Colours, Sights & Patterns At Kampong Glam

In the 19th century, Kampong Glam was essentially an ethnic district with a strong Malay-Arab influence. It was a place where locals patronized for their Arab-Muslim traditional foodstuff and merchandise...

Immersive 4K HDR Viewing Experience With Sony Projectors

Sony’s latest innovative laser light source projector is High Dynamic Range (HDR) compatible with native 4K resolution, creating an amazling clear lifelike experience, as if you are there yourself…

Back 30 Years To Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre

Iconic along this stretch of road is the rectangular block of a nondescript beige-tiled building. The facade of this building is blocked by an overhead bridge. And this is the front entrance to a shopping centre - the Upper Serangoon Shopping Centre… (USSC).

Monti - Singapore's Longest Brunch Every Sunday

Enjoy brunch by the bay concept, complete with stunning views of the Marina Bay and its surroundings, and a fabulous menu and music programme to match at Monti…

Where Freemasons Convene

In 1886, the Masonic Club was established to support Singapore freemasonry. Guess who was the first Freemason in modern Singapore?

Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Carnival Of The Animals - Magical Extravaganza Of Earth's Creatures

Internationally acclaimed contemporary circus company Circa from Brisbane, Australia and the leading presenter of live entertainment in Asia Pacific Base Entertainment Asia present Carnival of the Animals at Sands Theatre, a blend of circus, multimedia and music. This family-friendly show magically reinvents the classic music suite by French romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns.

Depicting creatures from land, sea and sky, Circa’s performers take children and their adults on a safari through the lives of the tortoise, the elephant, the kangaroo, the swan, the life aquatic and many other beasts of fur, feathers and fin. It is an exuberant celebration of all of earth’s creatures and the power of our bodies to express who we really are.

Created by circus visionary and Circa artistic director Yaron Lifschitz, and the Circa ensemble, Carnival of the Animals brings the joy of the animal kingdom to the stage in a sophisticated and visually stunning physical theatre extravaganza for children big and small. Circa is world-renowned for pushing artistic boundaries and creating powerful works of circus art that thrill, challenge and captivate as they constantly reimagine circus as an artform.

"It blends slapstick and melancholy, beauty and awe, and, with the help of a 129-year-old musical suite, manages to keep an audience of nearly 200 small children wide-eyed and whispering Ooh." 

-- The Sydney Morning Herald --

Written in 1886, Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals has been adored by children and adults for many generations. It is a playful and magical work of music imbued with Victorian eccentricity whose fourteen movements each explore a specific or group of animals. For this production Australian composer Quincy Grant artfully reworked and extended the original suites. On stage Circa performers are accompanied by and interact with sumptuously detailed animation created by UK-based Australian video designer Michaela French.

"I wanted the animation to have a quality of moving through the pages of a children's book but it became much more than that. When the banners unfurl from their suitcases, the stage is set and an adventure begins. There is a whole world of wonder to discover and explore, with journeys from the bottom of the ocean to outer space and a parade of animals who entertain, terrify and delight audiences of all ages."

--- Michaela French, UK-based Australian video designer ---

The 50 minute performance will run at the Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, from 14 - 17 April 2022 with showtimes on 1500 hours and 1830 hours  on Thursday to Saturday, and 1100 hours and 1500 hours on Sunday. More information is available on the Marina Sands website at www.marinabaysands.com/entertainment/shows/carnival-of-the-animals.html.


CATS - One Special Night Of The Year

Following its triumphant season in London’s West End, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS comes to the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands for a limited season from 17 December 2019.


World-renowned theatre star Joanna Ampil reprises her role as Grizabella. Joanna Ampil has performed in several West End musicals, including Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar and Avenue Q, and she played the role of Fantine in Les Misérables in London.


