asian works using the Western vocal technique. The Singapore Symphony Chorus is a multi-cultural group with members represented by more than 15 nationalities. It is a perfect representation of a global choir harmoniously achieving unity in diversity through music. It is my desire that SSC will have a balance diet of Western, Asian and global choral works, and to be an active institution for choral outreach. You have worked to provide dance and music education to the underprivileged. What advice would you give to those who also champion this cause? My wife and I were involved in training underprivileged children in one of the poorest corners of Asia, a dumpsite in Manila called Smoky Mountain. We are still involved in providing sponsors. The most significant thing in our outreach to these people is not so much the acquisition of a precious skill like music and dance, but the use of these art forms to transform peoples’ lives, from depression to hope, from futile living to usefulness. The lives of the organizers like us are transformed as well. We see a more noble use for our skills besides impressing the audience. The most difficult challenge we face in this endeavour is to make other artists get involved, especially now that we are no longer in Manila. Challenges include inaccessibility of materials, lack of equipment, insufficient funds, unideal environment, security issues, etc. But we do not have such obstacles in Singapore. I encourage the people and organizations who champion this cause to persevere in making artists and art institutions more involved. Look for musicians who are able and available to make a difference; provide suitable venues for artistic exchange other than concerts, competitions and festivals, such as interaction with other music groups and collaboration with the other arts such as dance and theatre. Leon Chia
SSO NEWS 10
(Top and left) The SSO performed a free Lunchtime Concert at the Victoria Concert Hall on July 21. (Right and bottom) Associate Conductor Jason Lai entertained students ands and visitors at the SSO Campus Concert at Victoria Junior College.
SSO NEWS 11
OUTREACH CONCERTS GIFT OF MUSIC Under the baton of Associate Conductor Jason Lai, the SSO played in a series of free concerts held from July 20 to 22. The outreach efforts reached a climax at the Botanic Gardens where an estimated 10,000 people attended. The programme included classics from Grieg and Brahms as well as recent works from Morricone and Bernstein. The SSO Lunchtime Concert at VCH and Concert in the Gardens were part of the Singapore Press Holdings’ Gift of Music Series.
SSO NEWS 12 06
SSCC EXPERIENCE GIVING VOICES TO YOUNG TALENTS On September 4 and 5, the Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC) conducted day-long singing workshops for children as young as eight keen on discovering their voices. On top of choral techniques, understanding music and movement in songs, and learning more about vocal music notation and solfeggi from the SSCC conductors, meeting new friends who shared a common love for singing were some of the highlights for the participants! Parents who attended the evening concert were treated to a lively programme of choral delights presented by their children, such as It’s A Beautiful Day and Siyahamba! For more details about the SSCC, visit www.sso.org.sg/sscc.
PATRONS & PARTNERS 13
Mr Goh Geok Khim and SSO Concertmaster Igor Yuzefovich
A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PRESENT FOR MR GK GOH AND THE SSO Three months ago, on a balmy evening in July, just as Mr Goh Geok Khim was settling down for a sumptuous dinner to celebrate his 85th birthday with his family and friends, in walked SSO Concertmaster Igor Yuzefovich, who serenaded Mr Goh with the beautiful “Méditation” on violin (from the opera Thaïs by French composer Jules Massenet). The birthday boy was completely caught by surprise! A frequent presence at SSO concerts, Mr Goh, the founder and Executive Chairman of investment holding company G.K. Goh Holdings, has been a staunch supporter of the national orchestra. Since its founding almost 40 years ago, Mr Goh and various companies that he controls have collectively given over $3 million to the SSO.
Igor’s surprise serenade!
His only son, Mr Goh Yew Lin, who had masterminded all the celebrations behind the scene, had asked the guests not to bring any gifts for the birthday fête, but to consider making a gift instead to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Greatly encouraged and inspired by Yew Lin and his wife Charlotte who made a substantial donation to get the ball rolling, friends and other members of the family pitched in enthusiastically and a collective total of over $1.8 million was raised in donations and pledges!
endowment of a chair is one of the highest acts of dedication to the orchestra from its patrons. It is of course, a great honour to be the beneficiary of such generosity. I hope this kind gesture of the Goh family and friends will lead the way to even warmer relations between the orchestra and its community.”
As a gesture of appreciation for their generosity, the SSO is pleased to announce the naming of the SSO Concertmaster position, the GK Goh Chair, endowed by the Family and Friends of Mr Goh Geok Khim.
