Yardsticks are meant to be exceeded and milestones, overtaken.
In this spirit, the Victoria Chorale has moved beyond her boundaries and charted a new path in an already illustrious journey with In Song 2003 - Across Ages, Crossing Cultures.
It was a first for the Chorale in many senses.
It was our first time performing at the Esplanade Concert Hall ever since the monument was opened in 2002.
It was the first time the Chorale had put together so many musicians on stage, in one enchanted night.
It was the first time that the Chorale had the honour to host two of Singapore's renowned composers-cum-arrangers for In Song, our annual concert.
Opening the concert with a bang is the impressive Dixit Dominus, a Latin sacred piece written by baroque master G F Handel. This 10-movement work, composed by Handel at the tender age of 22 in 1707, is based on the inspirational Psalm 110. Accompanying the choir was a string ensemble made up of talented musicians from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the La Salle-SIA College of Fine Arts.
Dixit Dominus is, arguably, a challenging piece for any chorister. It is vocally demanding, exacting wide ranges, quick rhythms and musical precision from the singers. In addition, the intricate nature of the piece necessitates that the choir and string ensemble work in synergy. With little time to spare, in between collaborations with Singapore Chinese Orchestra and Cultural Medallion holder Tan Swie Hian for Instant is a Millennium - A Musical Conversation with Tan Swie Hian, and Mr. Phoon Yew Tien, the Chorale has garnered rave reviews for their steadfast performance in Dixit Dominus, due in no small part of guest conductor Zechariah Goh's diligent conducting.
Following that, the Chorale traveled through time to move from the Age of Enlightenment to the New Millennium - the present. To pay tribute to the Asian culture that so uniquely defines us as Singaporeans, we chose to perform pieces that were composed/arranged by our local musicians, Mr. Phoon Yew Tien and Mr Zechariah Goh Toh Chai.
This is not the Chorale's first time in working with Mr. Phoon - we had previously premiered his epic work, Confucius - A Secular Cantata with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra in 2000. His immense talent in crafting songs that is in such synchrony with our local grounding still awes us and it was indeed our great honour to have him there supporting us.
We performed four of his songs that are based on Mandarin folklore. Familiar stories such as the Romance of the Butterflies - Liang Shan Bo and Zhu Ying Tai, were given alternative voices through his interpretation.
Following that, the Chorale moved on forward in time to salute our long-time friend and inspiration, Zechariah. The concert featured the Asian premiere of three songs, most notably Remembering Nanjing 1937, a heartwrenching song depicting the atrocities committed during World War II.
Most fittingly, the concert ended off with a song portraying Singapore's most symbolic cat at play, Kucinta. The audience was tickled pink by the Chorale, who had to exhibit vocal dexterity to imitate the smooth purring and, later, ferocity of cats.
The evening ended with a meet-the-conductors session, chaired by Mr. Phoon and Zechariah.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
In Song 2002
After a break of three years, Victoria Chorale resumed her signature concert, In Song, recently. Performing works of contemporary composers, the Chorale singers not only sang but also dazzled audiences with their fancy footwork.
The concert opened with the haunting Five Hebrew Love Songs, a joint composition by Grammy nominated composer Eric Whitacre and his wife, Hila Plitmann. It was a most suitable start to the evening's programmes, as the singers enhanced the tenderness of the songs with simple yet effective hand gestures and movements choreographed by Chorale's very own Joanna Dong. Following that, Chorale was joined on stage by guest singers, The Vocal Consort for more Whitacre pieces. This collaboration began in July earlier this year when Chorale and The Vocal Consort performed under the baton of Whitacre himself for Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre (Cloudburst).
The next section of the concert was dedicated to John Rutter's composition of the five-movement piece, When Icicles Hang. Rutter is one of the most popular and well-known composers of choral music and in this work, he used poignant poetry and prose from writers such as Shakespeare, to depict the feelings of everyday people during cold, wintry nights. In one of the songs, Blow Thou Winter Wind, soloist Tan Yingjie gave a heartfelt rendition.
