SNYS Concert - Biru and the Deep Blue Sea
Featuring: SNYS Orchestra
Instrument: Orchestra
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Date: Sun, 16 Mar 2025 3:00 PM
Performing Biru and the Deep Blue Sea with the Singapore National Youth Sinfonia was one of the most exciting and unusual concerts I’ve ever been part of. It wasn’t just a regular orchestral programme, it was a full story told through music, narration, live sound effects, and imagination.
Rehearsal with the actors and actresses - try spotting me (I was right next to the lead actress Rui Shan in this picture)
Our rehearsals began weeks in advance, and they felt different from the start. Because this concert was built around a story, our conductor reminded us to think like storytellers, not just musicians. That meant listening very carefully to the narration and knowing exactly when our music would blend with the sound effects or highlight a dramatic moment. There were times when we had to follow cues from the voice actors, not just the baton, which made the process both challenging and fun. I had to be very focused during transitions between scenes to help keep the mood flowing.
One of the most memorable parts was working with the voice actors. Their performances brought the characters to life; especially Biru, the curious child, and the mysterious creatures in the sea. Even when we were just rehearsing, I found myself drawn into the story because of how expressive and animated they were. Watching them shift between voices and emotions reminded me how much storytelling can come from the voice alone, just like how we shape musical phrases on our instruments.
Curtain call, taken by my mum
Then there was the foley artist. I had never seen someone perform live sound effects on stage before. From the sound of splashing waves to creaky underwater doors and shimmering currents, the foley artist created an entire world with simple objects — water bowls, shells, metal sheets, even a rubber duck. During rehearsal, we were fascinated watching them work behind the scenes. Their timing had to be incredibly precise, and it was impressive how well their sounds blended with the music and dialogue.
As someone playing in the orchestra, I felt like I was part of something larger than just the ensemble, almost like we were one part of a living, breathing story. It made me think differently about how music can work with words and theatre. It also made me more aware of how much listening and teamwork are needed, not only within the orchestra but across every person on stage.
I’m proud to have been part of this performance, and I hope more concerts like this happen in the future. It reminded me that orchestral music doesn’t always have to follow the traditional format. It can be playful, theatrical, and deeply imaginative too.
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. P/s: Did you catch the Trombone eels?
Outside the stage door after the concert with my parents, brother and grandparents
With my dad and mum outside the concert hall
