three prog.indd
TRANSCRIPT
In Collaboration with Esplanade —Theatres on the Bay
With support from:
In partnership with:In collaboration with:
In support of World Choral Day
1
This is the Year of With. We fl ed to the stars with SMU Chamber Choir; and built an army of Supergirls
with the St Anthony’s Canossian Secondary School Choir for the Pamintuanfest, SingaFOUR. One
With led to another — we believed, singing, with ONE Chamber Choir, and loved, with the NUS Choir
and pioneer conductor Lee Yuk Chuan, who seems forever 21.
It all started last December at our fi rst 50th Anniversary Concert, Pagdiriwang, with Jojo and the atelier
choir. A year and many Withs later, we stand here once again with Jojo, and Ko. With their choirs, ACS
and Gaia, we repeat our family anthems Better World and Hoc est præceptum meum, knowing that
wishes do come true. We premiere a 50th Anniversary commission for triple choir, My Song, calling
upon our forest-man Friend — Vytautas Miškinis — to lend wings to our dreams. Labas (V)ytas!!
We sing again Preghiera Semplice and Itsuki Lullaby, written for our 40th Anniversary, with ACS and
Gaia respectively; overjoyed that both composers are here. Yes, Ryan Cayabyab is here!! (Sing this to
the grass.)
And, Eric Banks is here for the premiere of Artifacts! Eric has a notorious way with words. Inspired by
our 50 Artefacts x 50 Years series on Facebook, he spun 50 lines from Sam the Poem Machine — Sing
this to the grass. Repeat. — into a narrative on the passage of time. He calls these fragments “burnished
verses”, we call them serious earworm material. (Sing this to the grass.)
We reprise two other 50th Anniversary commissions, Kelly Tang’s Sonnet 43 and Ivo Antognini’s Life
has…, both premiered earlier in the year among other gifts and birthday presents. For in between the
Withs, we managed to squeeze in some SYC time: a concert on Stuff and Nonsense, another of Song-
songs and Agur!, a tour to the 46th Tolosa Choral Contest.
22006: THREE, Singapore.
3
While in Spain, we learnt that Iskandar Ismail had lost his battle with cancer. His music —
unapologetically catchy, unabashedly patriotic — made us stand up for Singapore. (Sing this to the
grass.) He wrote something for us, Joget la la la, one of over sixty bespoke works that make us who we
are. The music written for us is our legacy, a measure of fi fty years in the life of SYC, now documented
in the commemorative publication This Song of Mine. Part commissioned essay, part memorabilia, it is
the story of how we sing our way home. Rasa sayang, lah.
We started 2014 on fi re, with the Rolling Stones. On stage with those famous lips in “You Can’t Always
Get What You Want”, we got what we needed — proof that age is no matter. Leave the moss-gathering
to others; John Tavener’s Flood of Beauty and Cecilia Rydinger Alin await us in 2015! (Not at the same
time.) For now, let’s close the SYC50 celebrations with Friends. *Love**Hope**Joy*
Let’s begin With. THREE.
Peace on earth.
Jen and the SYC Ensemble Singers
42006: THREE, Singapore.
5
PROCLAMATION
Sing, choirs of the world!
May your voices take springs to where the fi res burn.
May your songs bring roses to where the battlefi elds lay.
Open the furrows and sow the seeds of love,
to harvest the fruits of hope.
Sing to liberty where despotism rules.
Sing to equality where poverty nests.
Sing to fraternity where hatred prevails.
May your songs guide the world,
so that peace replaces war,
and all will cherish the earth;
so that diff erences in race or colour do not matter,
and we are all one community;
so that this planet rejoices with your voices.
Sing, choirs of the world!
ABOUT
World Choral Day is an initiative of the International Federation for Choral Music
(IFCM), fi rst proposed by Alberto Grau and adopted by the IFCM in 1990. World Choral
Day is celebrated annually on or around the 2nd Sunday in December, and aims to
promote solidarity, peace and understanding through choral music.
Find out more at www.worldchoralday.org
6
Gaia x ACS x SYCES
Vytautas MIŠKINIS My Song*
SYCES
Americ GOH Singapura Permai
Kelly TANG Sonnet 43
Ivo ANTOGNINI Life has…
Eric BANKS Artifacts*
ACS x SYCES
Ryan CAYABYAB Preghiera Semplice
*world premiere
Gaia Philharmonic Choir with Ko Matsushita (Japan)
Ateneo Chamber Singers with Jonathan Velasco (Philippines)
SYC Ensemble Singers with Jennifer Tham (Singapore)
7
ACS
Ryan CAYABYAB Sanctus/Agnus Dei
Iduyan Mo
Hibang sa Awit
Munting Sanggol
I N T E R M I S S I O N
Gaia x SYCES
Ko MATSUSHITA Itsuki no Komori Uta
Gaia
Ko MATSUSHITA Tori
Takatomi NOBUNAGA From the Ruins
Chapter 1: Endlessly Flowing
Chapter 2:The Guadalcanal Front
Chapter 3: A Funeral Umui
Gaia x ACS x SYCES
Ko MATSUSHITA Hoc est praeceptum meum
Ryan CAYABYAB/arr. Gianpaolo ELERIA Better World
82006: THREE, Singapore.
9
THREE is a biennial collaborative concert series founded by Ko Matsushita, Jonathan
Velasco and Jennifer Tham — three Asian conductors born in the same year — and features
their adult community ensemble choirs, Gaia Philharmonic Choir, the Ateneo Chamber
Singers and the SYC Ensemble Singers respectively.
THREE aims to foster friendship and cultural ties between the three Asian choirs, and in
doing so, promote greater cultural exchange and understanding between the three countries.
THREE also supports the International Federation for Choral Music’s World Choral Day
initiative, strongly believing that choral music can overcome diff erences and build bridges
between communities from diverse political, social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
In addition to showcasing works that are defi nitive of each choir, THREE also commissions
and performs works for triple choir. THREE was fi rst held in Singapore in 2006 and has since
been staged in Tokyo, Manila and Sapporo. 2014 marks the return of the concert series to
Singapore for the fi rst time since its inauguration.
