ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME

DANCE

DRAMA

MUSIC

VISUAL ARTS

ARTS FESTIVAL 2025

INTRODUCTION

Every year we host an Arts Festival that celebrates creativity and artistic expression. This event offers students a chance to engage in activities that foster innovation, creativity, and a sense of community.

Collaborating closely, the Arts Faculty and students curate a diverse lineup of high-quality performances, workshops, and exhibitions designed to inspire and challenge. The festival also provides opportunities to work alongside international and local artists, enriching students' understanding of the arts through interactive experiences. Attendees can look forward to a full programme of events featuring performances and presentations led by talented students, staff, and renowned arts professionals, making it a highlight of the school calendar.

This year’s festival centers around the theme of the Future, with projects exploring this concept.

Kicking off with the opening ceremony, with scenes titled ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to have a crystal ball?’ and ‘Dear future me…’. And ending with the annual Battle of the Bands on the Saturday afternoon, we have a varied and busy schedule for you to attend.

The brochure’s back pages contain the full schedule of activities over the four days. Please review the details closely, as some activities may have age limits or be exclusive to students (not open to parents).

I encourage you to take time to plan your participation in the 2025 festival to ensure you get to see as much as possible. Tickets are available on eventbrite (QR codes around school and in the Buss brief).

visual

DANCE

DRAMA

ART

COMMUNITY

EVENTS

EVENTS

SCHEDULE

MUSIC

DANCE

DANCE

Dance is currently available to Senior School and Junior School students as a CCA and is growing in popularity each year. The Arts Festival aims to showcase Dance via co-curricular and student-led activities.

The contemporary dance CCA’s for both Junior & Senior School will perform in the opening ceremonies and also feature in the Friday evening dance show. They have been working with renowned choreographers Kay Grace Lee & Vanessa Garnell. Students in Senior School have also had the opportunity to create their own submissions for the dance show and auditioned to be featured. The Senior School students who choose to work on dance during the Arts Festival will work with Singaporean choreographer and dance teacher, Hafeez Hassan, to prepare a hip hop performance for the Dance show.

DANCE show Experience an inspiring night of dance at the Arts Festival Dance Show, blending a range of styles and huge amounts of talent. Witness the electrifying moves of renowned hip hop choreographer Hafeez Hassan, whose previous work at school demonstrates an amazing dedication to the world of dance.

Marvel at contemporary dance choreographers Kay Grace Lee and Vanessa Garnell who have been working with our senior and junior dance CCA's this term.

Also featuring the opening ceremony students with ‘Crystal Ball’ and ‘Dear Future Me’. We see a return of the popular K-pop dance students who will showcase their precision and choreography in a self-created group performance. Feel the energy of solo street dance choreography that brings passion to the stage choreographed and performed by one of our solo dancers in G8. The evening culminates in a spectacular musical theatre finale, directed by Noel Sullivan and James Bennett from LITA. The We will Rock You medley blends storytelling, singing, and choreography in a wonderful display of theatrical artistry.

Whether you're a dance expert or a curious newcomer, this show promises an unforgettable celebration of movement, creativity, and cultural fusion. Join us for an inspiring night that highlights the power of dance to connect, entertain, and elevate the soul.

musical theatre

We welcome back Noel Sullivan & James Bennett (London International Theatrical Arts) after they worked with our festival choir during the NLCS Music Festival. We are very lucky to have their West End and performing expertise during the festival.

Noel played Galileo in the UK and European Arena tour of WWRY and then moved to London’s Dominion Theatre where he played the role for the tenth anniversary, performing along side original Queen band members Brian May and Roger Taylor and meeting show producer Robert Deniro. James was the Resident choreographer of the UK and European tour of WWRY. He has gone on to become a leading choreographer in TV and Theatre.

