Arts Picks: SCO concert A Bug's Life, chamber music from 1812 to 1851, Nahre Sol piano recital
A Bug's Life
The Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) will present A Bug's Life, a nature-inspired concert conducted by internationally acclaimed Singaporean maestro Darrell Ang.
A h ighlight of the concert is the world premiere of Ang's original composition, A Bug's Life – Paraphrase On A Theme by Alexander Scriabin, giving audiences a fresh and imaginative music experience.
The show will also feature a new interpretation of Butterfly Lovers by South Korean Cho Hang-oh, principal cellist of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra.
This marks the first time the SCO is performing the cello version of the beloved Chinese classic, composed by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao, and the first time in more than five years that the orchestra is revisiting the piec e.
Audiences can also look forward to The Insect World by Doming Lam, who is revered as the father of Hong Kong modern music. The piece will be presented for the first time and captures the vibrant, intricate life of insects.
A Bug's Life is the second instalment of the SCO's nature-themed concert series helmed by Ang, following Songs Of Ancient Birds, which premiered in April .
Speaking about the intention behind the concert series, Ang, who also serves as the SCO's principal guest conductor, said: 'In order for us to continue living our lives, we need to realise that caring for nature and letting it thrive is key to humanity's future happiness. I hope my nature series with the SCO will inspire listeners to think more about their relationship with nature.'
Where: SCO Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way
MRT: Shenton Way/Tanjong Pagar
When: May 10, 7.30pm
Admission: $20 to $80 from Sistic (go to sistic.com.sg or call 6348-5555)
Info: bit.ly/3XqCnEc
An 1825 Hopscotch concert
Chamber Music and Arts Singapore (CMAS) presents An 1825 Hopscotch, exploring the rich musical evolution from the Classical to Romantic eras.
The programme features three violin and piano sonatas composed between 1812 and 1851, and will be performed by internationally acclaimed Scottish pianist Alasdair Beatson and Singaporean concert violinist and founder of CMAS Tang Tee Khoon.
The concert offers a window into the artistic shifts that defined a golden era of chamber music and will take listeners on a sonic journey through the lyricism of Felix Mendelssohn, the dramatic flair of Robert Schumann and the clarity of Ludwig van Beethoven. It reflects on how each composer left a distinct imprint on the genre, transforming chamber music into a more personal and poetic form of expression.
The event is part of CMAS' lead-up to its fifth anniversary celebrations, which will culminate in November with a major concert series titled 1825.
The year-long programme aims to deepen Singaporean audiences' connection to classical chamber music, as CMAS continues its multi-year journey through key works from 1812 to 1828, including those by Beethoven and Franz Schubert.
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio, Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive
MRT: City Hall/Esplanade
When: May 10, 8pm
Admission: $42 to $102
Info: sistic.com.sg/events/hopscotch0525
Nahre Sol piano recital
Nahre Sol, an American pianist and compose r known for pushing the boundaries of piano music, will bring her distinct blend of classical innovation to the stage in an upcoming recital.
Sol, who has close to 800,000 subscribers on YouTube, will perform pieces popular on her channel, such as Autumn Leaves Variations, along with her inventive postludes on famous classical melodies.
A classically trained pianist with degrees from The Juilliard School and The Glenn Gould School, Sol's eclectic style fuses improvisation, avant-garde elements, Western classical forms, jazz and minimalism. She has performed at prestigious venues, including The Kennedy Centre in Washington in the United States, and Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany.
Beyond the concert hall, Sol has built a global following through her YouTube channel, where she breaks down the styles of classical composers, explores music theory and produces original documentaries.
Her creative reach extends to video game music, film soundtracks and collaborations with major artistes, including contributing to The Boss Baby 2 (2021) alongside German composer Hans Zimm er.
Where: Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place
MRT: Raffles Place
When: May 6, 7.30pm
Admission: $68 to $168 from Sistic
Info: sistic.com.sg/events/nahre0525
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