To round up the night were the highly infectious spirituals, composed by the accomplished pianist, composer and conductor, Moses Hogan. The spirituals alternated between electrifyingly intense, with Jane Tan's soulful solo in Wade In the Water, and a rumbustious celebration of life, as shown in songs like Ride The Chariot. Apart from singing, the Chorale once again demonstrated their many talents, engaging audiences with their fluid dance steps, choreographed by Terrence Toh, Low Xuhao, Grace Tan and Joyce Lim.
But even while performing, the Chorale did not forget about those whom they had loved and lost, especially on such a momentous night, September 11. And hence, the night was soundly capped by the touching We Shall Walk In Peace, dedicated to all their loved ones.
The concert opened with the haunting Five Hebrew Love Songs, a joint composition by Grammy nominated composer Eric Whitacre and his wife, Hila Plitmann. It was a most suitable start to the evening's programmes, as the singers enhanced the tenderness of the songs with simple yet effective hand gestures and movements choreographed by Chorale's very own Joanna Dong. Following that, Chorale was joined on stage by guest singers, The Vocal Consort for more Whitacre pieces. This collaboration began in July earlier this year when Chorale and The Vocal Consort performed under the baton of Whitacre himself for Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre (Cloudburst).
The next section of the concert was dedicated to John Rutter's composition of the five-movement piece, When Icicles Hang. Rutter is one of the most popular and well-known composers of choral music and in this work, he used poignant poetry and prose from writers such as Shakespeare, to depict the feelings of everyday people during cold, wintry nights. In one of the songs, Blow Thou Winter Wind, soloist Tan Yingjie gave a heartfelt rendition.
To round up the night were the highly infectious spirituals, composed by the accomplished pianist, composer and conductor, Moses Hogan. The spirituals alternated between electrifyingly intense, with Jane Tan's soulful solo in Wade In the Water, and a rumbustious celebration of life, as shown in songs like Ride The Chariot. Apart from singing, the Chorale once again demonstrated their many talents, engaging audiences with their fluid dance steps, choreographed by Terrence Toh, Low Xuhao, Grace Tan and Joyce Lim.
But even while performing, the Chorale did not forget about those whom they had loved and lost, especially on such a momentous night, September 11. And hence, the night was soundly capped by the touching We Shall Walk In Peace, dedicated to all their loved ones.
Composer Series II - Eric Whitacre
La illuvia despierta - The rain awakens.
Indeed, the arrival of Eric Whitacre has been like a sprinkle of cool rain upon the sultry heat of Singapore. And Victoria Chorale has been extremely honoured to have collaborated with him for our latest project, Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre.
The origin of this collaboration between Eric and the Chorale began in February this year, when Chorale was invited to perform at the Western Division Choral Convention, at the invitation of the American Choral Directors Association, in Hawaii. Mutual appreciation and admiration led to a friendship that culminated in Eric inviting Chorale to sing for his concert in Singapore.
Just as his award-winning composition, Cloudburst, depicts the unleashing of kinetic forces and energy in all living things, Eric himself has been the centrifugal force behind the concert. His immense talent holds all who hears and performs his music in awe. His passion for music touches those who sing under his conducting. And most importantly, his never-ending energy gives us a much-needed inspiration.
Water Night. Little Birds. Lux Aurumque. Five Hebrew Love Songs. Sleep. Cloudburst . All, audiences and performers alike, were swept up in the magic of the wondrous music.
It has been an unforgettable experience working with Eric. And Victoria Chorale is glad to have been part of this amazing concert, together with the West Winds, The Vocal Consort and also the organiser M.A.S.T Music.
And lastly, we thank the man whose presence is like a breath of fresh air in this stifling heat, Eric Whitacre and his lovely wife, Hila Plitmann. Their enormous trust and faith in us has been a source of strength for us.
Hay que cantar hasta que el canto eche raíces, tronco, ramas, pájaros, astros. - We must sing till the song puts forth roots, trunk, branches, birds, stars.
Indeed, the arrival of Eric Whitacre has been like a sprinkle of cool rain upon the sultry heat of Singapore. And Victoria Chorale has been extremely honoured to have collaborated with him for our latest project, Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre.
The origin of this collaboration between Eric and the Chorale began in February this year, when Chorale was invited to perform at the Western Division Choral Convention, at the invitation of the American Choral Directors Association, in Hawaii. Mutual appreciation and admiration led to a friendship that culminated in Eric inviting Chorale to sing for his concert in Singapore.