102011: Tatlo – A Choral Celebration, Manila.
11
KO MATSUSHITA
Conductor and composer Ko Matsushita graduated at the top of his class from the Department of
Composition, Kunitachi College of Music, Tokyo. He obtained his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting
at the Kodály Institute in Hungary, studying under Professors János Reményi, Miklos Mohay, and
Péter Erdei.
Matsushita composes in various musical fi elds, with a focus on choral music. A prolifi c composer and
arranger, his works are performed and published both in Japan and abroad. To date, feature concerts of
his works have been held in Japan, Poland, Shenzhen (China), and Taiwan. The Shenzhen Symphony
Orchestra also premiered his orchestral work at the Shenzhen concert.
Matsushita serves as the music director of the Choral Alliance of Tokyo “Koyukai” and conducts more
than 10 prize-winning choirs. In 2015, he has been invited, along with his choir, to the American Choral
Directors Association’s National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is guest conductor of the
Beijing University Mixed Choir, and has been invited to guest conduct choirs internationally. Matsushita
adjudicates at international choral and composition competitions, and is an active clinician and lecturer.
In 2005, Matsushita became the fi rst Asian to receive the Robert Edler Prize for Choral Music in recognition
of his achievements worldwide in that fi eld. Through the Karuizawa International Choral Festival of which
he is Artistic Director, he continues to promote cultural exchange through choral singing.
Matsushita is currently a board member of the Tokyo Choral Association. He is also a member of the
Japan Composers & Arrangers Association, the Japan Choral Directors Association (JCDA), and the
JCDA Children’s Chorus. He is a member of the International Kodály Society, and a repr esentative of the
Workshop of the Choral Expression.
122011: Tatlo – A Choral Celebration, Manila.
13
JONATHAN VELASCO
Jonathan M. Velasco studied Piano, Voice, and Choral Conducting at the University of the Philippines
College of Music from 1979 to 1989. At the age of 19, he joined and became the assistant choirmaster
of the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers. Following this, he spent four years at the Berliner
Kirchenmusikschule in Germany, where he fi nished his music studies with distinction. He sang with the
World Youth Choir from 1990 to 1991 and assumed the post of Principal Conductor in 1996, 2001 and
2002, the fi rst Asian and Filipino to do so. Velasco also founded the Philippine Chamber Choir in 1998.
A sought-after choral specialist, Velasco has given numerous workshops and choral clinics around the
world, including in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Germany, and the Netherlands. He is a
regular adjudicator at various international choral competitions, including the World Choir Games. He
was guest conductor of the Ateneo College Glee Club in 2000 and 2001, and has won top prizes for the
group in choral competitions across Europe during those years.
Under his guidance, the Ateneo Chamber Singers has become the Philippines’ only choir specializing in
sacred choral music, committed to making this repertoire more accessible to the Atenean and ultimately
the Filipino community. He has led the ACS to great heights, with victories in international competitions
as well as launches of critically-acclaimed albums.
142013: THREE in Sapporo — Songs from the South.
15
JENNIFER THAM
Jennifer has directed the Singapore Youth Choir (now the SYC Ensemble Singers) since 1986. In her hands,
the SYC has earned several prizes and awards, as well as a reputation for being the composer’s choir, malleable
to the demands of contemporary choral music.
Jennifer is also Artistic Director of the Young Musicians’ Society, the arts company responsible for the Asia
South Pacifi c Symposium on Choral Music (2001) and its off shoots, the First Aid for Choirs and Conductors
workshop series, and the Kodály Seminar Asia for music pedagogues.
Jennifer has taught choral conducting at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and given workshops and
short courses to conductors at home, in Japan and in Indonesia. She has chaired and spoken on panels at
conferences and symposia in Singapore, Argentina, Denmark, Estonia and Sweden; and was the principal
lecturer at the 2008 Lithuanian Conductors Summer Academy, hosted by the Lithuanian Choral Union and
the Ministry of Culture. She has presented lectures and reading sessions on Singapore choral music at
symposia in Croatia and USA, and conducted the Asia Pacifi c Youth Choir in a programme of contemporary
music of this region at the 10th World Symposium on Choral Music (Seoul, Korea, 2014). For the International
Federation for Choral Music, she co-coordinates the Asia Pacifi c Working Committee; and also serves on the
World Choir Council, representing Singapore.
In 2012, Jennifer was conferred the nation’s highest artistic accolade, the Cultural Medallion, by the President,
Republic of Singapore.
162013: THREE in Sapporo — Songs from the South.
17
IVO ANTOGNINI (SWITZERLAND)
Ivo Antognini studied with Nora Doallo and obtained his degree in piano at Lucerne, before studying
at the Swiss Jazz School in Berene with the pianist Joe Haider. He is currently Professor of Ear-training
and Complementary Piano at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano.
A self-taught composer, he has written music for television and fi lm, and released three jazz albums of
original works. Since 2006, Antognini has also composed for, and worked with, choirs. His choral works
have won prizes and mentions at several national and international competitions. He has been composer-
in-residence to Coro Calicantus and was a featured composer of Schola Cantorum on Hudson’s 2011-
2012 concert season.
His music is published internationally and has been performed by renowned professional and amateur
choral ensembles, including the Vancouver Chamber Choir, the Antioch Chamber Ensemble, Kölner
Kantorei and Elektra Women’s Choir.
Discover Ivo’s music at www.ivoantognini.com
18
ERIC BANKS (UNITED STATES)
Eric Banks is a conductor, linguist, vocalist, ethnomusicologist, and composer of choral and orchestral
music who has garnered international acclaim for his creative programming and commitment to new
music for voices.
He studied Composition at Yale University, and earned his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Music
Theory and Choral Studies at the University of Washington. Banks was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship
to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Stockholm, where he also performed with the Swedish
Radio Choir and the Eric Ericson Chamber Choir.