The WWRY workshop experience will introduce participants to the futuristic world of WWRY, working with musical theatre professionals students will learn to perform songs and choreography from the original West End Smash hit and get the chance to rock out onstage as the finale of the Dance Show on Friday night.

drama

drama Drama at NLCS (Singapore) has provided a vast array of activities for students this year and we have some exciting opportunities during the Arts Festival. We've had workshops with Paper Birds Theatre company, a visiting production of Private Peaceful , theatre visits to Punchdrunk's touring show, 'The Lost Lending Library', 'Macbeth' as part of Shakespeare in the Park, the FOBISIA Drama festival, the Senior School Productions of Twelfth Night and Bugsy Malone, the Junior School Production of The Wrong Way Round . All involving students in various capacities ranging from Set and Props to Technical support to musicians, making these truly a whole school event.

During the Arts Festival we welcome two sets of practitioners who will work with our students in Senior School. One of whom, Paper Moon Puppet Theatre Company from Indonesia, will perform for our Junior School students and for parents, staff and students in the evening. Paper Moon will be leading workshops & performances for the Junior & Senior School. Their workshops will give us a thrilling insight into the performing techniques they use in their shows. Oliver Sayer, an expert in Immersive Theatre and associate member of the aforementioned Punchdrunk, will lead a small team in creating a short devised performance using his award-winning style of theatre. Mr Marks couldn't resist joining them and so has led a devised performance based on Kafka's short-story 'Metamorphosis', which will be performed in the Lecture Theatre.

young directors You are also invited to attend performances open to the public from our student-led projects. We have more than double the number of ‘Young Directors’ projects this year: First there's Arabian Nights- adapted and directed by Meher and Dalia with a large cast of performers. (Lecture Theatre) Next is a 'Platform Theatre' performance; Gerard directs a group of young actors inspired by experience of creating theatre in this style whilst attending the FOBISIA Festival. (Black Box) Then there's 'Roomies', a comedy conceived, written and performed by a talented group of Grade 11s. (Lecture Theatre) There will be a showing of the short film made through the CCA sessions led by Mia, where she has taught young film-makers to storyboard and then shoot a film. Finally, Saoirse directs 3 amazing actors in sections of 'Death and the Maiden'. This era-defining play is only open to Grade 9 and above and promises to be gripping. (Black Box)

LAMDA SHOWCASE

Step into an evening of captivating scenes, powerful monologues, and exceptional talent.

Discover what LAMDA is all about — and see our learners shine on stage.

Auditorium 19th June 2025 18:00-19:00

music

music This year’s festival promises a dynamic lineup of workshops and performances designed to inspire, engage, and showcase the diverse range of artistic expression at NLCS (Singapore). We are proud to present a specially commissioned work for Symphony Orchestra by renowned composer Thomas Gregory, highlighting the incredible musical talent of our students. Thomas Gregory is a cellist and conductor with a strong background in music education and performance. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London and continued his studies at the University of Michigan, where he completed a Master's and Specialist degree in cello performance under Danish cellist Erling Bløndal Bengtsson. Thomas regularly performs regularly on concert platforms as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player.

Thomas is the musical director of The Fortismere Community Symphony Orchestra in North London, an orchestra made up of semi-professionals, teachers, and students from the local area. He also directs and conducts ensembles for the Haringey Music Service and The Centre for Young Musicians in London. In 2009, Thomas published "Vamoosh," an educational series for beginners, which is well-received in group instrumental lessons both in the UK and internationally. In 2023 he was awarded an European String Teachers Association Award for his distinguished service to String Teaching.

Throughout the week, students will have the opportunity to explore a variety of genres and cultures, including a captivating series of Traditional Chinese Music Workshops with visiting artist Leah Lo. Leah Lo is a highly accomplished musician with a Bachelor and Diploma in Music Performance from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. She served as the Zhongruan Associate Principal of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra (2014-2023) and has won numerous international and national awards in zhongruan and guzheng competitions. With over a decade of teaching experience, Leah has been an instructor at renowned institutions including School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA), Victoria Junior College and Chung Cheng High School (Main). She is currently the Owner of Leah Lo Coaaching and Vice Principal of Ejoy Music Center and has led multiple student groups to achieve distinctions at Singapore Youth Festival (SYF) and international competitions.

