classical music

An Enchanting Evening with Les Petits Chanteurs de Monaco

Directly translated as “The Little Singers of Monaco,” this 31-strong contingent boasts a bunch of youths with big voices. Mellifluous and angelic, the choir has won critical acclaim for its musical sensitivity and rich tradition. Listen out for works by Bach, Mozart and even Andrew Lloyd Webber. Jul 7-8, 8pm. Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, 6338-4401. $25-60 from Sistic.

The Choir of King’s College, Cambridge

The collegiate choir of King’s College, Cambridge, is regarded as one of its finest in the world. With the flawless, harmonic voices of the Boys of King’s College, this is a celestial experience not to be missed. Listen out for favourites from Bach, Handel and Hadyn, among others. Jul 26, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $28-88 from Sistic.

A pianist acclaimed for his impeccable panache, Sheppard will perform Classical’s hit-list from the likes of Haydn to Chopin, as well as personal compositions from his recently-released album. Jul 18, 8pm. Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, 6338-4401. $20-28 from Tickets.com.

Private Passions—A Recital by Rebecca Chellappah and Lim Yan

Pledge your support for local talent in this music spectacle where Royal Northern College of Music alumni, Rebecca Chellappah and Lim Yan, combine their respective talents, in mezzo-soprano and piano, in a recital that journeys though Western and Chinese literary works. Jul 11, 7:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $20 from Sistic.

Into its 16th year, Asia’s premier piano festival returns for a four-day affair. Performers include Vladimir Feltsman, who once graced the US White House with his music, and Gramaphone Award-winning Nikolai Demidenko. Jun 25-28, 8pm. Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, 6338-4401. $20-45 from Sistic.

Stravinsky—The Soldier’s Tale (Histoire du Soldat)

The Philharmonic Orchestra presents the 1918 parable about an absconding soldier who trades his violin to the devil for a book that promises great wealth. Be amazed by the grandeur of music from just seven instruments, which also includes hints of tango, marches and waltz. Jul 12, 7:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $24 from Sistic.

Relive the phenomenal tunes of the late Tchaikovsky in this series featuring Stephen Hough, critiqued “the most perfect piano playing conceivable” by The Guardian, and Li Yundi, the youngest winner of the distinguished International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition. Hough performs Jul 3 & Jul 10, 7:30pm. Li performs Jul 24, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $11-162.50 from Sistic.

Popular soft rock duo Air Supply returns to serenade its legions of fans with popular hits in an unforgettable evening not to be missed. Jun 19, 8pm. The MAX Pavilion@Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Dr., 6580-8308. $58-128 from Sistic.

The Answer Is... Stefanie Sun World Tour 2009

Missing Stefanie Sun as she takes an indefinite break from music? Then catch the local chanteuse as she performs her array of hits in the local stop of an acclaimed world tour that has already wowed Taiwanese fans. Jul 11, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $78-168 from Sistic.

Reminisce the good old days of Hokkien pop with Cai Xiao Hu as he performs his wide repertoire of karaoke-friendly hits. Jun 27, 8pm. Rock Auditorium, #03-063/065 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6333-8280. $48-98 from Sistic.

Coffee Morning & Afternoon Tea: Chinese Folk Favourites

Get transported on a melodic journey in this daytime session of popular Chinese folk classics, brought alive by the vibrant vocals of Chinese singer Zhang Yan. Jul 6, 10:30am & 3pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $12 from Sistic.

Eurasiana—A Musical Tribute (Soundwaves 2009)

Not to be confused with its Aussie namesake, this extravaganza features the who’s who of local Eurasian entertainers, such as jazz virtuoso Jeremy Monteiro and vocalist Vanessa Fernandez performing with the Singapore Pop Orchestra under the baton of Cultural Medallion recipient Iskandar Ismail. Hosts include NMP Eunice Olsen and radio deejay Brian Richmond. Jun 26-27, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $20-50 from Sistic.

Jazz@Southbridge International Concert Series June 09: Kenji Omae Trio featuring Weixiang

Canadian saxophonist Kenji Omae has performed with the likes of Jimmy Heath, Antonio Hart and Kurt Rosenwinkle. He’s performed at Blue Note, NYC, Smalls and Jazz Standard, and won first prize in the Jarasum Jazz Festival competition. The Kenji Trio will feature Chris Vargar on drums and Martin Zenker on double bass, with WeiXiang—our homegrown graduate of NYU who’s performed at NY’s Blue Note—on piano. Through Jun 20, 9:30pm. Jazz@Soutbridge, 82B Boat Quay, 6327-4671. $15-20 from the club.

