the mad scene

500 SPAM MESSAGES FROM THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY TODAY! THEY REALLY ARE CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!

Not opera related, but OMG I just found my new role model!

Young baritone Daniel Fong is staging a recital with Shane accompanist Thio on 17 July 2010. Entitled Songs of Travel, its program includes the Vaughan Williams cycle of its namesake as well as popular songs by famous British composers. More information below:

Songs of Travel 

YMS Choral Studio
17th July, Saturday, 8PM
Ticket price : S$15

Ralph Vaughan Williams ‘Songs of Travel’ has becomethe classic English song cycle of the modern century. These songs paint a picturesque image of the English countryside and their brushstrokes have inspired both singers and audiences alike the world over.

The second half of the recital comprises other English classics, including a selection from Finzi’s ‘Let us garlands bring’ and Britten’s folk song arrangements. These songs expound on the universal notions of love and love-lost.

Baritone Daniel Fong and acclaimed pianist Shane Thio both study at the Royal Academy of Music in England, where they fell in love with light, whimsical tunes of English music. They hope their performance will leave you equally enamoured.

Ticket Price : S$15
For tickets please call:
98163587
A Limited no. of tickets
Would be sold at the door.

After a triumphant debut in January’s SLO production of La Boheme, Kota Murakami returns in July to star as Tamino in The Magic Flute. The Mad Scene asks a few questions regarding his experience working here and what he likes about The Magic Flute:

The Mad Scene: What is the one thing that you like best in The Magic Flute?

Kota: I like the aria “Der Holle Rache Kocht in meinen Herzen”(sung by The Queen of Night) best because it is very famous. If I were soprano, I would sing it!

The Mad Scene: What do you like about the character of Tamino?

Kota: I think his character is pure of heart without doubt. So I think I have to make much effort to make it clear.

The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this SLO production?

Kota: I feel both of a lot of expectations and unease because it is my first time singing Tamino in this SLO production, but I look forward to singing again on the wonderful stage of the SLO.

The Mad Scene: Of all the Primo Uomo roles you have played, which one is your favourite, and why?

Kota: I love the role of Duca di Mantova in Rigoletto. I sang the role in Italy, and my performance was given high praises there at that time.

The Mad Scene: This is your second time singing with the SLO. What is your impression of this company and of Singapore?

Kota: The staff and singers I collaborated with are very kind, of course. In addition that, food in Singapore is delicious and the climate is mild and steady. I think the SLO gave me the best condition to prepare for the opera.

The Mad Scene: You will be singing with “La Yuen” Nancy Yuen again in this production, do you like working with her?

Kota: Yes! I am convinced we are going to call each other “Mimi!”and?“Rodolfo”again!

The Mad Scene: Have you tried any of our Singaporean food? Which is your favourite?

Kota: Basically I feel all of Singaporean food is delicious because I am also Asian. My favourite is Steamed Chicken Rice. I tried it in several restaurants while I stayed in Singapore last January.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite opera singer, and why?

Kota: It is Mr.Placido Domingo that I respect. His appearance, his performance and his voice. Everything that he does is perfect!

The Mad Scene: Lastly, tell us why we should all come and watch the SLO’s production of Die Zauberflöte in July?

Kota: After the sad verismo of La Boheme, I hope you can come and enjoy the world of fairy tale in Die zauberflöte!

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Wanna find out if Kota is really gonna call La Yuen “Mimi” onstage? Get tickets from the Events Page to find out! 

Guys remember that the SLO’s 3rd annual Opera in the Park series is on this Saturday, 19 June! The Mad Scene has a quick chat with tenor Melvin Tan on his first ever headline show with the SLO:

Photo credit: Samuel Nai

The Mad Scene: After having played so many supporting roles in SLO productions, how does it feel to finally be the star tenor?

Melvin: Its great to be back singing in Singapore, and its almost like a homecoming concert for me.

I personally treat every role as a “star” role. As a famous opera singer singing Suzuki (or you can replace any seemingly minor role in any opera) said, “I don’t know what opera you were watching, but I was performing the opera “Suzuki” by Puccini.