The festival also features exciting events such as the ever-popular Battle of the Bands, where student groups bring energy and originality to the stage. Aspiring band students have the chance to work with last year’s Battle of the Bands Judge Marcel Pusey on band performance and stage presence to help them prepare to wow the crowds in the festival finale on Saturday. Marcel Pusey is a Composer, Educator and bass-player based in the UK. He is founder of Award Winning Music Company, Bassistry Music.

Marcel created educational Rhythm, Song & Dance, and composition workshop programs that was then developed into an online education platform, Cool4School. The platform ‘Cool4School’ is used in 14 countries. Marcel composes and curates for the production company, Media tracks. They provide music for film, tv, podcasts, radio and adverts. He has released 4 albums via his nu-jazz band, Bassistry. He performs and records with some of the top UK musicians. Marcel has recently become a Global Brand and Development Representative for MusicFirst. The US no.1 cloud-based music technology education company.

The McLauchlan Library Recitals, spotlighting solo and small ensemble performances across a range of year groups. Audiences can also enjoy the bold sounds of our Big Band in a lively foyer performance, a polished String Orchestra recital, a powerful Cello Ensemble interpretation of Ravel’s Bolero or the Percussion Ensemble's interpretation of Speranza's FreeRider. The NLCS (Singapore) Arts Festival is more than a celebration — it is a testament to the creative spirit of our students and the richness of our artistic community. We hope you enjoy every moment.

junior school After the immense success of Adam Hall and his band at last year’s Arts Festival, we’re thrilled to welcome him back for another exciting collaboration. This year, Adam will be working with the Grade 4 students, who are learning either the oboe, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, or trombone as part of their curriculum music here at NLCS (Singapore). With Adam’s expertise and passion for music, he will inspire and guide the students to refine their techniques and bring their ensemble performance to life. This is a wonderful opportunity for our young musicians to thrive in collaboration and musical growth. Marcel Pusey will work with Grade 2 and Grade 3 this year. A mix of vocals, body percussion, rhythm and movement. This high energy assembly style session will get the junior students enthused about music from a range of different cultures. With an aim to develop creativity, confidence and foster team spirit as a whole grade, this session is going to be a lot of fun.

Morning Music Express is an informal morning recital for junior school students that takes place in the school lobby, offering a wonderful way to kickstart the day. This year, it will be a featured part of the Arts Festival! Already selected students will have the chance to showcase their musical talents through a blend of solo and ensemble performances. These lively and engaging pieces will be performed for an audience of fellow students and parents in the Amphitheatre, setting an inspiring tone for the day ahead. A vibrant celebration of music and creativity!

instrumental music programme

Join us for heartwarming and inspiring recitals at NLCS(Singapore) as students from KG1 to Grade 11 take the stage in our annual Instrumental Music Programme Recital, a highlight of the year. These vibrant showcases celebrate the dedication, growth, and creativity of our young musicians and vocalists, developed throughout the year with our Instrumental Music Programme (IMP). Audiences will be treated to a variety of performances, including expressive vocal solos, dynamic piano pieces, string ensembles, and more—each one a testament to the students’ hard work and love for music. From classical gems to contemporary favourites, the recitals offer a rich and engaging repertoire that reflects both technical progress and enthusiasm.

Whether you're a seasoned music enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the spirit and energy of live student performance, these recitals promise to uplift and inspire. We warmly invite families, friends, and the wider community to come celebrate the next generation of musicians in a memorable performances to showcase the students progress.

visual arts

visual arts Our “Future” theme has inspired students to make this year the year of student-leadership and “Artivism” in Visual Arts. From service opportunities to student-led seminars, our young artists have answered the call to action! The Editorial Arts Society, chaired by Meher and Claire (G9), worked with a Junior School CCA to create works included in an exhibition in the Senior School Library. Art Warming, a Service initiative led by Emily and Heidi (G11) have commoditised their artworks into keyrings and postcards to raise funds and awareness for climate change.