He is the founder of The Esoterics, a professional-calibre chamber ensemble. Seattle’s most innovative
chorus, the critically-acclaimed and award-winning group has premiered over 150 new works in dozens
of languages and released fourteen CD recordings.
In his music, Banks is drawn to, and chooses to express and elucidate, concepts that are undiscovered,
under-represented, or not easily decipherable by a wider audience (ie “esoteric”). He has harnessed
his passions for foreign poetry, classical civilization, comparative religion, social justice, and natural
science to create choral works that reach far beyond the scope of the established a cappella canon.
As a composer and choral scholar, he has been awarded numerous grants and commissions to write,
produce and record his works.
Find out more about Eric at www.ericbanks.com
19
I. This is the present: 1
the aching, backbreaking present. 2
We ask ourselves where we are, 3
not knowing that the answer lies 4
buried within us, still breathing. 5
II. Is the body so soft 6
that it cannot feel the wind 7
howling through its own architecture? 8
III. Sing this to the grass. 9
Repeat. 10
IV. We pronounce the name of things 11
and anticipate the slightest possibility 12
that we might be able to 13
slide our fi ngers down their contours, 14
and understand their shapes, 15
and manage our desire. 16
V. I have only ever been adjacent to love, 17
absorbing its tendencies, 18
like gauze upon a wound. 19
VI. I sit by the reeds. 20
This is all that I have. 21
VII. I see the waves 22
licking upward with salt and fi sh, 23
and the bobbing boats, 24
like a crowd of heads in the dusty city. 25
VIII. I cannot tell you 26
how to grow your own roses, 27
only that you should begin 28
when the air is warm and dewy. 29
IX. There are only two things on my mind: 30
how mild the day has been 31
and how slowly the sun is edging its way 32
between the gaps in the skyline. 33
X. It hasn’t rained for a month. 34
XI. Through the honey-edged night, 35
expectation is thick 36
like sweet cream on a butter biscuit 37
XII. The moon is tucked into the heart 38
cleverly, like origami. 39
XIII. Above, a shooting star completes the cliché. 40
XIV. Let me sleep beneath the Big Dipper, 41
eat another biscuit in this pouring rain, 42
feel my toes again. 43
Then swing me past the fern fronds 44
and the smoky byways 45
into this green lung, 46
the tangled jungle of our youth. 47
XV. I will tell you this: 48
I have put my faith 49
in a new way of knowing. 50
ARTIFACTS — Eric Banks
Setting of fi fty lines of “burnished verses” by Samuel Lee.
World Premiere: SYC Ensemble Singers, 14 December 2014, Singapore.
20
RYAN CAYABYAB (PHILIPPINES)
Ryan Cayabyab is one of the Philippines’ most well known musical personalities. He majored in
composition at the University of Philippines College of Music, where he subsequently taught
composition and theory for almost two decades.
Spanning genres, his output includes several masses, fi lm and television scores, short symphonic works,
musical theatre, opera, ballet, solo and instrumental works, three one-man a capella song albums (with
all 16 voice parts recorded by him), and popular songs sung by top Filipino recording artists. He has
won awards and acclaim, both at home and abroad, and was the only Asian winner of the Onassis
International Cultural Competition (2001).
He was the Executive and Artistic Director of the now defunct San Miguel Foundation for the Performing
Arts, and is a member of the board of directors of the ABS CBN Philharmonic Orchestra. He co-
founded the Music School of Ryan Cayabyab, an alternative training school for the musical arts. He
currently directs acclaimed young adult vocal group, the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.
Recognised for his signifi cant contribution to Filipino music, he was the fi rst recipient of the Antonio
C. Barreiro Achievement Award, and was also bestowed Awit Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Awit Awards are presented by the Philippines recording industry, and are akin to the Grammys.
In 2013, he was honoured by Pope Francis and the Vatican with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifi ce award for
his contribution to the fi eld of religious/sacred music.
21
GIANPAOLO ELERIA (PHILIPPINES)
Gianpaolo Eleria graduated from Berklee College of Music in Boston with degrees in Music Business
and Contemporary Writing Production. His choral career began at the Ateneo de Manila University — he
accompanied and sang with the Ateneo High School Glee club, and thereafter, with the prize-winning
Ateneo College Glee Club under the leadership of Dr. Joel Navarro and Prof. Jonathan Velasco. He is a
co-founder of the Ateneo Chamber Singers.
Currently a composer, arranger, choral conductor and teacher, his choral works have been performed by
choirs internationally.
AMERIC GOH (SINGAPORE)
Americ Goh fi rst studied composition in Singapore under John Sharpley, also receiving instruction from
Zechariah Goh, Leong Yoon Pin and Jennifer Tham. He is currently furthering his composition studies at
the University for Music and Dramatic Arts (Graz, Austria) under Gerd Kühr, Pierluigi Billone and Peter
Ablinger (Klangwege 2010), and has attended master-classes and courses by Zygmunt Krauze, Georges
Aperghis and Beat Furrer.
He has written a number of works for voices: both for choir and solo voice, including commissions for
several Singapore choirs. His choral compositions and arrangements have been performed internationally.
22
VYTAUTAS MIŠKINIS (LITHUANIA)
Composer, conductor and educator, Vytautas Miškinis is one of the most prominent fi gures in Lithuanian
choral music today.
Miškinis studied choral conducting under Herman Perelšteinas at the Lithuanian State Conservatoire,
and is currently a professor at Choral Conducting Department of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and
the President of the Lithuanian Choir Union. He is the artistic director of several award-winning choral
ensembles, the best known of which is the boys’ choir of the Ąžuoliukas music school in Vilnius. Under
his direction, the Ąžuoliukas boys’ choir, which he has led since 1979, has contributed signifi cantly to the
promotion of Lithuanian choral music both in Lithuania and aboard.
He has been chief conductor of various national song festivals in Lithuania, and is also a consultant on the
Europa Cantat music committee, a member of the Children and Youth Commission of the International
Federation for Choral Music, and a Board member of the World Choir Games. Well known and respected
as a choral music advocate and, he is regularly invited to present at international choral symposia and
seminars, and to adjudicate at international choral competitions.
