PhilClarinets in Concert III - The Seventh Night of July

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PHILCLARINETS IN CONCERT III

THE SEVENTH NIGHT OF JULY Daniel Yiau Conductor

07 JULY 2017, FRIDAY VICTORIA CONCERT HALL

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Toccata and Fugue in D Minor Johann Sebastian Bach Arr. by Maarten Jense

Death of an Angel Astor Piazzolla Arr. by Masayuki Katoh (Octet)

Libertango Astor Piazzolla Arr. by Masayuki Katoh (Octet)

Journey of Leaf Itaru Sakai (PhilYouth Ensemble)

Deux Danses Movement II. Danse Antipathique Masamicz Amano (PhilYouth Ensemble)

New York Counterpoint Steve Reich

Intermission Chorale and Danza Vaclav Nelhybel

Capriccio Satoshi Yagisawa

The Seventh Night of July Itaru Sakai Arr. by Lim Lip Hua

Kiki’s Delivery Service (Mass Clarinet Choir) Taiki Saijo

PROGRAMME

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ANIEL YIAU, conducto

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Daniel Yiau, currently serves as Music Director of Symphonic Winds and Soli Deo Gloria Koog-Zaandijk in the Netherlands.

Yiau has attended masterclasses in Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Portugal and The Netherlands with renowned conductors at various wind band festivals and academies.

As an active Clarinetist, Yiau has performed in various iconic venues (Het Concertgebouw, Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Paradiso Amsterdam, Bremen Arena and Nippon Budokan) with various ensembles - The Philharmonic Winds, the Singapore Armed Forces Central Band, Orchestra of the Music Makers and in the Netherlands with the CREA Orkest, Het Orkest, Amsterdamse Tramharmonie and the Koninklijke Harmonie Orpheus.

Yiau is currently based in Amsterdam as a Wind/Brass band conducting Masters student in the Conservatorium van Amsterdam after graduating with honours from the Bachelor’s programme, under the tutelage of Jan Schut and Danny Oosterman.

As an advocate for music education, Yiau has worked with numerous student wind/ brass bands in Singapore prior to his studies, inspiring the next generation of wind players and is now doing so with the youths in the Netherlands.

In his spare time, Yiau cooks, bakes and cafe-hops across Amsterdam looking for instagrammable and satisfying cups of latte.

The PhilClarinets comprises members from the clarinet section of the Philharmonic Winds. Its debut recital, A Picture Book without a Picture, was held at the Esplanade Recital Hall in 2010. Performed to a sold out venue, the PhilClarinets wowed the audience with a selection of music that featured versatility of the clarinet in different settings, forms and styles. In 2014, PhilClarinets returned to the same venue with an evening of dance music, including Deux Danses by Masamicz Amano, Scaramouche by Darius Milhaud, and Jocuri Poporale Romanesti by Béla Bartók. In March 2016, as part of the ensemble’s outreach efforts, the PhilClarinets performed at Esplanade’s free programme series - Cool Classics. More recently, the group was invited to perform at the Vandoren Day 2016, held at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts.

The largest section of the wind orchestra is also a closeknit family, with a strong common mission to bring quality clarinet music to the public. It endeavours to showcase the rich, colourful and flexible sonorities of the highly versatile instrument, and often draws on the full range of clarinets of different sizes and lengths – from the petite piccolo clarinet with its high pitch trills, to the gargantuan contrabass clarinet which is taller than the average adult.

Always willing to experiment with different permutations, members of the PhilClarinets form quartets, quintets, octets, or even larger ensembles, according to the needs of the composers.

The PhilClarinets hopes to continue to explore clarinet ensemble repertoire and present them to a wider audience.

Follow PhilClarinets on their Facebook page to find out more! facebook.com/PhilClarinets

PHILCLARINETS

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Musicians

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E-Flat Clarinet

Gerald Wong

Elvin Koh O * Phoong Khang Zhie E Wong Wai Siang E

E-Flat/B-Flat Clarinet

Liang Jiayi O

B-Flat/Bass Clarinet

Desmond Chow O * B-Flat Clarinet

Aaron Chua Amanda Yeo Ang Wei Xiang O * Ashley Khoo Daniel Yee E * Dominic Koh Elijah Gan E Esther Foo Gary Goh * Glenden Kua E * Jeremy Harith Jerry Tan Jocelyn Cheng E Kennede Sng E Lee Qing Ping Ng Bi Qi E Ng Cheng Huat * Ralph Lim O * Saga Salim Satsuki Goh O * Tan Yin E Tay Qin Yan E Yap Fangyu Yvonne Fong Zachary Ng E

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for Octet pieces

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for PhilYouth Ensemble pieces

* for New York Counterpoint

B-Flat/Alto Clarinet E

Bass Clarinet

Brian Lim E Daniel Ong Daniel Yiau O Lim Lip Hua *

Bass/Contrabass Clarinet

Sean Tan O * Tiffany Lee E

B-Flat/Contrabass Clarinet

Kimberly Ho E

Percussion

Dennis Sim Melvin Leong Yeow Ching Shiong

For Kiki’s Delivery Service B-Flat Clarinet

Bandy Tan Wei Hao Chang Ye Eun Celine Ong Chua Jay Roon Chew Kai-Xin Claudia Chua Yi Ling Ericia Chay Yen Yee Esther Yong Ho Wee Yang Insyira Hasri Joleen Tan Wei Leng Jordyn Ng Justin Huang Yiwei Kim Bo Min Lau Zheng Xiang Liang Xuanhui Claire Loo Wan Hong Mok Ji Yong Jason Ong Pei Xuan Pan Kehan Phoon Yanxin Rani Hairyawan Bin Abdul Rahman Rene Lee Jia Yi Sean Poon Shie Rui Qi Teo Zhi Han Toh Shu Ling, Yvonne Wai Yan Zhang Ming Jun Bass Clarinet

