Saturday, 7 October 2006

7.30pm

University Cultural Centre Theatre, NUS

The audience waited with anticipation as the NUS Wind Symphony (NUSWS) prepared to present its maiden concert under the guidance of her new resident conductor and music director, Mr Leonard Tan. After months of hard work and countless rehearsals, 'Da Capo 2006' is the culmination of the band members' efforts. 'Da Capo', which means back to the beginning in Italian, is a new concert series by the NUSWS which aimed to showcase NUSWS and her new freshmen members.

The band kicked off the evening with an entertaining rendition of 'Kirkpatrick Fanfare'. As with all fanfares, there was a joyous and festive mood to the piece. The upbeat flute solos, majestic brass melodic lines and driving percussive rhythms gradually worked up to a spirited and wonderful ending to cap a great performance for the first piece of the evening.

'Fantasia (On Black is the Colour of My True Love's Hair)' was an intensely emotional piece which tries to capture the anguish of a girl whose lover has failed to return. Based on a traditional folk song, the unique chord changes coupled with dramatic alto saxophone and flute solos, created a surreal atmosphere for the audience. The piece ended with a gradual diminuendo until there was absolute silence, the performers and audience rooted in stillness, appreciating the power of silence.

'Sea Songs' consisted of traditional British nautical songs, such as Portsmouth, Admiral Benbow and Princess Royal. This majestic and at times nostalgic folk song medley was an entertaining and welcome addition to the list of the evening’s repertoire!

'Hymn to the Infinite Sky' was a song about hope and peace. The touching melodies and exciting phrases enables one to clearly visualize the scenic sky in one's mind, and experience the feeling of being lifted up and being swept away by the powerful emotions evoked by the music. Deeply inspirational!

Following the interval there was a special treat for the audience, as the saxophone ensemble performed their rendition of the famous Japanese song, 'First Love'. The interesting melodic lines and ensemble musicianship was a refreshing experience for the audience!

The dynamic and fast-paced ‘Danse Diabolique’ was a very exciting piece with driving rhythms and unique melodic lines. It even had an energetic waltz at its height and ended with a resounding climax.

The piece ‘Miss Saigon’ was adapted from the original musical of the same name. It tells the tragic love story between an American solider and a Vietnamese bar girl. The nostalgic piece and familiar tunes brought the audience back in time to reminisce upon the beautiful songs from the original musical.

'Bayou Breakdown' was the last piece for the evening, and what a finale it was! Written in a fugue style ala J.S. Bach, this playful piece features multiple melodies going on all at once at breakneck speed. The audience was then treated to a soothing and melodious slow section in the middle, before launching into rhythmic crotches, a evoking a sense of a poorly played waltz! The piece then proceeded with a flurry of solos, from the clarinet, bassoon, flute, alto saxophone and cornet. It ended with a building up of the main melody together with the slow section into an impressive finale.

The NUS Wind Symphony then rounded off the evening of wonderful music with a splendid rendition of the circus march ‘Barnum and Bailey's Favourite’ which got the audience clapping along to the exciting music. The rousing and appreciative applauses from the audience at the end of the piece demonstrated their great appreciation for the band’s performance that evening. Well done NUSWS!

¶ 7:30 PM