Singapore Symphony Orchestra: Romantic Masterpieces: Tchaikovsky, Brahms & Koh

Singapore Symphony Orchestra: Romantic Masterpieces: Tchaikovsky, Brahms & Koh

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Posted 2025-02-18 by John Andrewfollow

Sun 16 Feb 2025


On February 16th, the Concert Hall of Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) was packed to the rafters and filled with an air of excitement as the internationally acclaimed Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) made their highly anticipated Australian debut. The audience, clearly eager and appreciative, greeted every movement with enthusiastic applause, with some even clapping before a movement had ended – which the conductor greeted with a good-humoured Gallic shrug.

Under the visionary direction of Music Director Hans Graf, the SSO delivered a mesmerizing afternoon of Romantic masterpieces.

The concert began with the world premiere of Luciola singapura, a shimmering and evocative piece by award-winning Singaporean composer Koh Cheng Jin. The delicate interplay of orchestral textures and the vibrant tones of the Yang Qin (Chinese dulcimer) painted a vivid picture of the newly discovered species of luminous firefly from Singapore's Nee Soon Forest. Even your somewhat reactionary aged reviewer was moved by the cohesion of the orchestra and the energy of their interpretation of this confronting work.

Then, the spotlight turned to two of the evening’s remarkable soloists, violinist Chloe Chua and cellist Ng Pei-Sian, for Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op. 102. Chua, a violin prodigy whose virtuosity has already earned her global acclaim, dazzled with her expressive phrasing and impeccable technique. Still in her teens, she first won acclaim by winning an adult competition at the age of eleven. She was complemented perfectly by Ng Pei-Sian, whose cello playing was rich, lyrical, and deeply emotive. Together, the duo forged a mesmerizing dialogue, their instruments weaving in and out of each other with a stunning balance. The chemistry between them was palpable, and it was no surprise that the audience could not hold back their applause after every section of the concerto.

The afternoon culminated in the towering Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, a work that embodies the soul-stirring intensity of Russian Romanticism. The orchestra delivered it with an exhilarating energy, and the lush, anguished melodies soared under Graf’s dynamic leadership. The symphony’s sweeping grandeur and passionate themes were powerfully brought to life, with Graf guiding the ensemble through every intricate nuance. It was clear why Hans Graf, a recipient of France’s prestigious Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Légion d’Honneur, has earned such acclaim throughout his career. His mastery on the podium shone brightly in this performance.

The SSO’s performance was a triumph, a stunning display of technical brilliance, emotional depth, and musical unity. The musicians were impeccable, and the soloists simply dazzling. The warm reception from the audience reflected the sheer magic that had unfolded on stage. In an afternoon that combined the romance of the 19th century with the innovation of contemporary music, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra proved why they are considered one of the best orchestras in the world.

PROGRAM

Koh Cheng Jin Luciola singapura
Brahms Concerto for Violin and Cello in A minor, Op.102
Encore: Waltzing Matilda
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op.64
Encore: Tchaikovsky Ecossaise from Eugene Onegin
Encore: Scriabin Reverie, Op.24

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303373 - 2025-02-17 23:32:50

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