A prolifi c composer, Miškinis’ compositions and arrangements (in excess of 650) are staples for choirs of
all standing worldwide, and have a permanent place in the repertoire of Lithuania’s national song festivals.
His works display a melodic-harmonic texture with polyphonic, aleatoric and sonoristic elements, closely
connecting text to music.
In 1983 Miškinis received the Culture Distinction Award, and in 1985 was granted the honorary title of
Distinguished Artist. In 2002, he was nominated Composer of the Year.
Encounter Vytautas and his works at www.mic.lt/en/persons/info/miskinis
23
MY SONG — Vytautas Miškinisfor three mixed choirs
From The Crescent Moon by Rabindranath Tagore.
World Premiere: Ateneo Chamber Singers, Gaia Philharmonic Choir, SYC Ensemble Singers,
14 December 2014, Singapore.
This song of mine will wind its music around you, my child, like the fond arms of love.
This song of mine will touch your forehead like a kiss of blessing.
When you are alone it will sit by your side and wh isper in your ear, when you are in the crowd it will fence
you about with aloofness.
My song will be like a pair of wings to your dreams, it will transport your heart to the verge of the unknown.
It will be like the faithful star overhead when dark night is over your road.
My song will sit in the pupil of your eyes, and will carry your sight into the heart of things.
And when my voice is silent in death, my song will speak in your living heart.
242006: THREE, SIngapore.
25
TAKATOMI NOBUNAGA (JAPAN)
Nobunaga graduated from the Faculty of Humanities, Sophia University.
His major works include Ballad for tenor, piano, violin and violoncello, Fragments for solo vocal and
piano, The Feast of a Glowing for children’s chorus and traditional Japanese musical instruments, and The
Children’s last wills, an oratorio for children’s chorus and orchestra.
Nobunaga was awarded The Asahi Award for Competition (Chorus Works) in 1994, 1995, and 1999. He also
received fi rst prize in the Sogakudo Japanese Song Competition (Composition Department) in 1998, and
second prize in the Japan Music Competition (Chamber Music Section) in 2001.
KELLY TANG (SINGAPORE)
Kelly Tang received his undergraduate musical training at York University (Toronto), his Master’s degree
in Composition at Northwestern University and PhD in Music at Michigan State University. He is currently
Dean of Arts at the School of the Arts, Singapore.
Tang’s compositional style springs from a diverse musical background, including jazz performance,
composing for stage musicals, producing rock/pop records, fi lm scoring and South Indian drumming. In
addition to choral works, his oeuvre includes works for chamber and orchestra, wind band works, jazz
compositions, and scores for fi lm. Among others, he was invited to write Eight Decades, an overture
commemorating Lee Kuan Yew’s 80th birthday. He also scored music for acclaimed Australian fi lm, Feet
Unbound.
His works have been performed by renowned orchestras and ensembles at home and abroad. His jazz
compositions have been performed by Singapore jazz stalwart Jeremy Monteiro together with Grammy
recipients, Ernie Watts and Randy Brecker. Through regular commissions for the Singapore Youth Festival,
his compositions are also performed by thousands of young musicians annually.
For his contribution to the arts in Singapore, he was conferred Singapore’s highest arts award, the Cultural
Medallion, by the President of Singapore in 2011.
Hear Kelly’s works at www.reverbnation.com/kellytang
262009: THREE Vol. 2 Asian Sound, Tokyo.
27
GAIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR (JAPAN)
SOPRANO Ayumi Gunji, Kyoko Hasegawa, Eri Horita, Yukiko Nagashima, Miki Saijo, Tomoko Shimasaki,
Tokiko Toya, Nao Yamazaki.
ALTO Yoko Akata, Misa Koga, Naoka Morosawa, Saori Nishikawara, Oh Xuemin, Chiemi Okita,
Natsuki Sugawara, Kayoko Takahashi, Tomoko Yamada.
TENOR Takahisa Ishizaki, Ryo Matsumoto, Akito Sakakibara, Mitsutaka Shimasaki, Tsukasa Takamine.
BASS Kentaro Arai, Kazuyuki Dokai, Akifumi Fukaya, Akihiro Sakai, Koji Saruta, Ryo Satake,
Susumu Takahashi.
ATENEO CHAMBER SINGERS (PHILIPPINES)
SOPRANO Elaine Aliga-Ricafort, Catherine Candano-Endriga, Elizabeth Chua, Armin De Pano-Raralio,
Maria Gallardo, Anna Gutierrez, Angelica Lazo-Mayuga, Anna Marie Oppus-Remonte, Ester Paragas,
Wilma Santiago, Chrissie Tan, Ma. Aurora Tomas-Tamayo, Tria Villasis-Ramolete.
ALTO Katrina Belamide, Nelda De Pano-Supnet, Nina Rose De Pano, Rosa Fruto-Garcia, Maria Panlilio,
Daphine Tancinco Magdangal, Mary Trangco, Aleli Villanueva Salazar.
TENOR Alexander Amado, Bernard Ebuña, Von de Guzman, Mikhael Llado, John Mojica, Caloy
Ongchangco, Will Nelson Tan, Lester Tanquilut.
BASS Zernan Diaz, Stephen Egan, Marvin Guevarra, Rainier Pagcaliwagan, Irvinne Redor, Marco Reyes,
Manuel Tamayo, Ryan Vicente, Renato Villar.
SYC ENSEMBLE SINGERS (SINGAPORE)
SOPRANO Clarissa Cheong, Choy Siew Lin, Choy Siew Woon, Chow Xue Wen, Nicolette Foo, Hillary Lee,
Liew Shen Een, Lim Ming Boon, Lim Pei Yu, Ong Jia Qi, Tay Seow Boon, Jean Teo, Yao Huijun.
ALTO Charlotte Cheong, Karen Cheong, Deborah Gan, Germaine Goh, Gloria Goh, Yina Goh, Angela Lee,
Vivian Poon, Tan Pei Ling, Molina Thirumal.
TENOR Calvin Goh, Kong Delin, Tan Song Ern, Michael Yudistira, Zhan Zhirui.
