An SG Bicentennial Special
10 Dec 2019 was a big day for everyone. That evening, approximately 50 students and staff of the Methodist School of Music (MSM) came together to present a concert at the Esplanade Recital Studio.
The event was in the form of a musical story in line with Singaporeâs Bicentennial celebrations, and a departure from the standard âschool concertâ format. A combined effort by the various disciplines at MSM, the concert proved a visual as well as aural treat for the audienceâstudents played, sang and danced in solos and ensembles, while backed by live narration and PowerPoint visuals. Beaming family members and friends applauded enthusiastically as the students performed solos and group renditions of classical repertoire, local folk songs, and tunes from musicals and movies.
Several young ladies from the ballet division stole the show with their youthful vigour and âjogetâ during a segment depicting the arrival of Straits-born pioneers. Young violinists in ensembles played familiar tunes, enticing the audience to hum along to the melodies they recognised, while the vocal choruses lead the audience in a singalong of local songs.
Ms Kathryn Cheng, a new member of staff at MSM, brought colour to these familiar songs through her musical arrangements. In the background, the teachers and staff from the various departments ensured a seamless delivery of the concert, from coaching and musical accompaniment to logistics and event management. There was no task too large or small for everyone involvedâwe thank God for the school morale and the spirit of servanthood within the MSM family.
Dr Evelyn Lim is the Director of Music and Organist at Methodist School of Music, and Adjunct Instructor at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, and Pipe Organ Master at the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay. She is a member of Wesley Methodist Church.
Photos courtesy of the Methodist School of Music