The International Festival Chorus (left) presents a “Musical Extravaganza”
The International Festival Chorus, Metro Philharmonic Youth Chorus and Singapore Symphonic Band celebrate Singapore burgeoning musical theatre scene with an evening of musical highlights.
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Words by Steven Ang
It has been a good year for musical theatre in Singapore. With presentations of My Fair Lady and the currently running Phantom of the Opera playing to capacity audiences, and The King and I set to follow later this year, our appetite for this genre of the arts is promised to be satisfied. Perhaps as an appetiser or a refresher of recent performances, you may wish to check out the International Festival Chorus’ (IFC) presentation of “Musical Extravaganza”, a programme of musical highlights featuring favourites from West Side Story, Les Misèrables, Chess, Miss Saigon and A Little Night Music, not to mention your favourite Andrew Lloyd Webber tunes including the Phantom of the Opera. With excerpts from so many shows to be presented, a lovely evening of music making can surely be anticipated.
The evening’s performance on 13 May 2007, 5pm will be presented together with the Metro Philharmonic Youth Choir (MPYC) and the Singapore Polytechnic Symphonic Band led by music director Ng Eng Kee (left). Ng is a summa cum laude Bachelor Degree holder at Oklahoma City University and has led both the IFC from 2002 and the MPYC from 1998. His baritone vocals have also graced the local stage on many occasions. The IFC was set up in 1974 and features a mix of local and expat members; their two annual concerts seek to raise funds and awareness for highlighted charities. The MYPC, founded in 1998 by Ng under Leong Yoon Pin’s Metro Philharmonic Society, feature a diverse group of members and offers enthusiasts an opportunity to sing and participate in music making, regardless of their musical knowledge or experience. The Singapore Symphonic Band was formed in 1978 as a military band before becoming its current status as a full symphonic band under the leadership of conductor Leonard Tan.
The event will be held at Victoria Concert Hall; tickets priced from 12 to 35 dollars are available at the door. You may also log on to www.singaporeifc.org for the program and for more information.
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