As part of the NLCS tradition of Fantasy Fashion, six students in Grade 6 (Coco, Goldie, Leila, Saaya, Keelin and Mila) led 57 students, to construct wearable giant insects in their interpretation of 1960’s ScienceFiction.

We’re excited to welcome students from LaSalle, using digital animation methods to bring life and motion to our own students’ ideas and story-telling. We’re also very proud to welcome back Sofia Tjandranegara, NLCS (Singapore) alumni who will be demonstrating how the pursuit of her academic passions in design, sustainability and music has led to her current studies in Architecture at the Pratt Institute in New York.

An incredible year to celebrate our future leaders in the field of Visual Arts!

, M S I R U T U BUT F

NOW Painting Workshop with Ms Swain

19 - 21 June 2025

VISUAL

ARTS EXHIBITION

Amphitheatre & Level 2 19 - 21 June 2025

COMMUNITY EVENTS & student led projects

COMMUNITY EVENTS & STUDENT LED PROJECTS This year we have a wide range of student led projects being run during the Arts Festival. Each year students enter with a proposal and the arts festival committee work through the proposals and select the ideas that have been planned well, fit the theme and we think will work in the overall festival. Supported by staff members the students will lead a series of workshops with participants from amongst their peers.

From futuristic car design to literary film production, we saw a whole range of proposals. Aforementioned Student leadership is being displayed throughout the festival: Young Directors Drama Series, Choreographed dance numbers in the Dance Show, Battle of the bands and student led projects (listed below).

Creative Canvas - Moly Gulati The Giver Literary Film - Advita Prakash & Dew Johri Mercurix Racing - Aung Pyae San,Yarun Zhang, Evie Eastwood, Kiu Sum Wu,Kerri Gunawan, Future Visions Procreate Master class - Brianna Tjandranegara & Sophie Betts

THANKYOU

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS STAFF

HANNAH BALDWIN - DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS ED JEFFERIES - HEAD OF SENIOR MUSIC TRACY TAN - SENIOR MUSIC GARETH MARKS - HEAD OF DRAMA ALASTAIR TREVILL - SENIOR DRAMA RODDY HOWIE - HEAD OF JUNIOR MUSIC LORNA MCDONALD - JUNIOR MUSIC DAVID MARLEY - JUNIOR MUSIC SALLY ALDRIDGE - JUNIOR MUSIC SHELLEY SWAIN - SENIOR VISUAL ARTS ALEX SANSON - SENIOR VISUAL ARTS JUDITH MARKS - JUNIOR VISUAL ARTS GEETHANJELI CHINAAKADAAN - PERFORMING ARTS ASSISTANT TREVOR TEO - THEATRE MANAGER EILEEN LIM - AV ASSISTANT MOHAMAD ISZAR - VISUAL ARTS ASSISTANT NLCS SUPPORT

ARDIANA DILAILA PADILLAH ED WRIGHT JUSTIN LIM KATE GREENING MICHELLE LIN ROB EARL ALL NLCS STAFF SPECIAL THANKS

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS DESIGN

SEBASTIAN PECK ZIYU (BELLA) GUO

THANKYOU

VISITORS & EXTERNAL SUPPORT

ADAM HALL ALEX JAVIER GUANA ANTON FAJRI BENI SANJAYA BRONTON AINSWORTH GERALH KOH HAFEEZ HASSAN HARDIANSYAH YOGA PRATAMA ISABELA RACHEL SANTIKA JAMES BENNETT JOHANN GUTIERREZ KAY GRACE LEE LEAH LO LIU JIAQI LOUIS REBEIRO MARCEL PUSEY MATT DURANT NA YEONG KIM (REGINA) NOEL SULLIVAN OLIVER SAYER PAMBO PRIYOJATI RANU HANDOKO SAM MARKHAM SOFIA TJANDRANEGARA TERESA CHEN THOMAS GREGORY VANESSA GARNELL YAN YI YUYAN FENG TANIA CHEW SCHOOL SUPPLIERS & PARTNERS