Joining her in the cast are Luke Fraser Yates, George Hinson, Gavin Eden, Kirsty Ingram, Elizabeth Futter, Sally Frith, Erica-Jayne Alden, Amy Whittle, Ellie Young, Holly Willock, Danielle Cato, Gabrielle Coca, Cian Hughes, Rhys Batten, Thomas Inge, Mukeni Nel, Lloyd Davies, Abigail Dever, Alexandra Wright, Elly Shaw, Liam Buckland, Lee Nicholson, and Brian O’Muiri. Resident director is Dane Quixall. Further casting to follow.


Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,the show is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with our favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks.


The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year - the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole
new Jellicle life.


For more information, visit www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing.


About CATS The Musical

CATS, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983 the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical, and ran for 18 years.

Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages and has been seen by more than 81 million people worldwide. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

The magnificent musical score composed by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, includes the poignant hit song ‘Memory’, which has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow.


About Base Entertainment Asia

Base Entertainment Asia is the largest presenter of live theatrical entertainment in Southeast Asia with offices in Kuala Lumpur and its regional headquarters in Singapore. It is the resident developer, producer, programmer and manager of live entertainment at Singapore’s Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.

Till date, Base Entertainment Asia has presented The Phantom of the Opera in Malaysia and over 200 of the world’s most recognised shows of varied genres in Singapore; musicals – Disney’s Aladdin, Disney’s The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, Matilda The Musical, The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, CATS, Chicago, MAMMA MIA!, West Side Story, Annie, Evita, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, The Lee Kuan Yew Musical, THE SECRET (based on Jay Chou’s movie, Secret; stage magic – The Illusionists I and II, Cosentino: Anything Is Possible; circuses – Le Noir, Cirque Adrenaline, Cirque Eloize, Circus 1903; live concerts – James Blunt, Pentatonix, Michael Bolton, Bjorn Again, Cliff Richard, AR Rahman, Air Supply, Elvis Costello, The Village People and Bjorn Again, The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Bee Gees Gold, Kit Chan, Kenny G; classical concerts – The Music of John Williams, The Music of Hans Zimmer VS John Williams, 007 In Concert; ballets – Superstars of Ballet Gala, Teatro di San Carlo’s Gisell; dance – Kabuki (Ebizo, Takizawa); cabaret – Forever Crazy: Crazy Horse Paris; comedy – Laugh You Long  Time; children – Disney Live, Disney in Concert, Hi-5, The Wiggles; under the big top – Cirque du Soleil – Totem, Cavalia; corporate speaking engagements – Cesar Milan, Steve Backshall; corporate events/exhibitions – Patek Philippe Watch Art Grand Exhibition Singapore 2019.

For more information, visit:

About David Ian Productions

David Ian Productions is a leading entertainment company based in London’s Covent Garden. Formed in 2006, DIP specialises in presenting large-scale theatrical productions in the UK, the US and internationally, and also offers a full general management service to the industry.


Aladdin - A Musical Of Enchanting Proportions

From the producer of The Lion King, the beloved story of Aladdin comes to life in this spectacular new musical.


Featuring all the songs from the classic Academy award winning film, including “Friend Like Me”, “A Whole New World” and “Arabian Nights”, prepare to experience the unmissable theatrical magic that is Aladdin.



(Photo Credit : Disney Theatrical Productions)

This spectacular production boasts of a staggering 337 glittering costumes featuring 1225 different fabrics, 712 bead styles and almost 500,000 Swarovski crystals. To create the breathtaking scenery, 40 tonnes of exotic sets, and 60 tonnes of automation and staging was shipped here in 30 container loads to create the mythical city of Agrabah with its bustling marketplace, the lush palace of the Sultan, and the legendary glittering Cave of Wonders.


Boasting of a talented cast of 34, Gareth Jacobs play the enigmatic and energetic genie, Graeme Isaako charms as the handsome Aladdin, with Shubshri Kandiah charming as the enchanting Jasmine.

(Photo Credit : Disney Theatrical Productions)

Celebrities abound on Opening Night...

Merlion Wayfarer's favourite scenes were the Cave of Wonders, where 120 pieces of gold were used to create the shimmering golden effect...