BASS John Rae Cortes, Hong Zhengyang, Aldo Joson, Kenny Khoo, Samuel Lee, Brian Lim, Benlee Tan,
Joseph Tay, Albert Yeo.
282011: Tatlo – A Choral Celebration, Manila.
29
GAIA PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Formed in 2001 under music director and resident conductor Ko Matsushita, Gaia Philharmonic Choir
seeks to achieve a symphonic sound, delving deeply into music both old and new, East and West.
“Gaia” is the Goddess of the Earth in Greek mythology, and represents Mother Earth, which nurtures all
forms of life. Its name refl ects the choir’s desire to join hands and sing of the music that has stayed as
constant as the Earth throughout the ages, and of our one precious Earth, bringing peace to the world.
Based in Tokyo, the choir’s activities revolve around its annual concerts, participation in various choral
festivals, and performances in other concerts.
In addition to THREE, the choir was invited in 2008 to perform for the world premiere of Ah Nagasaki
— Ashes Into Light (Robert Kyr) as a representative of the nation that had suff ered nuclear bombings.
The performance in St. Paul, Minneapolis (USA) was extremely well received. Locally, the choir has also
been actively pushing its boundaries. In 2009, the choir performed under the baton of guest conductor
Frieder Bernius, an esteemed authority in the fi eld of Romantic music.
In May 2014, the choir participated in the International Choir Festival Mundus Cantat Sopot held in
Poland, and was awarded Gold in the folk and sacred music categories, as well as the overall festival
Grand Prix.
302011: Tatlo – A Choral Celebration, Manila.
31
ATENEO CHAMBER SINGERS
The Ateneo Chamber Singers (ACS) was formed by graduating members of the Ateneo College Glee
Club in 2001. Since its launch in 2002, the ACS has earned national and international renown for its
commitment to stylistically informed and compelling renditions of sacred choral music. Today, the
ACS comprises alumni and friends of the Ateneo de Manila University. Many of the choristers are
professionals in various fi elds who give their time to make wonderful music with the ACS.
The ACS has touched the hearts of countless people both in the Philippines and abroad. Aside from
North American tours, the choir has achieved acclaim in festivals and competitions in Europe. In July
2014, the ACS was declared Champion of the Musica Sacra A Capella Category at the World Choir
Games held in Riga, Latvia. In the same year, the choir was also awarded the top prize for Habaneras at
the Certamen Internacional de Habaneras y Polifonico in Torrevieja, Spain. In 2006, the ACS won First
Prize in the Polyphony Category at the Tolosa International Choral Competition and participated in
the prestigious Polyfollia Festival in Saint Lo, France.
The ACS has also released several critically-acclaimed albums including four self-produced CDs as
well as three albums in collaboration with the Jesuit Music Ministry.
322009: THREE Vol. 2 Asian Sound, Tokyo.
33
SYC ENSEMBLE SINGERS
The SYC Ensemble Singers began life in 1964 as the Singapore Youth Choir (SYC), a national choir for young
singers transcending school colours and loyalties. To celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2004 and to refl ect a
coming of age, the choir was renamed the SYC Ensemble Singers.
Throughout its history, the choir was considered a trailblazer and standard-bearer of choral music in Singapore.
In 1974, the SYC was the fi rst Singapore choir to win an international competition, the Llangollen International
Music Eisteddfod. It was also the fi rst choir to receive the President’s Charity and the Excellence for Singapore
awards (1997 and 2000 respectively). As the recording choir of the reorchestrated national anthem (2000), they
are the last voice to be broadcasted every day.
Led by Jennifer Tham since 1986, the SYC Ensemble Singers today is an adult chamber ensemble whose singers
hail from all walks of life. In keeping with the pioneering spirit of its past, the choir continues to question musical
boundaries, to redefi ne the relevance of ensemble singing, and to constantly strive to enlarge and preserve a
musical space for the musicians of tomorrow.
The passion and focus of the SYC Ensemble Singers is contemporary repertoire. The choir promotes and
performs the work of living composers, and aims to premiere either new works, or works new to its audience, at
every concert. The choir topped the contemporary music category of the 58th Concorso Polifonico Internazionale
in Arezzo, Italy, an auditioned competition of the European Grand Prix circuit, and also won top prizes at the 7th
International Choir Festival Mundus Cantat Sopot in Poland on a programme of contemporary Asian works and
commissioned music.
Since its fi rst commission in 1988 (Nostalgia ( ) by pioneer Singapore composer Leong Yoon Pin), the choir
has commissioned over fi fty works. These commissions represent a cross section of Singapore composers as
well as composers from the international choral community. The SYC Ensemble Singers’ fl exible musicality
and dedication to bringing life to a composer’s vision has won the choir international regard. It has received
several works as gifts and dedications, validating it as a choir of choice for the performance and interpretation
of contemporary choral music.
342006: THREE, Singapore.
35
IN THE BEGINNING1964 Combined Schools Choir formed.
Later renamed the Singapore Youth Choir.
1972 4th Tees-side International Eisteddfod, Middlesbrough,
England.
First overseas trip. First overseas competition
undertaken by a Singapore choir. Placed 4th against
choirs from over 20 countries.
Tees-side Echoes.
First recording of the SYC (vinyl record).
1974 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales.
Placed 1st in the Youth Choirs section against choirs
from 33 countries. First choir from Singapore to win an
international competition.
1977 1st Singapore Festival of Arts.
Scored double fi rst in the Youth and Open Choirs
sections. Invited to perform on “Showcase Night”.
1979 Cultural Medallion — David Lim.
The SYC’s resident conductor, David Lim, was conferred
the Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest artistic
accolade.
THE 80s
1980 Goodwill concert tour of West Malaysia.
Dubbed “Superchoir From The South” in a New Straits
Times concert review.
1982 Performed for the ASEAN Ministers’ Conference,
Singapore.
1983 3rd International Choral Festival, Manila, the
Philippines.
One of three choirs to give a command performance at
the Malacañang Palace for the President and First Lady
of the Philippines.
