Music Musings
My journal of cherished concert memories
SNYS in Concert: Folklore
I had the opportunity to perform at the Victoria Concert Hall for the SSO Open House 2025, as part of the Singapore National Youth Sinfonia. We had practiced for this concert for months. Though I was excited, I was also a little nervous before we started. But once we all started to play, the excitement overpowered my nervousness and I got into the groove.
Jacob Collier Live in Singapore
I discovered Jacob Collier on Youtube, and I have been awestruck by his amazing sense of harmony. A video that really stood out to me was Jacob conducting an orchestra, along with the audience. From that moment, I had dreamt of being in that very audience, being a part of Jacob’s spectacular concert. That very dream came true when Jacob made his first appearance, hyping us all up with his playful character. I enjoyed the audience-orchestra thoroughly and would love to watch it again!
The Phantom of the Opera
I’ve always loved musicals, and The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourites. I’ve watched the recorded musical several times, as well as the movie, but nothing beats watching it live. I especially loved the songs Think of Me , having sung this solo for a competition, as well as the Main Theme, which was majestic and mysterious with gorgeous set transitions and such a mesmerising scene in the musical!
Akiko Suwanai and Kahchun Wong – Dvořák and Elgar
Hearing Akiko Suwanai perform Dvořák’s Violin Concerto was unforgettable. Her playing was expressive and refined, bringing out the lyrical beauty and folk character of the piece with ease. Kahchun Wong, now a world-renowned conductor and Chief Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra, returned home to lead the SSO. The programme also featured Malcolm Arnold’s playful Four Scottish Dances and Elgar’s deeply moving Enigma Variations. I left feeling both inspired and proud.
SNYS Concert - Biru and the Deep Blue Sea
Performing Biru and the Deep Blue Sea with SNYS was a unique and exciting experience. We rehearsed alongside voice actors and a foley artist who created live sound effects, bringing the story to life. The trombonists even dressed up as moray eels!
Huge thanks to Music Director Jonathan Shin, director and playwright Adib Kosnan, the Open Score Project team, and of course our incredible conductor Mr Seow Yibin, for their inspiring storytelling and vision. It was a magical performance I’ll always remember.
The Magic Flute
Watching The Magic Flute at The Metropolitan Opera was an amazing experience. The colourful costumes, giant puppets, and magical sets made the whole opera feel like a living fairy tale. I especially loved the Queen of the Night’s entrance and her famous aria with all the high notes. It was fun to see how music, acting, and design came together. The whole performance was simply magical.