Home o the SSO VCH OPEN HOUSE 28 MAY 2023 SUNDAY FROM 9am to 6pm Victoria Concert Hall
About the Victoria Concert Hall
Nestled within Singapore’s Civic District and with over 150 years of history, the Victoria Concert Hall (VCH) is Singapore’s oldest concert hall, and the Home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) since 1980.
The 673-seat hall is part of the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall building, which reopened in July 2014 after an extensive renovation that both preserved the historical beauty of the building and created an intimate performance space for the SSO and its performing groups. VCH also houses Singapore’s only fully-mechanical organ, the Klais organ, and a state-of-the-art recording space at the Rose Studio.
Today, we are pleased to welcome you to our first VCH Open House since 2019, where we will be bringing to you an array of wonderful performances, workshops, and activities that are sure to be great fun for everyone.
SNYS: Symphonic Stories
11am - 12pm | Concert Hall
Admission Age: 5 years old
The Singapore National Youth Sinfonia takes centre stage in the morning with a stirring performance of three orchestral masterpieces. Conducted by Seow Yibin, the orchestra will perform Holst’s arrangement of Purcell’s The Gordian Knot Untied, Wagner’s Prelude to Die Meistersinger and Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé Suite. This programme will journey through different musical eras showcasing orchestral brilliance and colours in storytelling.
Tickets are available at sso.org.sg
About the SNYS
Formally established in 1980, we have welcomed generations of youths to the life-changing experience of playing orchestra music, performing locally as well as representing Singapore at prestigious concert halls and music festivals overseas. Over the years, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) has performed in concert venues and music festivals across Australia, Austria, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia and the United Kingdom. Today we are 180 youths aged 10 to 21, from more than 60 schools across Singapore. The SNYO family consists of a main orchestra and a junior orchestra (Singapore National Youth Sinfonia), where they are guided by professional musicians in rehearsals, sectionals and masterclasses.
CONCERTS
SSO: Expression Avenue
3 - 4pm | Concert Hall
Admission Age: 7 years old
Immerse yourself in an exciting concert where music and expression collide to create a fun and educational experience for musicians and families to enjoy. Led by conductor Jason Lai, this concert will showcase the beauty of programmatic music and its ability to transport audiences to another world. Through pieces like Manuel de Falla’s Ritual Fire Dance, Smetana’s Ma Vlast, Chen Zhangyi’s Rain from Rain Tree, and Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, you’ll be taken on an informative journey to find out more about how composers draw inspiration from their surroundings and use music to express themselves.
Tickets are available at sso.org.sg
About the SSO
Founded in 1979, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is Singapore’s flagship orchestra, touching lives through classical music and providing the heartbeat of the cultural scene with its 44-week calendar of events. Led by Music Director Hans Graf, the SSO performs over 60 concerts a year, with a versatile repertoire spanning all-time favourites, orchestral masterpieces and exciting cutting-edge premieres. The SSO has also earned an international reputation, having garnered sterling reviews for its overseas tours and over 50 recordings, culminating in its 3rd place win in the prestigious Gramophone Orchestra of the Year Award 2021. In 2022, BBC Music Magazine named the SSO as one of the 21 best orchestras in the world.
CONCERTS
FREE ATRIUM PERFORMANCES
Flute Favourites
10 - 10.30am & 12 - 12.30pm | Atrium
Performers: SNYO Flute Ensemble
The Singapore National Youth Orchestra’s flute ensemble is all set to charm you with a fun and captivating performance over at the Atrium. Featuring four flutes and one piano, the ensemble promises to delight classical music lovers and families alike with renditions of works by Mendelssohn, Doppler, Kuhlau, Debussy, and Z. Abreu.
About the SNYO Flute Ensemble
The SNYO Flute Ensemble is made up of four passionate young musicians from the Singapore National Youth Orchestra – Chan Xingwei (Raffles Institution), Carolynn Choo (School of the Arts), Justin Damhaut (St. Joseph’s Institution) and Natalie Ngai. The quartet, which boasts a collective 43 years of flute experience, will join hands with guest pianist Phedra Low for a casual and intimate sharing of well-loved chamber music for the flute.
FREE ATRIUM PERFORMANCES
Choral Collectives
2 - 2.30pm & 4 - 4.30pm
| Atrium
Performers: Members of the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Youth & Children’s Choirs
Members from the Singapore Symphony Chorus, Singapore Symphony Youth Choir and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir come together to showcase a series of choral works and voices. Join us at the Atrium to experience the performance, perfect for all to discover the charm of choral music.