(Photo Credit : Disney Theatrical Productions)

... and the Flying Carpet where Aladdin charms Princess Jasmine through the starlit night across the dessert...

(Photo Credit : Disney Theatrical Productions)

Now playing until September 1 only. Catch it on its only stop in Asia for this tour!


(Photo Credit : Disney Theatrical Productions)

Popular with both the young and the old. Come early to secure your favourite seats...

Tickets are available through Marina Bay Sands Entertainment Ticketing or SISTIC.


Astell&Kern Brings In The New Wave With SP1000 AMP, SP2000, KANN CUBE

Astell&Kern, a global leader in portable high-resolution audio products, announces the launch of three new products - A&Ultima SP2000, KANN CUBE, and SP1000 AMP, in Singapore today. It includes two new high resolution portable players, and one amplifier module for Astell&Kern's classic model SP1000.

A&Ultima SP2000

A&Ultima SP2000 is the third and latest portable player released in the Astell&Kern A&Ultima range. The new SP2000 is the first Astell&Kern player to use separate, independent audio channels between the unbalanced and balanced outputs, creating more power than ever before - the ultimate audio experience audiophiles can look forward to. 

Arranged in a dual-mono configuration, SP2000 utilises two AKM AK4499EQ digital-to-analog converters (DACs) to create a wider soundstage and stronger stereo separation. The improved player has also been tuned to provide greater acoustic details, so your music sounds exactly like the original performance. Additionally, it is powered by an Octa-Core CPU offering twice the amount of internal storage at 512GB. 

Encased in a stainless steel back panel without any screws, the new A&Ultima SP2000 is a sleek and well-thought design crafted with its performance in mind. The design concept leverages on the metallic finishes, and cleverly plays on the dispersion of light. The exquisite crown detailing in the volume wheel complete with the geometric design of the body, emanates excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail right down to its core.

KANN CUBE

Equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier, the KANN CUBE will power drive any headphone without the need for a separate amplifier. Like the A&Ultima SP2000, KANN CUBE is also programmed with two 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9039PRO DACs in a dual-mono configuration. The ES9038PRO, which is used in high end studio and home pro audio equipment, delivers the ultimate in spaciousness and massive sound scale. The new 5-pin Mini XLR also makes it easy to connect to a home Hi-Fi audio amplifier. 

To match its power, the KANN CUBE takes on a sturdy look in classic black. With a focus on an intuitive interface, the design concept combines aesthetics and functionality.

Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP

A dedicated amplifier module for the A&Ultima SP1000 flagship model - The Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP delivers high gain balanced 10 Vrms and unbalanced 6.2 Vrms output, providing more power to drive more power-hungry headphones. 

The SP1000 AMP docks with the SP1000 player to provide a one-piece, seamless device for charging and volume control, unlike using a separate amplifier which requires additional cables and controls. The amplifier is equipped with a 3,700mA battery, and supports continuous music playback of up to 9 hours. 

Availability

The A&Ultima SP2000 Portable Player is available in Stainless Steel and Copper at S$5,299 (including GST). KANN CUBE is available in Wolf Gray at S$2,349 (including GST). Astell&Kern SP1000 AMP is available in Stainless Steel, Copper and Black at S$1,249 (including GST). 

The new range of products will be available from July 2019 at the following authorised retailers: AV One, AV One Lazada (www.lazada.sg/shop/av1group/), Challenger Musica Boutique, Connect-IT, E1 Personal Audio Singapore, Jaben, Music Sanctuary, Stereo Electronics, and Treoo.com.

Follow Astell&Kern on Facebook at www.facebook.com/akclubsg for the latest audiophile updates.

Asia's Got Talent Season 3 - The Grand Finalists

After weeks of tough competition and impressive performances, the Grand Final of Asia’s Got Talent Season 3 took place on Thursday at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore with a show-stopping performance. Fans have voted and the judges have made their picks. 