1984 Workshop with Eric Ericson (Sweden).
Cleveland Inter-TIE, Middlesbrough, England.
Placed 2nd and 3rd in the Youth and Small Mixed Choirs
competitions respectively.
Asian Melodies.
Recording of Asian folk favourites on cassette.
1986 Command performance at the Istana for President
Wee Kim Wee.
1987 1st Christmas Choir Gala Competition, Singapore.
Emerged winners in the Open Choirs section.
1989 SYC in Concert.
Premiered the fi rst SYC–commissioned works:
1. Nightmare — Leong Yoon Pin (Singapore).
2. Nostalgia — Leong Yoon Pin (Singapore).
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales.
Placed 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Youth Choirs, Mixed Choirs
and Folksong Parties competitions respectively.
Guinness Stout Eff ort Award.
First choir to be so awarded.
Recording choir for the National Day Parade.
Recording choir for Sing Singapore!. Also performed at
the launch fo the Sing Singapore! Campaign.
SINGAPORE YOUTH CHOIR — SYC ENSEMBLE SINGERS
36
THE 90s
1990 Recording choir for the National Day Parade.
1991 Internationaal Koorfestival, Arnhem.
Placed 1st, 2nd and 4th in the Light Music, Youth and
Mixed Choirs competitions respectively.
National Music Festival, Singapore.
Performed for the Mozart Marathon Concerts to
commemorate the bicentenary of his death.
Recording choir for the National Day Parade and the
Speak Mandarin Campaign. Also performed at the
launch of the Speak Mandarin Campaign.
Performed in the Chingay Parade as Egyptian slaves
from Verdi’s Aida.
1992 Choir-in-residence for 1st Symposium for Choral
Teachers with guest clinician and conductor, Jeremy
Jackman (UK).
Recording choir for the National Day Parade. Also
performed for the Singapore Festival of Arts and the
Singapore Youth Festival.
1993 Toyota Classics.
Performed Vivaldi’s Gloria KV589 with the New
York Symphonic Ensemble led by Maestro Mamoru
Takahara.
Asian Melodies.
First CD recording of popular Asian songs,
accompanied. A collaboration with Iskandar Ismail and
Yamaha Singapore.
Arts Education Programme, an initiative of the
National Arts Council. Performed at various schools
and junior colleges.
Young Artist Award — Jennifer Tham.
The SYC’s resident conductor, Jennifer Tham, was
awarded the inaugural Young Artist Award by the
National Arts Council.
Recording choir for the National Day Parade and the
XVII SEA Games. Also performed for the Closing
Ceremony of the XVII SEA Games, Singapore, and the
1st Asian Festival of Performing Arts.
1994 Recorded radio broadcast programmes for
Bayerischer Rundfunk, in Munich, Germany
and Radio P4 (Swedish Radio), in Kristianstad,
Sweden.
First involvement with Arts Now!, organised by the
National Arts Council. Presented an educational
programme on choral music at twenty neighbourhood
schools.
1995 Arts Education Programme, an initiative of the
National Arts Council. Performed at various schools
and junior colleges.
1996 Singing with Fun.
Recording and demonstration choir for a mass singing
project for primary schools, organised by the National
Arts Council and the National Institute of Education.
Performed for the May Day Reception hosted by the
President of Singapore, Ong Teng Cheong.
1997 President’s Charity Award.
Awarded by the President of Singapore on the basis of
service to state and community, in conjunction with
Borneo Motors’ 30th Anniversary Celebrations. Only
choir/arts group to be so awarded.
Performed for the 1st ASEAN-European Ministers
Conference, Singapore.
1998 Singapore Festival of Arts: Singapore Youth Choir in
Concert 1998.
Premiered four commissioned works by Singapore
composers — Elaine Chan, Joyce Bee Tuan Koh, Leong
Yoon Pin and Phoon Yew Tien.
Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, Wales.
Placed 2nd and 3rd in the Youth Choirs and Chamber
Choirs competitions respectively. Also performed at
the Young People’s Concert.
Performed for the Europe-Asia Forum, held in
Singapore.
37
1999 SYC in Concert: Celebrating 35 Fine Years.
35th anniversary concert with the SYC’s present and
past conductors, Benjamin Khoo, David Lim, Lim
Yau and Jennifer Tham. Premiered three works by
Singapore composers Dick Lee, Leong Yoon Pin and
Lum Chee Ho.
Choir-in-residence for the Methodist School of Music’s
masterclasses with Anton Armstrong (US).
Performed for the 1st National Choral Seminar,
organised by the National Arts Council. Premiered
two works by Singapore composers John Howard and
Leong Yoon Pin, commissioned by the National Arts
Council for the occasion.
THE NOUGHTIES
2000 Received the Excellence for Singapore award from
the Singapore Totalisator Board — the only choir to be
awarded.
18th Festival Internacional de Musica de Cantonigros.
Placed 2nd in the Folksong category and 3rd in the
Mixed Choirs category of the competition. Invited to
perform in the closing concert.
World Expo 2000 — Hannover, Germany.
Performed at the Singapore Pavilion at the invitation of
the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board.
Recording and performing choir for the re-
orchestration of the national anthem, Maju-lah
Singapura, with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Asian Choral Works I.
Launch of fi rst CD recording of Asian choral music,
unaccompanied.
Music of the British Greats.
Choir-in-residence for a workshop with Bob Chilcott
(UK).
Performed for the Williamsburg Conference,
Singapore.
2001 SYC Lite.
Premiered three commissioned works, including a work
for choir and electronics: Nona Sensilia — Joyce Bee
Tuan Koh (Singapore).
XX Semana Coral Internacional de Alava, Spain.
Invited to represent Asia for the festival’s 20th
anniversary.
Recording choir for the National Day Parade.
Performed for the Opening Gala Concert, Asia South
Pacifi c Symposium on Choral Music 2001, Singapore.
2002 Music of the Americas.
The SYC in concert with guest conductor, Maria
Guinand (Venezuela), featuring the Asian premiere of
a work with eurythmics: Bin-nam-ma — Alberto Grau
(Venezuela).