DRUMMONDS LAMDA MKEE MUSIC VICTUS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

18 JUNE

19 JUNE

KG1-KG2 IMP RECITAL 9.00 - 9.30 LECTURE THEATRE

MORNING MUSIC EXPRESS 7.50 - 8.20 AMPHITHEATRE

JS OPENING CEREMONY 10.45 - 11.30 AUDITORIUM STUDENTS ONLY

G1 IMP RECITAL 8.45 - 9.30 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY

SS OPENING CEREMONY 13.30 - 14.15 AUDITORIUM STUDENTS & INVITE ONLY

G3 IMP RECITAL 9.45 - 10.45 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY (FLOOR 2)

G4-5 IMP RECITAL 15.30 - 17.00 LECTURE THEATRE

COSMIC JAZZ BIG BAND 12.10-12.40 AMPHITHEATRE

CANONS FOLLIES 15.45 - 16.45 AUDITORIUM

MCLAUGHLIN RECITAL MIDDLE SCHOOL 12.40 - 13.10 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY

(FLOOR 2)

(FLOOR 2)

YOUNG DIRECTORS DETENTION 17.00 - 17.05 & 17.45-17.50 BLACK BOX

PAPERMOON PUPPET THEATRE 16.00 - 16.30 AUDITORIUM

YOUNG DIRECTORS CINDERELLA 17.05 - 17.15 & 17.50 - 18.00 BLACK BOX

YOUNG DIRECTORS DEATH & THE MAIDEN G9+ ONLY 16.45 - 17.30 & 18.45 - 19.30 BLACK BOX

METAMORPHOSIS 18.15 - 18.45 LECTURE THEATRE

SENIOR SCHOOL IMP RECITAL 17.00 - 18.30 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY (FLOOR 2)

FRAMES OF TIME MUSIC CONCERT 19.00 - 19.45 AUDITORIUM

YOUNG DIRECTORS ARABIAN NIGHTS 17.45 - 18.30 LECTURE THEATRE

VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION ON DISPLAY EVERY DAY FLOOR 2

LAMDA SHOWCASE 18.00-19.00 AUDITORIUM

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

20 JUNE

21 JUNE

G2 IMP RECITAL 8.45 - 9.30 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY (FLOOR 2)

LITERARY FILM DEMONSTRATION 11.20 - 11.50 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY (FLOOR 2)

G4 BAND SHOWCASE WITH ADAM HALL & THE VELVET PLAYBOYS 10.00 - 10.30 SPORTSHALL

OLIVER SAYER DRAMA PERFORMANCE 11.50 - 12.20 & 14.00 - 14.30 BLACK BOX

ASK THE ARTIST 12.10 - 12.40 AMPHITHEATRE STUDENTS ONLY

HOUSE PERFORMANCE COMPETITIONS STUDENTS ONLY (HOUSE SHIRTS)

THE ANXIOUS DRAGON (THOMAS GREGORY) ORCHESTRA 12.45 - 13.15 AUDITORIUM

SUMMER FESTIVAL VARIOUS LOCATIONS SEE COMMUNIATION

MCLAUGHLIN RECITAL UPPER SCHOOL 15.45 - 16.15 SENIOR SCHOOL LIBRARY (FLOOR 2)

BATTLE OF THE BANDS 14.30 - 15.30 FIELD (NO TICKETS REQUIRED)

YOUNG DIRECTORS ROOMIES 16.30 - 17.15 LECTURE THEATRE

ARTS FESTIVAL EVENTS

DANCE SHOW 18.00 - 19.00 AUDITORIUM

SCAN FOR TICKETS