The 9 Grand Finalists are:

Merlion Wayfarer had the chance to meet and talk to some of the Grand Finalists. Here are their stories:

This is the MANIAC Family from Taiwan, a hiphop group formed by a teacher with her students. Coming from very different backgrounds and now each with their own jobs and schedules, their commitment to their group requires them to spend many sleepless nights practising their coordinated dance routines. Yes, with so many opinions in the group, they do quarrel often. But the successful resolution of each quarrel helps them understand each other better and bonds them even closer together... 




We have never seen a dance performance where the love between a couple showed so clearly from a TV/stage performance. Yet these two made their love come through to touch us from afar. Anjanette is a short, bubbly powerhouse who bounces and chirps excitedly as she speaks. Jervin is her stable other half who holds and catches her every move, fall and slide. When asked how do they create the spark in their relationship despite the humdrum of everyday couple life, they shared about the trust required in each other, and that they never quarrel beyond a day. To them, we said, "You are the inspiration behind all romantic couples"...


This is Junior Good Vibes. From practising on the streets to the Grand Finals of the Asia's Got Talent show with phrases heaped on by rapper-dancer Jay Park, they're an inspiration to all.


When asked what message will they want to share with others who have a dream, they said they hope to inspire others with their own story - if they can do it, others can do it too...


During the semi-finals, we were mesmerized by Yang Shihao's performance with his Cyr Wheel. With the wheel weighing at least 15 kg, he seemed to be almost one with it as he executed his acrobatic moves. His performances from the heats to the finals was all about his life story accompanied by spellbinding music. When speaking to him, a very down-to-earth Shihao shares his story about how knowing and practising with the wheel has given him discipline and direction in life. He showed me his hands. Even now, after years of practice, he still injures himself all the time. The back of his hand showed several chipped and bruised nails. His palms were full of calluses from gripping the heavy wheel. Yet, he remains devoted to his craft...


All nine acts will be up for public voting and only one act will be crowned the winner of Asia’s Got Talent and awarded the grand prize of US$100,000. Voting opens from Thursday, 4 April until Wednesday, 10 April, 11:59pm, and fans can vote via Google Search and Facebook Messenger. For more information on voting, visit www.AXN-Asia.com/AGTVote.


Singapore's Very Own TK Jiang At Asia's Got Talent Season 3

Record-breaking Asia's Got Talent returns to AXN for a sizzling third season with music industry icons and celebrity judges David Foster, Anggun and Jay Park as they witness a new generation of talent unfold, and ultimately Asia's next superstar.

Will it be Indonesia's Frans Sisir who is able to belt out Frank Sinatra's medleys with a comb, the powerful yet enchanting Yang Shih Hao from Taiwan who spins magic with his Cyr Wheel, or Singapore's very own TK Jiang, the first and only magician from Singapore to receive the Golden Buzzer?

Tune in to AXN on 04 April Thursday at 2030 hours to see which of these charismatic semi-finalists made it to the Grand Final, where the prize of US$100,000 awaits them.


More on AXN's website here.

About TK Jiang

TK was given his first magic set from Daiso at age 10. Pursuing and perfecting his craft since he was in secondary school, he had accumulated a significant stash of books and magic sets in his home. 

One year ago, on his way home after class, he noticed firefighters and police under his block in Upper Boon Keng Road. The entire flat that he shared with his parents, who were also not home at the time, suffered heavy soot damage, and the family had to move out immediately. He lost all his magic equipment, which included close-up and stage magic props.

Making the most of what he had left in his school bag - his laptop and tablet, he turned to digital magic. He tried crowdfunding on Give.asia where $7,000 was raised, which went towards the refurbishment of his flat and replacing his magic equipment.


"I was able to bounce back so quickly because of all the unexpected support I received, so I decided to audition for Asia's Got Talent as a way to repay all the people who helped me."
--- TK Jiang ---

During his Asia's Got Talent audition, the 23-year-old business administration undergraduate from Singapore Management University, performed an original trick that involved objects such as balls, fruits and even a glass of juice apparently "emerging" from his iPad. Korean-American judge Jay Park was so impressed and entertained, he pressed his Golden Buzzer for Mr Jiang, sending him straight to the semi-finals.