12th International Festival of Christmas and Advent
Music, Prague, Czech Republic.
Won the Gold Award in the Small Choirs competition.
Performed for the Trial & Orientation of the Concert
Hall, The Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, and at the
Offi cial Opening of The Esplanade — Theatres on the
Bay.
Also performed at the Opening Festival of The
Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay, in the Singapore
Chinese Orchestra’s world premiere of Liu Yuan’s
symphonic epic Marco Polo and Princess Blue.
2003 Vox Naturae.
The SYC in concert with guest conductor, Chifuru
Matsubara (Japan).
Recorded works for Spring: Choral Works by Phoon
Yew Tien, a CD compilation.
Also recorded Robert Casteels’ Shadow Catcher, a
work for rapper and chorus released in Casteels’ album,
Sonata Profana.
38
THE SYC ENSEMBLE SINGERS YEARS
2004 The SYC’s 40th Anniversary.
Renamed the SYC Ensemble Singers. Premiered ten
commissioned works over four concerts and a tour,
including works by Singapore composers Zechariah
Goh Toh Chai, Hoh Chung Shih and Kelly Tang.
2005 .
The SYC Ensemble Singers in concert with guest
conductor, Gary Graden (Sweden).
2006 THREE — A Festival of 3 Asian Choirs.
The inaugural concert of a collaborative concert
series with Gaia Philharmonic Choir (Japan) led by
Ko Matsushita and the Ateneo Chamber Singers
(Philippines) led by Jonathan Velasco, in conjunction
with the International Day of Choral Singing.
Premiered three commissioned works for triple
choir by Gianpaolo Eleria (Philippines) Americ Goh
(Singapore), and Ko Matsushita (Japan).
Performed in Christmas with Corrinne May, an
Esplanade Presents production featuring Singaporean
singer-songwriter, Corrinne May.
2007 39th Tolosa Choral Contest, Tolosa, Spain.
Accepted by the Artistic Committee to participate
and compete in this European Grand Prix circuit
competition. Also performed friendship concerts in the
Basque region.
Recording choir for the National Day Parade. Also
recorded music for fi reworks, for the Marina Bay
Countdown 2008.
2009 THREE VOL. 2 Asian Sound (Tokyo, Japan).
The second instalment of THREE was held at the
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space, Main Hall. Premiered
commissioned works by Americ Goh (Singapore),
Stephen Leek (Australia), Corrado Margutti (Italy) and
John Pamintuan (Philippines).
Spectrum: Birth and Death.
Presented a programme of commissioned works
as part of The Esplanade —Theatres on the Bays’
Spectrum new music concert series.
SYC 45th Anniversary Concert: SYC & Friends with
guest conductor, Vytautas Miškinis (Lithuania), guest
musicians, Tamagoh, Tony Makarome, Joel Nah and
Wong Yun Qi, and guest singers comprising past and
future SYC members.
Performed in Leong Yoon Pin: A Choral Odyssey, a
tribute concert to pioneer Singapore composer, Leong
Yoon Pin. Performed three early commissions: When
Will the Flower Blossom , Nightmare, and
Nostalgia .
Also performed for the Singapore Press Holdings’ 25th
Anniversary Gala Concert — Colours of Music with
the Singapore Chinese Orchestra conducted by Maestro
Yeh Tsung.
2010 58 Concorso Polifonico Internazionale, Arezzo, Italy.
Accepted by the Artistic Committee to participate in the
polyphonic, contemporary and historical categories of
this European Grand Prix circuit competition. Topped
the contemporary category with Gioi — Lorenzo Donati
(Italy).
Performed Flamenco Cantata, a work featuring choir
and fl amenco artistes, for the Laberinto Flamenco
Festival at CHIJMES.
2011 TATLO: A Choral Celebration.
The third instalment of THREE was held at the Cultural
Centre of the Philippines with Benigno S. Aquino
III, President of the Philippines, as guest of honour.
Premiered commissioned works for triple choir by
Americ Goh (Singapore), Ko Matsushita (Japan) and
John Pamintuan (Philippines).
Dobrogosz plays Dobrogosz.
Presented a concert of Steve Dobrogosz’ choral music,
accompanied by Dobrogosz himself (piano). Premiered
Singapore Songs — Steve Dobrogosz (USA/Sweden).
7th International Choir Festival Mundus Cantat,
Sopot, Poland.
Received top prizes in the Adult Secular Music and
Adult Sacred Music categories. Also received the
festival Grand Prix. Gave performances in the Gdansk/
Gdynia/Sopot Tri-Cities area, including a combined
choirs performance for the Sing for Japan project, in aid
of the 11 March earthquake and tsunami.
39
YoKOso!.
The SYC Ensemble Singers with guest conductor,
Ko Matsushita (Japan) and guest singers from Gaia
Philharmonic Choir (Japan).
Gaia Philharmonic Choir: 7th Annual Concert.
Guest conductor Jennifer Tham and guest singers
from the SYC Ensemble Singers performed with Gaia
Philharmonic Choir in Tokyo, Japan.
Spectrum: Mixed Metaphors.
As part of The Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay’s
Spectrum new music concert series, performed Morton
Feldman’s Rothko Chapel with the Yong Siew Toh
Conservatory of Music’s New Music Ensemble conducted
by Chan Tse Law.
Kodály Seminar Asia IV.
Demo choir for the Conducting Masterclass module. The
seminar was jointly organised by the Young Musicians’
Society and the Kodály Institute of the Ferenc Liszt
Academy of Music, Hungary.
2012 Mostly Margutti.
The SYC Ensemble Singers with guest conductor,
Corrado Margutti (Italy). Also included for the fi rst
time, an atelier conducted by Corrado Margutti. Atelier
participants rehearsed a short programme of works
with Margutti in a series of workshops, culminating in a
performance of the atelier works by the atelier choir in a
concert segment.
Festival Europa Cantat XVIII Torino 2012, Italy.
