SYF Instrumental Ensemble
I went to watch the SYF Instrumental Ensemble last Tues, expecting a fiesta of various instruments. I was glad to have attended the event. Although my friend had expressed his worries that the 2nd half of the show would be more disorganised than the 1st, I beg to differ. I felt the 2nd half had more interesting programmes lined up compared to the first.
These are what I felt to be the highlights of the entire concert:
1) Lap Harp by Nan Hua High School
There aren't many such ensemble around, and I don't hear it often.
2) Angklung/Kulintang by Siglap Sec.
First time seeing a Kulintang. The members were most sporting by swaying to the rythmn. Gives a very good overall feel to the pieces when you see all members swaying and shaking the angklungs. Also saw the conducting of such a group in detail for the first time. There was also a mimicry of a frog croaking in the song "Janger Bali". Interesting.
3) Gamelan by Evergreen Sec.
The melody of the gamelan may be repeated at various parts of a piece, but it's the coordination of the players (who are seated facing different directions) and the hypnotising effect of the music. There were also 6 dancers who danced to the tune of the song, improving the overall presentation. Very enjoyable.
4) Handbells & Handchimes by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School.
First time hearing them perform. Truly worthy of their gold with honours. The playing of different bells and chimes throughout the whole song and players having to swap bells without mistake was already well done. The songs chosen were also wonderful, especially the piece "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Added quite a bit of fun factor into an already wonderful performance.
5) Guzheng by Xinmin Sec.
My most favourite Chinese Orchestra instrument coupled with my favourite piece "Dance of the Yao Tribe". Need I say more? Although the effect when played by a guzheng ensemble and combined orchestra is very different, looking at 40 odd young guzheng players and listening to them playing Orchestra pieces is already a heartening experience.
It was wonderful that I managed to secure tickets for this Ensemble performance, and I will be looking forward to future performances as well. Many thanks to my friend who was nice enough to offer his help in his already hectic schedule. A concert well done, my friend! :)
These are what I felt to be the highlights of the entire concert:
1) Lap Harp by Nan Hua High School
There aren't many such ensemble around, and I don't hear it often.
2) Angklung/Kulintang by Siglap Sec.
First time seeing a Kulintang. The members were most sporting by swaying to the rythmn. Gives a very good overall feel to the pieces when you see all members swaying and shaking the angklungs. Also saw the conducting of such a group in detail for the first time. There was also a mimicry of a frog croaking in the song "Janger Bali". Interesting.
3) Gamelan by Evergreen Sec.
The melody of the gamelan may be repeated at various parts of a piece, but it's the coordination of the players (who are seated facing different directions) and the hypnotising effect of the music. There were also 6 dancers who danced to the tune of the song, improving the overall presentation. Very enjoyable.
4) Handbells & Handchimes by Paya Lebar Methodist Girls' School.
First time hearing them perform. Truly worthy of their gold with honours. The playing of different bells and chimes throughout the whole song and players having to swap bells without mistake was already well done. The songs chosen were also wonderful, especially the piece "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Added quite a bit of fun factor into an already wonderful performance.
5) Guzheng by Xinmin Sec.
My most favourite Chinese Orchestra instrument coupled with my favourite piece "Dance of the Yao Tribe". Need I say more? Although the effect when played by a guzheng ensemble and combined orchestra is very different, looking at 40 odd young guzheng players and listening to them playing Orchestra pieces is already a heartening experience.
It was wonderful that I managed to secure tickets for this Ensemble performance, and I will be looking forward to future performances as well. Many thanks to my friend who was nice enough to offer his help in his already hectic schedule. A concert well done, my friend! :)
posted by Simbul at 9:55 pm
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home