Follow TK on his website at tkjiang.com.

CanJam 2019 - AV One Sets The Standard With Its Selection

CanJam returns to Singapore for the 4th edition in 2019, and AV One is excited to be participating with a special selection of headphones and announcements.


Highlights include:

  • Be the first to see FiiO's latest product line, debuting in Singapore at this event
      
  • Try out the world's most innovative gaming headphones, Audeze Mobius
       
  • Listen to Astell & Kern premium audio players and headphones specially tuned by German masters from Beyerdynamic

The A&ultima SP1000M with its Octa-Core CPU and AK4497EQ Dual DAC for the highest sound quality. The 4.1 Inch HD Display makes for easy viewing with its portable and durable aluminium body. Beside it, Jenny Harvey's Diana with its 3Way 3BA Drivers and ergonomic, precision-machined aluminium body is the perfect in-ear monitor for recording artists and mix engineers.

  
  • Try out the world's most compact planar magnetic driver from British audio brand, RHA 
RHA is an independent audio company based in Glasgow, UK with a mission to transform the way people interact with sound, technology and each other. Its products encompass its 3 tenents of unrivalled battery life, comfortable, noise-isolating design, and a three-year manufacturer's warranty.

   
  • Experience precise representation of music and ultra-realistic soundstage from the world's first THX certified headphones from 1More, tuned to perfection by Grammy Winning Sound Engineer, Luca Bignardi

   
  • Meet the visionaries of companies - John Franks, founder and CEO of Chord Electronics,  Rob Watts, digital design consultant of Chord Electronics and Andy Regan, president of MrSpeakers


CanJam 2019 is held at the Pan Pacific Singapore @ Raffles Boulevard on 30 March (Saturday) from 1100-1900 hours and 31 March (Sunday) from 1000-1700 hours.



Beoplay H7 - Escaping Into Nordic Nature

B&O PLAY’s Autumn/Winter Collection is specially designed for life on the go and inspired by the wild Nordic landscape. The exciting range combines beautiful designs, precision sound engineering for the signature sound by Bang & Olufsen and up to 24 hours of battery life.  The rugged beauty of Nordic Nature takes centre stage in the limited edition collection, as the award-winning designers - Cecilie Manz and Jacob Wagner - took inspiration from the shifting streams, birch trees, mineral clay, moss, rich soils, lava stone and black sand beaches found in the stark and untamed landscape of Nordic Nature.


Beoplay H7

In the adventurous spirit of the great outdoors,  the cocoa brown Beoplay H7 is inspired by the textured soil in wild Nordic lands, with soft lambskin on the ear cushions and their adoptive memory foam to ensure superior touch and feel. The luxurious material combination of anodised aluminium, lambskin and cowhide leather age with beauty, so the more Beoplay H7 is used, the more personality it gets.

Designed by Jakob Wagner, Beoplay H7 Cocoa Brown is inspired by
the textured soil and grass of Nordic nature...

Beoplay H7 is crafted to deliver the Bang & Olufsen signature sound - a perfectly well-balanced sound with a wide sound stage. The sound stays true to the music, no matter if the cord is used or not. Bluetooth 4.2 with aptX and AAC codecs give uncompromised wireless sound, whether listening to music or on the phone. The intuitive touch interface allows one to answer calls, change songs and adjust volume with the lightest touch.

Although a trifle muted in its sound quality, the compact over-ear fit is snug and comfortable with its good quality finish and effectively shuts out external noise...

Sophisticated touch system for easy enjoyment...

Featuring advanced battery technology with up to 20 hours of wireless playtime, the smart Beoplay H7 features an intelligent battery-saving function that automatically kicks in after 15 minutes and turns its power off. Weighing only 280 grams, Beoplay H7 is built for comfort, and made to be worn all day and night. The Beoplay H7 is available at the retail price of S$599.