Join the phenomenal Taiwanese five-man outfit as they perform their repertoire of rock tunes and ballads. In this audio-visual extravaganza, audiences can expect a dynamic performance that integrates stunning music artistry, commanding stage presence with radio-friendly hit songs. Grab your tickets fast. Aug 28-29, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $88-178 from Sistic.

Get hot and sweaty under the night skies of Fort Canning Park in the Singapore stop of Nine Inch Nails’ world tour to commemorate their 20 years of rocking hard with their signature metal sounds. With the group set to go on an indefinite hiatus, this may be the last chance to catch them live, for awhile. Aug 10, 8pm. Fort Canning Park, Fort Canning Rd., 6332-1200. $79-119 from Tickets.com

Late Nite @ Esplanade: Being Ngak & Clement by Ngak & Clement

Lapped up their songs on the soundtracks of 881 and 12 Lotus? Now this is the golden chance to get up close and personal with seasoned live performers Ngak & Clement as they bring their brand of rock, R&B and jazz in a closed comfy setting. Jun 26, 9:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $25 from Sistic.

Super Band comprises four of the biggest names in the Mandarin pop scene–Jonathan Lee, Emil Chau, Zhang Zhen Yue and Luo Da You. And when these four music icons get together for a one-night only concert in Singapore, you know it’s an event not to be missed. Jul 18, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $88-178 from Sistic.

FREE... Milestones: Music Festival and Flea Market

Milestones takes a trip down music eras as it features Singaporean music from the 1970s up to the present, across four days. Artistes performing during the four–day event include October Cherries from the ‘70s, Robert Fernando from the 80’s, Concave Scream and Force Vomit as well as West Grand Boulevard and Goodfellas. Jun 23-27, from 6pm. River Promenade in front of Timbre@The Arts House. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6919.

Milestones: Music Festival and Flea Market (Double Bill Concert)

This concert features talented Cuban pianist Nachito Herrera whose classical pieces are heavily inspired by Cuban beats that would not fail to excite you. The concert will also feature opening act Lorraine Ayensu from the UK who possesses a soothing sound accustomed in delivering a seamless medley of genres ranging from ballads to Latin-influenced tunes to urban jazz. Jun 27, 8pm. River Promenade in front of Timbre@The Arts House. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6919. $40 (includes one drink) from www.timbre.com.sg.

Be enraptured by the exemplary marriage of sight and sound with this dazzling display of state-of-the-art visuals and music by video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, who have worked on music from Final Fantasy, Mario, Sonic and more. Also featuring the exceptional NUS Symphony Orchestra & Choir. Jun 19, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $55-115 from Sistic.

The giant revelry for hip hop dance lovers alike culminates in an explosive concert. Be wowed by the slick dance moves and polished techniques by the performances of 18 crews from around the region. Jun 28, 7:30pm. Singapore Expo Hall 1, 1 Expo Dr., 6403-2160. $25 from Sistic.

Vibrant and beguiling contemporary dance moves will take centerstage in Odyssey Dance Theatre’s initiative to promote the works of budding young local choreographers. Jun 26-27, 5pm, 8pm. Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre, 182 Cecil St., #04-03, 6221-5516. $48 from Tickets.com.

Proudly presented by Dance Ensemble Singapore, this sequel to the wildly-successful Love on Stage last year features the challenges a theater troupe face as they struggle to overcome their near disbandment. A thought-provoking venture that reflects upon the hardships faced by real life practitioners in society today. Jul 25, 3pm & 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 9 Empress Place, 6338-8283. $20-40 from The Arts House Box Office.

A part of The Singapore River Festival, this modern dance festival is set to celebrate the vibrancy of dance and life right at the Arts House. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a myriad of dance-related activities ranging from an outdoor dance performance, dance photography competition, dance workshop and a four-hour dance marathon with a finale party, all lined up to engage dancers and non-dancers alike. Jun 19, 7:15-7:45pm. Asian Civilisations Museum Green, 1 Empress Place, 6332-2982.; Jun 20, 7-11pm. Arts House Green, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900.

Held in commemoration of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society’s (SIFAS) 60th anniversary, this dance-drama will no doubt be a visual feast with its alliance of dancers of Chinese, Malay and Indian heritage. Performed in Hindi with English subtitles. Jun 26, 8pm. Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 6337-1886. $15-50 from SIFAS or dial 6299-5929.

This contemporary dance piece is presented by ECNAD, which is into its 13th year since bursting onto the local scene. Based on the subtle yet tenacious link between humanity and the environment, this dance aims to create a poignant landscape for awakening the senses of the audience. Jun 19, 8pm; Jun 21, 3pm. The Arts House Chamber, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. $22-28 from The Arts House Box Office.