Its definitely the same feeling for me as a performer, having sung in that famous opera “Pang” by Puccini, I now have the chance to sing ‘Nessun dorma’ from Puccini’s “Calaf” in the concert on Saturday, I vaguely heard there is this minor character called Turandot in the same opera. (*wink)

The Mad Scene: Taking turnouts of past years’ events as consideration, the crowd may well be as big or bigger than the Esplanade Theatre. What are your thoughts on this? Any pressure?
 
Melvin: Not really. As a professional performer, it is my ([un?]holy) duty to our artform to give my very best whether it is one person or 6000 in the audience (the number that turned up last year). I did sing duets with Frances Yip to 7000 people at the indoor stadium last year, so large crowds aren’t an issue really.

I feel incredibly inspired by this particular concert as it really reaches out to many people for which opera might be a foreign and inaccessible artform. It feels even more of a pleasure to perform and inform and broaden people’s horizons whilst enjoying a cool Saturday evening in beautiful surroundings all at the same time. 
 
The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this performance?
 
Melvin: I am definitely looking forward to singing with some of my close musician friends including Aiming (Khor) and William (Lim) and also the chance to work with Joshua (Tan) our conductor. It is incredibly exciting for me too to be performing in such an evocative venue in front of a home crowd. As I have recently re-based myself from Europe to Singapore, it is a great opportunity to (operatically) say hello to all my friends and supporters here.

The Mad Scene: One of your idols Phillip Langridge passed away recently. Would you like to share a few words on your feelings regarding his passing?
 
Melvin: Phillip was a singer every single singer should look up to. He was not blessed with a golden voice but with sheer hard work and tenacity and a great dramatic gift, he sang at all the world’s great stages, and crucially he was always asked back. Singing varied roles as the Witch from Hansel and Gretel to Loge in The Ring Cycle and all of Britten’s major roles for Tenor, he also had a very long career, well into his 70s and at the time of his sudden passing was still booked up for a few years. (Unlike many young singers these days with 5-year-careers)

I had the immense privilege to have worked with him first in a student-teacher relationship then as colleagues at Grange Park Opera and he was the kindest and most generous teacher and colleague. His passing is a great loss to the world of music and I miss him very much, but his musical and personal integrity and his amazing work will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life. It was truly my honour to have studied with and worked with him.

RIP Phillip Langridge, the opera world is a lesser place without you.
 
The Mad Scene:  Lastly, why should we all come and watch Opera in the Park?

Melvin: Idyllic Surroundings; Great and Passionate music; Superb Orchestra and Choruses; Charismatic soloists: What more could one ask for? See you there at the Shaw Foundation Floating Stage at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Sat 19 June 2010. The show starts at 6pm, but please come early to bag a good spot and dont forget the picnic basket and blanket and some champagne! And save me a glass, I will be thirsty after Nessun dorma!

By some unfortunate coincidence it seems that Leslie Tay and this bunch of promising young students of Jeong Ae Ree will have to battle it out for YOUR support this coming Friday. When asked about this turn of events, Leslie Tay had this to say:

 ”Yup, it is unfortunate that our concerts are on the same day and at the exact same time as both my pianist, Ming Wei and myself, would have loved to attend the concert by Ae Ree’s students, especially since the singers are personal friends of ours. Unfortunately, I only learnt of Ae Ree’s recital after confirming the details for mine. A combination of different factors including our individual schedules and the availability of YMS made us decide to have the concert on 18 June.

As for which concert to attend for those trying to decide, it’s really hard to compare because the repertoire for both is completely different and each will no doubt offer a satisfying musical experience.

Its actually encouraging to hear that there is so much more going on in terms of classical vocal performances here in Singapore. This helps introduce local audiences to new repertoire and allows them to support us Singaporean performers as we continue working on our craft and expanding our repertoire. What we do on stage is inconsequential if there is no audience there to listen to us and appreciate it.”