Just as his award-winning composition, Cloudburst, depicts the unleashing of kinetic forces and energy in all living things, Eric himself has been the centrifugal force behind the concert. His immense talent holds all who hears and performs his music in awe. His passion for music touches those who sing under his conducting. And most importantly, his never-ending energy gives us a much-needed inspiration.
Water Night. Little Birds. Lux Aurumque. Five Hebrew Love Songs. Sleep. Cloudburst . All, audiences and performers alike, were swept up in the magic of the wondrous music.
It has been an unforgettable experience working with Eric. And Victoria Chorale is glad to have been part of this amazing concert, together with the West Winds, The Vocal Consort and also the organiser M.A.S.T Music.
And lastly, we thank the man whose presence is like a breath of fresh air in this stifling heat, Eric Whitacre and his lovely wife, Hila Plitmann. Their enormous trust and faith in us has been a source of strength for us.
Hay que cantar hasta que el canto eche raíces, tronco, ramas, pájaros, astros. - We must sing till the song puts forth roots, trunk, branches, birds, stars.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
In the mood for music
Clear, blue seas. Warm sun. Cool breezes. Breathtaking sunsets. A recipe for love? More like an aphrodisiac for making music.
In February this year, Victoria Chorale was invited to sing at the Western Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. The location? The beautiful and warm Hawaii. Lucky us.
We had the chance to bake in the warm heat of the sun at the beautiful Waikiki beach, pay our respects to the unsung heroes of Pearl Harbour, climb the long and winding Diamond Hill, snorkel in the shallow waters of Hanauma Bay, shop at the massive Ala Moana Shopping Centre and pig out at practically every eatery we can find.
But lest one thinks that we went there solely for holiday, rest assure that we did what we went there for - to sing. It was a great honour to have been one of two choirs selected to perform for the closing ceremony of the conference.
To showcase the multi-racial culture of Singapore, we dressed in the ethnic costumes of the various races and complemented that with a repertoire that comprised of Asian folk melodies and sacred music. What a heady feeling it was, to sing to an audience that was so vocal in their appreciation.
Besides performing at the closing ceremony, we also had the pleasure to sing in the beautiful St. Augustine Church at its Sunday mass, at its invitation.
Looking back, the trip has been extremely memorable and enriching. We not only had the chance to hear the top choirs of America perform, we also made a new friend in the form of Mr. Eric Whitacre, a leading contemporary composer of America. This new friendship led to the collaboration with Mr. Whitacre for Victoria Chorale's latest project, Cloudburst (Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre).
What a potent combination it was - warm people, great weather, good food and beautiful surroundings. And most certainly, it was a wonderful opportunity to make good music.
In February this year, Victoria Chorale was invited to sing at the Western Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. The location? The beautiful and warm Hawaii. Lucky us.
We had the chance to bake in the warm heat of the sun at the beautiful Waikiki beach, pay our respects to the unsung heroes of Pearl Harbour, climb the long and winding Diamond Hill, snorkel in the shallow waters of Hanauma Bay, shop at the massive Ala Moana Shopping Centre and pig out at practically every eatery we can find.
But lest one thinks that we went there solely for holiday, rest assure that we did what we went there for - to sing. It was a great honour to have been one of two choirs selected to perform for the closing ceremony of the conference.
To showcase the multi-racial culture of Singapore, we dressed in the ethnic costumes of the various races and complemented that with a repertoire that comprised of Asian folk melodies and sacred music. What a heady feeling it was, to sing to an audience that was so vocal in their appreciation.
Besides performing at the closing ceremony, we also had the pleasure to sing in the beautiful St. Augustine Church at its Sunday mass, at its invitation.
Looking back, the trip has been extremely memorable and enriching. We not only had the chance to hear the top choirs of America perform, we also made a new friend in the form of Mr. Eric Whitacre, a leading contemporary composer of America. This new friendship led to the collaboration with Mr. Whitacre for Victoria Chorale's latest project, Cloudburst (Composers Series II - Eric Whitacre).
What a potent combination it was - warm people, great weather, good food and beautiful surroundings. And most certainly, it was a wonderful opportunity to make good music.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Coming Soon in August
Victoria Chorale is looking forward to up and coming events in August! Check back here for more information coming soon!
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