At the request of the Festival, premiered Le Stelle for
female voices and harmonium — François Narboni
(France). Le Stelle was commissioned by the Festival
as part of its “7 composers for 7 choirs” project. Also
premiered three works with the Made in Italy atelier,
including Senza parole — Lorenzo Ferrero (Italy), another
“7 composers for 7 choirs” Festival commission.
Artistic director and conductor Jennifer Tham awarded the
Cultural Medallion, Singapore’s highest artistic accolade.
2013 THREE in Sapporo: Songs From The South.
The fourth instalment of THREE was held at the Kitara
Concert Hall, Sapporo, Japan. Premiered commissioned
works for triple choir by Gianpaolo Eleria (Philippines)
and Americ Goh (Singapore).
We are Singapore.
The SYC Ensemble Singers with resident conductor,
Jennifer Tham. Presented two concerts of works written
for the SYC to mark the commencement of celebrations
of its 50th anniversary in 2014.
Pagdiriwang: A celebration of the holiday season
with Jonathan Velasco.
The SYC Ensemble Singers in concert with guest
conductor, Jonathan Velasco (Philippines). Also
included an atelier conducted by Jonathan Velasco,
culminating in the performance of the atelier works by
the atelier choir in a concert segment.
Demo choir for a masterclass with Tõnu Kaljuste,
founder and conductor of the Estonian Philharmonic
Chamber Choir. The masterclass was organised by The
Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay as part of its VOICES
— A Festival of Song series.
2014 Backing chorus for You Can’t Always Get What You
Want on the Singapore leg of The Rolling Stones’ 14
ON FIRE tour.
All This Night My Heart Rejoices.
A Singapore Music Festival gala concert organised by
the Musicians Society of Singapore. Premiered three
commissioned works and gifts by Singapore composers
Americ Goh, Kelly Tang and Albert Tay. Also sang in
a joint performance with the National University of
Singapore Choir under veteran Singapore conductor,
Lee Yuk Chuan.
46th Tolosa Choral Contest, Tolosa, Spain.
Accepted by the Artistic Committee to participate
and compete in this European Grand Prix circuit
competition. Also performed friendship concerts in the
Basque region.
40
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE:
Artistic Director Jennifer Tham
Assistant Conductor Choy Siew Woon
Assistant Conductor Kenny Khoo
Manager Albert Yeo
Membership Tay Seow Boon
Publicity Hillary Lee
ADVISORS: Karen Cheong
Deborah Gan
Ivonne Pang
Tan Pei Ling
Tong Teck Guan
SECTION LEADERS: Yao Huijun – soprano
Angela Lee – alto
Tan Song Ern – tenor
Kenny Khoo – bass
THREE COMMITTEE:
Project Coordinators Lim Pei Yu, Albert Yeo
Choir Coordinators Kenny Khoo (for ACS)
Tay Seow Boon (for Gaia)
Aleli Villanueva Salazar (ACS)
Ryo Satake (Gaia)
Yukiko Nagashima (Gaia)
Programme & Publicity Hillary Lee
Ticketing Lim Pei Yu, Joseph Tay
Hospitality Angela Lee, Ivonne Pang, Jean Teo
Logistics Joseph Tay
Stage Karen Cheong, Zhan Zhirui
Front-of-House Chia Hung Wee, Deborah Gan,
Vivienne Tan, Tham Pei Wen
Emcees John Rae Cortes, Choy Siew Woon,
Samuel Lee, Tay Seow Boon
Librarian/Wardrobe Choy Siew Lin, Gloria Goh,
Kong Delin
Recording Engineer Teo Li Tuan
Photographer Law Kian Yan
Videographer Alvin Lee
The SYC Ensemble Singers wishes to thank:
THREE Friends Gaia Philharmonic Choir and Ko Matsushita, and
the Ateneo Chamber Singers and Jonathan Velasco for making
our 50th anniversary extra special.
Professor Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large, for being here to
celebrate with THREE.
The Embassy of the Philippines and the Embassy of Japan for
supporting THREE.
Our 50th Anniversary commissioned composers —
Eric Banks and Vytautas Miškinis for the beautiful works premiered
tonight. We are so proud to have been entrusted with them. And also,
Ivo Antognini, Annie Nepomuceno, John Pamintuan, Diana Soh and
Kelly Tang for the wonderful new works that we premiered at our 50th
anniversary concerts. Our musical treasure chest overfl ows.
The following Friends, old and new, for helping us make THREE happen —
Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay
Michelle Yeo, Annabel Danker, Li Jiayi
Focal Print
Mark Lim, Darren Chow
Hiap Moh Corporation
Jacqueline Wong
Hotel Ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
Christopher Chew, Loh Huiling
Singapore Management University
Jimmy Ye, Geraldine Pang, Regina de Rozario
All our friends and supporters in the audience, without whom we sing in vain.
Photo credits:
pg 2, 4, 8, 24 and 34. Mike Lee
pg 10, 12, 28 and 30. courtesy of Ateneo Chamber Singers
pg 14. Choy Siew Woon
pg 16. Jennifer Tham
pg 26 and 32. courtesy of Gaia Philharmonic Choir
Paper sponsored by Hiap Moh Corporation Ltd. Printed on Elements Zig Zag Bright White 216g for cover and Evolve 100% recycled 120 gsm for inside pages.
An evening with Cecilia Rydinger Alin (Sweden)
5 September 2015 Saturday 7:30pm Victoria Concert Hall
Join the SYC Ensemble Singers in concert with guest conductor
Cecilia Rydinger Alin, one of Sweden’s leading musical personalities
and the conductor of acclaimed Swedish male choir, Orphei Drängar.
THIS SONG OF MINE —
The SYC Ensemble SingersCelebrates 50 Years
A limited edition 50th anniversary publication, This Song of
Mine chronicles the choir’s history from Combined Schools
Choir to the Singapore Youth Choir to its present form as the
SYC Ensemble Singers, charting fi ve decades of contribution
to the musical life of the nation.
Available today at THREE, and also through the SYC
Ensemble Singers. For further purchase enquiries please
email [email protected] or [email protected].
UP NEXT
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