Well said Leslie. For your onsideration he has also provided us with his programme of American songs, as follows:

1) Review - Dougherty
2) Orpheus with his Lute - Schuman
3) The Monk and his Cat - Barber
4) My Best Beloved - Sisco
5) A Simple Song - Bernstein
6) Once Upon a Universe - Heggie
7) The Lepidoptera Waltz - Swenson
8 ) Waterbird - Hundley
9) Another Reason Why I Don’t Keep a Gun in the House - Cipullo
10) I Bought Me a Cat - Copland
11) We Will Always Walk Together (Dream True) - Ian Gordon
12) This is My Box (Amahl and the Night Visitors) - Menotti
13) Lonely House (Street Scene) - Weill
14) Not While I’m Around (Sweeney Todd) - Sondheim
15) I Don’t Wanna Rock and Roll - Yeston
16) Animal Passion - Heggie

So who are you going to grace with your presence this Friday? Show your support by buying tickets for your preferred concert:

 For Leslie Tay’s Recital:

YMS Arts Centre Auditorium, 54 Waterloo Street (closest MRT: Bras
Basah, City Hall, Dhoby Ghaut)

When:
Friday 18 June 2010, 7.30pm - 8.40pm

How much:
$20 General Admission (Contact leslietay78@gmail.com for tickets)

For Die Schöne Müllerin:

18th June 2010, Friday
Esplanade Recital Studio
7.30pm (Latecomers will not be admitted at any point)

Email dieschonemullerin2010@gmail.com for ticket reservations.

WOO-HOO!!!

 Here’s a special message from these proud students of Jeong Ae-Ree:

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Die Schöne Müllerin, or the Beautiful Miller Maid, comprises one of Franz Schubert’s earliest and most beloved song-cycles. As a composer of lieder, Franz Schubert was of paramount importance. He elevated the role of the piano in the music so that it no longer just provided thoughtless background accompaniment to the singer, but became an active partner in expression; hence beginning the long tradition of lieder as we have come to appreciate it today.

Written between May and September 1823, and set to a cycle of poems by Willhelm Müller, the cycle tells the tale of a merry wanderer who follows the path of a brook to discover work, and romance, at a mill. Singers from the studio of Jeong Ae Ree- tenors: Brendan-Keefe Au, David Charles Tay, Jonathan Charles Tay, Yap How Joo and baritone: Daniel Fong will be accompanied on the pianoforte by Lim Yan.

18th June 2010, Friday
Esplanade Recital Studio
7.30pm (Latecomers will not be admitted at any point)

Email dieschonemullerin2010@gmail.com for ticket reservations.

The Singapore Lyric Opera’s production of The Magic Flute will be opening in about a month’s time, and just because there is little else to report, we have got quite a lot of press in store including many exclusive interviews with the leading and supporting cast of the production, including Tamino Kota Murakami and Queen of the Night Tai Hsiao Chun. But first, here’s your chance to know the 3 Ladies of The Magic Flute better; well actually there are 4, as Cherylene Liew and Christina The will be alternating the role of 2nd Lady. So give it up for Ee-Ping, Cherylene Liew, Christina The and Anna Koor!

1st Lady: Ee- Ping
Ee-Ping is one of Singapore’s best know opera singers who has sung numerous leading roles in Singapore and abroad, having been awarded the prestigious Singapore Young Artist’s Award in 2001, which makes her luxury casting as the 1st Lady.

The Mad Scene: What is the one thing that you like best in The Magic Flute?

Ee-Ping: Best thing about Magic Flute is the good storyline, the combination of fairytale, wizadry, feel good factor and amazing ensemble music all-round. What more could one ask for?

The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this SLO production?

Ee-Ping: Most looking forward to seeing and working with all my old friends in the cast again- and of course to have the opportunity to sing the beautiful music!

The Mad Scene: Since you have sung Pamina in previous SLO productions, how do you feel about playing the first lady in this production?

Ee-Ping: Feels fantastic. It charts that the voice has slightly grown and changed into a more mature one over the years.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite opera singer, and why?

Ee-Ping: My favourite opera singer is Renee Fleming. She makes everything sound so easy and has a fabulous techniique and such a silky tone and incredible pianissimo high notes!