Based on the economic crunch, this uproariously musical comedy promises a hysterical evening guaranteed to lighten the minds of audiences. The cast–a who’s who of Singapore theatre including Pam Oei and Selena Tan–negotiates some sticky cat-and-mouse situations destined to be filled with sabotage and surprises about every turn. Jul 23-Aug 5, Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 3pm & 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $20-98 from Sistic.

Ponder the cognitive effects of time on mind and body as this multi-media collaboration of sound, video and dance pushes the limits of the pre-conceived dogmas of time. Jul 9-10, 8pm. Drama Centre Black Box, National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6332-3255. $20 from Sistic.

Venture deep into the dark recesses of your mind in this psychological drama adapted from the most controversial play by renowned British playwright Sarah Kane. The explosive intercourse of language, sound and body in this Theatre Practice production is both sensual and evocative. Jul 16-26, Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat 3pm & 8pm, Sun 3pm. Drama Centre Black Box, National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6332-3255. $35 from Sistic.

Watch the Chinese literary tour de force come to life on stage in an acrobatic rendition that relates the legend of Monk Xuan Zang and his disciples, Monkey King, Pigsy and Sandy. Performed by a troupe of over 80 artistes from Guangzhou, China, the performance has won awards for its magnificent spectacle of dance and martial arts against a backdrop of modern stage technology. Jul 16-19, Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm & 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $38-108 from Sistic.

Ever found your Shakespearean text difficult to sit through during literature class? Well, literature buffs or not, you’ll enjoy this irreverent, wild romp-com that features all 37 of the Bard’s plays within 97 minutes. Maybe not quite “complete,” but a great time out at the theatre all the same. Jul 28-Aug 2, Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 3pm & 8pm. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6332-3255. $34-59 from Sistic.

Need a strong dose of supernatural terror? Then venture into paranormal territory with this Malay production presented by Teater Wujud. Get freaked out by the creepy revelations as the story unfolds about the spirit world. Jun 19-21, Fri 8:30pm; Sat 4:30pm & 8:30pm; Sun 1:30pm & 5:30pm. Play Den@The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. $25 from The Arts House Box Office.

Action Theatre’s latest production is a hysterical farce about a Filipino stuck in Singapore. The production spins a lovely web of anecdotes and topics which, rather unavoidably, include Filipino maids. Jul 9-12, Thu-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 3pm & 8pm. The Room Upstairs, 42 Waterloo St., 6837-0842. $30-40 from Sistic.

Proudly presented by Punch Theatre, this English-Tamil production aims to inspire fledgling artists by chronicling the trials and successes of the larger-than-life dancer, Manimaran. Jun 19-21; Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm, 8pm, Sun 2pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $15-20 from Siva (9027-7985) or Rethi (9839-7984).

When boys become men, all hell breaks lose. Fans of Army Daze will relish this hilarious comedy about the strangeness and familiarity of National Service. On its second run since its 2008 success, the farce is a laugh-a-minute satirical comedy that audiences, both males and females alike, will thoroughly enjoy. Jul 8-25, Tue-Fri 8pm, Sat-Sun 3pm, 8pm. The Drama Centre, National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6332-3255. $34-59 from Sistic.

The protagonists of this British absurdist play by Tom Stoppard and presented by Project Yum! are friends of the Bard’s famous character Hamlet. They set forth on a valiant struggle to seek the purpose of their sheer existence, culminating in an apogee of drama and death. “That it should come to this!”—indeed, Hamlet, indeed. Jul 17-19, Fri, Sun 7pm; Sat 3pm, 7pm. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. $20-25 from Gatecrash.

K, a youthful and haughty film director, contracts a degenerative disease and makes a pact with the Devil to grant him 33 years of brilliance and success as a filmmaker. Aspiring filmmakers and film buffs will relish this story, commissioned by the Esplanade and which marks acclaimed local entertainer K Rajagopal’s first foray to stage after a decade-long hiatus. Jul 24-25, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8222. $28 from Sistic.

 

Do the salsa with Cuban Jazz singer Fabiola Zuniga.

Fabiola Zuniga and her band are set to heat up our shores this June with a strong dose of Caribbean fever. Be enchanted by the jazz beats of exotic Cuba, while hitting back some Mojitos under the moonlight with Zuniga. One of the headline acts in the Original Bacardi mojito Fiesta during the Singapore River Festival, the Latin music doyenne is ready to set the stage ablaze with her skillful vocals. I-S chats up the chanteuse.

It’s in my blood! My father and brothers are musicians as well. My mom is also a fantastic singer, who used to always sing at home.