Marking a special occasion If you wish to mark a special occasion like a milestone birthday or a special anniversary, do speak to us. When you make a gift to the Singapore Symphony Group, you are helping the SSO and its affiliated groups to spread the love for music, nurture talent, and enrich our diverse communities.
An internationally acclaimed violinist, Igor said, “As the David Tecchler violin I’m currently playing on was loaned to me by Mr GK Goh and his wife, I was already well aware of the generosity of the Goh family. An
As for the elder Mr Goh, he could not think of a better way to mark his 85th birthday than to have his name linked with his beloved orchestra.
Peggy Kek and Leong Wen Shan
SYMPHONY SSO NEWS SOCIETY 06 14
The young euphonium whiz, Kang Chun Meng is a professional musician with the SAF Central Band and Principal Euphonium of the Lion City Brass Band.
PRESIDENT’S YOUNG PERFORMERS This year’s President’s Young Performers Concert returned to the Victoria Concert Hall on September 29, with the limelight falling on 21-year-old Kang Chun Meng on the euphonium in the Singapore premiere of Philip Wilby’s Euphonium Concerto. Over 400 guests, including guest-of-honour President Halimah Yacob, attended the concert. The concert is proudly sponsored by the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM).
(Left to right) Mr Mohamed, soloist Kang Chun Meng, President Halimah Yacob and SSO Associate Conductor Joshua Tan
(Left to right) SSO Deputy Chairperson Ms Yong Ying-I, SSO Council Chairman Prof. Cham Tao Soon, Mr Mohamed, President Halimah, SIM Governing Council Chairman Mr Tan Soo Jin, SIM Executive Director Mr Ronald Tan and MCCY Permanent Secretary Ms Yeoh Chee Yan
SYMPHONY SOCIETY
SSG ANNUAL DINNER This year, musicians and administrative staff of the Singapore Symphony Group (SSG) gathered at the Merchant Court Ballroom for the SSG Annual Dinner. Titled “Too Cool for School”, the back-to-school themed annual dinner saw a total of 29 individuals who received the long service award from SSG Chairman Mr Goh Yew Lin. Among them were violinists Sui Jing Jing and Karen Tan, who received the 30-year long service award.
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Principal Oboe Rachel Walker and Librarian Lim Lip Hua crowned as Prom Queen and King (best dressed)
Long Service Award recipients with SSG Chairman Mr Goh Yew Lin
Musicians’ general knowledge were put to test by concertmaster Igor Yuzefovich
BACKSTAGE 16
CLASSICAL MUSIC: AN ACQUIRED TASTE Lau Wen Rong
After one and a half years of studying with Raymond Mase and Mark Gould, two of the best trumpet teachers in the world at The Juilliard School, Lau Wen Rong returned to Singapore to join the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’s trumpet section. “I was about 12 years old, and had that crazy dream of studying at The Juilliard School. My dream job was to work in the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.” For one whose dream job is with an orchestra, it is difficult to believe that Wen Rong used to think that classical music was boring and disliked it. Mark Gould and Raymond Mase
“However, the brilliant sound of the trumpet in the soundtracks of Star Wars and Jurassic Park sparked my interest in that instrument.” Shortly after, Wen Rong attended an SSO performance of Benjamin Britten’s The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra and was extremely impressed. “I sort of knew that I wanted to be like those performers.” “Classical music to me is an acquired taste and I believe that very few people have a love-at-first-sight relationship with it. I believe that classical music can continue to stay relevant and appeal more to the masses through greater exposure and creating more platforms where they can be involved in music-making, such as learning a musical instrument, joining school/community orchestras, bands or choirs.
Wen Rong performing with the SSO
Wen Rong credits the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) for exposing him to more classical and symphonic music such as that of Gustav Mahler and Richard Strauss. “Classical music is no longer boring to me; rather, it is full of endless possibilities and life.” Outside of rehearsals and practices, Wen Rong spends most of his time teaching. “It has always been a joy to see students grow, and to see that the overall brass playing standard of the younger generation is improving. Besides, I learn a lot from my students, and it helps in my playing too.” Cheryl Pek CroSSwOrd Answers: 1. RACHMANINOV 2. BERLIOZ 3. BRAHMS 4. RESPIGHI 5. WILBY 6. BEETHOVEN 7. HUMMEL 8. SHOSTAKOVICH 9. MENDELSSOHN 10. SIBELIUS 11. LIADOV 12. ELGAR