The Mad Scene: In addition to the SLO production, what other performances do you have on your timetable this year?

Ee-Ping: I’ll be reprising the role of ‘Clorinda’ in Rossini’s Cinderella at Christmas this year!

2nd Ladies:
Cherylene Liew
Since her return from music studies in Australia, Cherylene Liew has appeared in many SLO concerts including the upcoming Opera in the Park on 19 June 2010.

The Mad Scene:  What is the one thing that you like best in The Magic Flute?

Cherylene Liew: I love the music in The Magic Flute. Mozart definitely made the music reflect each character’s role and each scene’s atmosphere. In fact the music really draws the audience into a world of fantasy!

The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this SLO production?

Cherylene Liew: I am looking forward to working with many experienced artists that would be involved in making this production a huge success.

The Mad Scene: What do you like most about your role in this coming production?

Cherylene Liew: I get to be on the “evil” team. This will be something new to me, as this is not only my first professional production as a soloist, but in all other productions, I’ve always been the demure and long-suffering character.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite opera singer, and why?

Cherylene Liew: I have a few, but one that I must mention is Renata Tebaldi. I really enjoy the depth and brilliance of her voice. She was also a good actress and she really did make singing look ever so easy – do not be fooled.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite Mad Scene, and why?

Cherylene Liew: This would have to be the very first scene of the whole opera. From the first moment we see Tamino on stage at battle with a monstrous creature, emotions start to run from fear to victory, love to deceit and more. Mozart does a pretty good job with the music and introduction of the characters from when they first meet Tamino, to when we meet the three genies at the end of the scene. A truly mad scene with so much happening that the audience would find themselves enthralled and yet in the thick of the action on stage. What a dramatic start to a journey that has yet to begin until we get to the next scene.

Christina The
Christina The is primarily trained in Australia and the Royal College of Music, and has taken numerous courses around the world including masterclasses with Ranato Bruson and Mirella Freni’s Centro Universale di Bel Canto, Italy . Her repertoire includes Orphelia in Thomas’s Hamlet at the Royal Academy.

The Mad Scene: What is the one thing that you like best in The Magic Flute?

Christina The: It is Mozart’s

The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this SLO production?

Christina The: Being able to work with people from home and being a part of this wonderful cast. I’d say that’s a reward in itself.

The Mad Scene: What do you like most about your role in this coming production?

Christina The: I am to sing the part of the 2nd Lady of the Three Ladies, the attendants of the Queen of the Night. I find that they are lots of fun! Some of the lines they sing are quite comical and hilarious, despite them being part of the ‘evil’ force in the story.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite opera singer, and why?

Christina The: Sumi Jo. She’s an absolute inspiration to all Asians opera singers and vocal students alike.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite Mad Scene, and why?

Christina The: Ophelie’s Mad Scene from Hamlet by Ambroise Thomas. Utterly dramatic, emotional and eerie, the audience realizing what is to come, not to mention that this scene is also very much vocally demanding of the singer.

3rd Lady: Anna Koor

Anna Koor is widely known in these parts for her lush mezzo timbre on the concert and recital platform. She has since added opera to her impressive CV with her debut as Giulietta in the SLO’s Tales of Hoffmann, and is now following up with the 3rd Lady:

The Mad Scene: What is the one thing that you like best in The Magic Flute?

Anna Koor: 2nd Aria by the Queen of the night.

The Mad Scene: What do you most look forward to in this SLO production?

Anna Koor: The costumes & set. Performing with the rest of the cast.

The Mad Scene: What do you like most about your role in this coming production?

Anna Koor: The pleasure of shutting up Papageno.

The Mad Scene: What is your favourite opera singer, and why?

Anna Koor: Maria Callas. Her singing technique and charismatic acting & stage presence.

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Sounds fun eh? Ticketing information for the SLO’s production of The Magic Flute can be found on the Events Page.

The Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir celebrates their 4th Anniversary this coming Sunday with a concert at Victoria Concert Hall. No word if the Singapore Symphony that the choir is named after will make an appearance. Click on the image below for details.

Ticketing details via the Events Page.