Do you have any musical inspirations or influences of note?

My dad is a strong inspiration. He started singing for me with the guitar since I was a little child. After I embarked on my professional career, I was inspired by the late Celia Cruz, who was one of the most successful salsa performers of the 20th century.

You’ve performed all over the world. What counts as your most memorable gig, and why?

Zurich in 1994, for sure. The performance touched my soul and was a defining moment in my career. It made me clearly visualize my future in music. That night, I felt a connection, all of a sudden, with the audience, who was also connected with me through my music. They were singing and dancing along. That was the first time I experienced this sensation, and it remains a strong emotion and motivation in my heart for life.

Do you think jazz is losing ground and appeal against increasingly popular genres of pop or R&B?

I don’t think so. Jazz is a very unique and deep style and is highly respected by many. A lot of musical styles nowadays are based on jazz. It will never lose out or diminish in value.

Get us all excited! Let us in a little on what we can anticipate in your upcoming gigs here in Singapore!

I will express myself and I wish to connect with the people as usual. You’d better not miss out on this performance! WEPA! [Puerto Rican for “Oh yeah!”]

Of course I do, I love the drink, that’s why I’m even performing at this festival!—Walter Sim

Fabiola Zuniga and her Cuban band perform at the Original Bacardi Mojito Fiesta as part of the Singapore River Festival. Jun 19, 9:30pm; and also catch Martin Reyes Latin Band on Jun 26, 9:30pm. Asian Civilisations Museum Green, 1 Empress Place, 6332-3284.

 

We let ‘Magic Babe’ Ning work her enchantment on us.

There are magicians and then there are female magicians. Ning Cai, or better known as ‘Magic Babe’ Ning, is no mere eye candy on stage. Throughout her magical career, she’s been shackled, impaled, handcuffed—and lived to tell the tale. She’s even teleported people across the Singapore River. While magicians are known to be a secretive lot, we got Singapore’s only professional female magician and “the sexiest woman in magic” to share some secrets about her latest, upcoming spellbinding performance with partner J C Sum during the Singapore River Festival.

How does it feel to be called “Magic Babe” Ning?

Fabulous, actually. No one else in this part of the world has ever managed to successfully fuse sensual glamour with strong contemporary magic until now. My brand of magic reflects the cosmopolitan Asian girl that I am, and showcases urban illusions in the city, along with some of my favorite “toys” like lethal Japanese sais, katana swords, fire pois, spikes, chains and more... so yes darling, I live up to it!

What type of magic do you feel most drawn to?

Yes, there’s many different genres of magic—close up/street magic, mentalism/mind-reading, grand illusions and the works—it’s really tough for me to choose just one because I’m drawn to all things magical. But I guess my expertise is in stage magic and illusions. I have my one-woman show called Deadly Sexy Magic and my duo illusion gigs with J C Sum as well. Inevitably, people associate me with the mega illusions that we do as a magic duo—like how J C and I teleported three people across the Singapore River in just 2.5 seconds during the F1 Singapore GP Season last year in The Impossible Journey. This year, J C and I are attempting a world record as the closing highlight for the Singapore River Festival by performing 15 illusions in five minutes on stage—this has never been done before.

15 illusions in five minutes? That’s about three tricks per minute. How are the both are you going to pull it off? Were there any records prior to this one?

There is no other official record and this will be the first ever magic record in Singapore. Hans Klok, a Dutch illusionist whom I look up to, successfully executed 10 illusions in five minutes during a television studio recording last year. The Impossible Record will be officiated by the Singapore Book of Records, the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and is also in the process of being submitted to the Guinness World of Records.

So what else is up your sleeves after the mega-illusions and tricks?

Escapology. The wicked daredevil in me is an unapologetic adrenaline junkie. As a teaser, one week before The Impossible Record on Jun 21, you’ll see me attempt “Inversion” at the Central’s gallery. In this one-off escape stunt, you’ll see me suspended in mid-air, hanging three floors above the ground, blindfolded and strapped into a regulation straightjacket. There’s absolutely no safety line, so I can’t afford to make any mistakes. So what you see is what you get.

And how do you feel about being the “sexiest woman in magic”?

That title was given to me by Magicseen, UK’s largest magic magazine, after I apparently caused a notable stir in the UK population last year. I feel it’s truly wonderful that people outside Singapore are noticing me as well, and not just folks in the Southeast Asian region. It’s very inspiring!—Zaki Jufri

Don’t miss ‘Magic Babe’ Ning and J C Sum attempt The Impossible Record this Jun 27, 9:30pm at Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St., 6532-9922. Log on to www.singaporeriverfestival.com for more information.