About the Choruses
A premier body for classical choral singing, the Singapore Symphony Choruses comprise the Singapore Symphony Chorus (SSC), Singapore Symphony Youth Choir (SSYC) and Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir (SSCC).
Drawing membership from diverse ages, nationalities and walks of life, our Choruses embody a comprehensive singing ecosystem that nurtures the brilliance of our brightest young talents, inspires youthful passion for the art and celebrates the best of choral excellence!
Music and Movement By Brocolily
9.30 - 10.15am & 11 - 11.45am
Dance Studio
Recommended Age: 4 – 8 years old
Admission Age: 3 years old
Welcome onboard Brocolily Airlines!
A music and movement programme best suited for 4 to 8 year olds. Through a series of folk pieces, kids have an opportunity to experience music from around the world with fellow Brocolily performers. Come and sing, dance, and play along with Brocolily and their animal puppets.
Registration required.
About Brocolily
Brocolily was formed in 2019 by theatre-makers Cheryl Kim & Zeeaura. The name “Brocolily” is a fun combination of the nutritious veggie and the Lily flower; with a hidden meaning that represents their belief to create memorable works for the young that are both experientially enticing and enriching. We embrace the quirks of everyone’s imagination and aim to create a safe and fun environment for learning and parent-child bonding.
WORKSHOPS
Ocarina Fun!
By Ocarina House
1.30 - 2.30pm | Dance Studio
Recommended Age: 8 to 12 years old
Admission Age: 6 years old
Experience the fun of making music with the beautiful ocarina! Facilitated by Ocarina House, the workshop will teach you how to play this simple yet captivating instrument, and you’ll be playing some of your favorite tunes in no time. Join us and discover the magic of the ocarina! Materials including a plastic ocarina and printed music scoresheets will be provided, and participants can bring them home.
Registration required.
About Ocarina House
Ocarina House is a community of local ocarina enthusiasts dedicated to inspiring people of all ages to discover their musical potential and share the joy of music-making with others. Their ultimate goal is to bring people closer together through the power of music.
WORKSHOPS
Drumming Workshop
By Bloco Singapura
4.30 - 5.30pm | Dance Studio
Recommended Age: 12 years old and above
Admission Age: 10 years old
Get ready to move your body and feel the rhythm! Experience the pulsating beats of the Brazilian Carnaval culture as you learn unique polyrhythms, movements, and simple linguistics of Brazilian drumming. Led by the expert drummers from Bloco Singapura, you’ll develop awareness, coordination, and dynamics through this hands-on experience. Join us on a musical and cultural journey of Brazil, and discover the vibrant traditions of this amazing country.
Registration required.
About Bloco Singapura
Bloco Singapura was founded in July 2008 by Syed Ahmad (Music Director) as a project to recreate the electrifying carnival atmosphere at the inaugural Night Festival held by the National Museum of Singapore. For over ten years their infectious beats have captured the imagination of many at numerous festivals and events locally and internationally.
You can also catch a free performance by Bloco Singapura outside VCH at 1.30pm.
WORKSHOPS
VCH TOURS
9 - 10.30am, 1 - 2.30pm & 4.30 - 6pm
Meeting Point:
SSO Box Office at Level 1
Admission Age: 4 years old
Embark on guided tours of Victoria Concert Hall, explore its hidden gems and learn more about its history. Gain exclusive access to backstage areas, marvel at the grand Atrium, and appreciate the architectural brilliance of the External Façade.
The tours will include various types of movement including climbing staircases and walks in between rooms and areas.
Registration required.
INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO
9am - 6pm | VCH Foyer (L2)
Get up close and personal with instruments like the harp, cello, flute and glockenspiel. Musicians will be on hand to provide an introduction to the instruments and answer any questions you may have. Learn about how they’re played, how the sound is produced and get a chance to play them yourself! This is the perfect opportunity for both adults and children alike to explore and get a hands-on experience.
CALM ROOM
9am - 6pm
Music Studio
If you or your child feel overwhelmed or over-stimulated by the activities, you are welcome to visit our Calm Room located at the Music Studio at Level 3.
The Calm Room is safe space where visitors are able to calm down and regulate their emotions. We reserve the right to turn away visitors who are disruptive or misusing the space.
SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
THE SINGAPORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
2023/24 SEASON
JULY 2023 – JUNE 2024
SSO.ORG.SG
Featuring Chloe Chua, Julian Bliss, Mischa Maisky, Han-na Chang, Leonidas Kavakos, Rudolf Buchbinder, Paul Lewis, Chloë Hanslip, Andrew Arthur, Jukka-Pekka Saraste and more.
Photo: Sloth Creatives