We love music and going to concerts. Ever since the first time we went to The Philharmonic Winds' concert a few years back on 16 Dec 2012, which was also the same 'The Philharmonic Winds Goes Pop' series, we started liking their Facebook page and even went to their concert in 2014 titled 'Circle of Life - A Night of Musicals'.
This time round, it was also the 'The Philharmonic Winds Goes Pop' series, which featured Singapore's very own musician/composers and Cultural Medallion winners Dick Lee and Dr Liang Wern Fook, as well as Xinyao veterans like Pan Ying and Hong Shao Xuan. Since my mother likes Pan Ying, we brought my parents along to watch this concert.
The empty stage before the concert started.
In the first half, we were treated to the really 'POP' music that was so
prominent on its concert title and banner. The orchestra performed pop
songs from various countries such as South Korea, Japan (they played
'Koisuru Fortune Cookie by AKB48), Taiwan ('王妃' by 萧敬腾, and others)
etc. There was also a solo saxophone performance by the orchestra's very own
Ang Yi Xiang. We did not know who he was but he should be pro enough to
be given a solo performance of his own. And indeed it was.
The second half of the concert featured Xinyao pieces performed by the orchestra and had Xinyao singers Pan Ying and Hong Shao Xuan singing some famous Xinyao songs. Although some of the younger audiences in the theatre most probably do not know of some of those songs, we could tell that they really were captivated by the beautiful voices and soothing music. Later on, Dick Lee emerged with performances of his most iconic songs 'Home' and 'Life Story'. As the concert reached the climatic finale, he also made the audience sing along with him to the tune of 'Rasa Sayang'.
The second half of the concert featured Xinyao pieces performed by the orchestra and had Xinyao singers Pan Ying and Hong Shao Xuan singing some famous Xinyao songs. Although some of the younger audiences in the theatre most probably do not know of some of those songs, we could tell that they really were captivated by the beautiful voices and soothing music. Later on, Dick Lee emerged with performances of his most iconic songs 'Home' and 'Life Story'. As the concert reached the climatic finale, he also made the audience sing along with him to the tune of 'Rasa Sayang'.
An excellent concert to kick off the Christmas season! Following two encores, the show finally ended with an 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' by Mariah Carey. A wonderful performance with a star-studded list of guest performers. We excitedly look forward to the next concert that The Philharmonic Winds will bring us.