Nur Shima Shahira Binte Anuar Ryu Naufal Shen Qin

Musicians

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Programme Notes

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Toccata and Fugue in D Minor Johann Sebastian Bach Arr. by Maarten Jense Toccata and Fugue in D minor is a two-part musical composition known for its majestic sound and driving rhythm. The first part of the piece is a toccata, consisting of many fast arpeggios but is otherwise generally free form. This is then followed by a fugue, characterised by the overlapping repetition of the principal theme in different melodic lines. This composition, made widely known after its appearance in the 1940 Disney cult classic, “Fantasia”, has been rearranged for the clarinet choir and is also considered one of the representative pieces in clarinet choir music, showcasing the virtuosity of the ensemble and versatility of the clarinet.

Death of an Angel Astor Piazzolla Arr. by Masayuki Katoh Death of an Angel is the third of the “angel series” of pieces that Astor Piazzolla wrote for a stage play, Tango Del Angel, about an angel who appears to cleanse the souls of residents within an apartment block set in Buenos Aires. In Death of an Angel, a three-voice fugue with a propulsive bass line signifies the angel being attacked and killed in a knife-fight. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional tango music, the piece is exhilarating, with harsh and uncompromising rhythms and harmonies.

Libertango Astor Piazzolla Arr. by Masayuki Katoh Libertango is one of Piazzolla’s most popular works and was first recorded and published in 1974. It is a familiar tune that has been adapted in more than 500 separate releases, including being used in films, advertisements and anime series. The title of the piece is a portmanteau of Libertad (Liberty) and Tango, a clear reflection of the theme of liberty, and the style of the music.

In the composer’s own words, “the piece stands for the freedom with which (he) allows for (his) musicians.

Their limits are defined solely by the extent of their own capabilities and not through any external pressure”.

Journey of Leaf Itaru Sakai Premiered in 2004, Journey of Leaf was commissioned

by Ryukoku University Wind Band’s Clarinet section.

In this original work, Itaru Sakai explores the way a leaf travels in the wind through various places.

The sparse opening portrays a single leaf on a branch, and the full ensemble soon joins in, marking the beginning of the leaf’s journey. Itaru Sakai makes full use of the ensemble’s orchestration range, from playfully light interactions between different musicians, to lush and evocative passages that showcase the full strength of the ensemble. The music goes through rapid and constant change, both dynamically and texturally, reminiscent of the unpredictable nature of the wind.

Both musician and audience are linked as they are brought along on the ride, just as the wind brings the leaf on its journey.

Deux Danses Movement II. Danse Antipathique Masamicz Amano “Deux Danses” or Two Dances, is written for a clarinet octet comprising one Eb clarinet, three Bb clarinets, a basset horn, a bass clarinet and a contrabass clarinet.

The second movement of this piece played tonight is a passionate and eccentric dance played along the bass clarinet line. Following a cadenza and waltz by the bass clarinet, the characteristic theme is repeatedly played with increasing intensity until its climax.

New York Counterpoint Steve Reich New York Counterpoint, composed in 1985, was originally meant for a soloist to pre-record ten clarinet and bass clarinet parts first, and then play the final 11th part live against the tape. The performance today will feature all 11 parts played live. This piece, in the meter of 3/2, comprises three movements (fast, slow, fast) played one after the other without any pause, and the change of tempo between movements is abrupt. In the last movement, the bass clarinets function to accent first three groups of four eighth notes, then four groups of three eighth notes, while the upper clarinets essentially do not change. The effect of the accents is to vary the perception of what is in fact not changing.

Programme Notes

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Programme Notes

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Chorale and Danza Vaclav Nelhybel The majestic and solemn Chorale opens this twomovement work, before moving into a fast and rhythmic dance finale, Danza, offering the players the opportunity to showcase both the virtuosity and sonority of the clarinet, as well as their technical skills.

Capriccio Satoshi Yagisawa “Capriccio” is a music term which means capriciously or fantastically, and is used to describe lively short music in free form. This piece, commissioned by the Tokai University Takanawadai High School Wind Band in 2002, besides being used for a competition, was also intended to be a piece that students can enjoy playing during rehearsals and wind band practice.

The Seventh Night of July Itaru Sakai Arr. by Lim Lip Hua The 7th day of July is a day of celebration in various eastern Asian cultures with its roots tracing back to the Chinese Qixi Festival. Also known as Tanabata or Star Festival in Japan, this holiday is based on a legend which narrates a tragic yet romantic tale of two deities, Orihime and Hikoboshi. They are separated by the Milky Way and only allowed to meet on one particular day of the year – the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

Using various movements and textures, The Seventh Night of July is Itaru Sakai’s attempt to capture the emotion complexity of the folklore with music that is linked to the summer night sky. The middle movement features a duet between two instruments, in this version, the Bb Clarinet and Alto Clarinet, as though mimicking the dialogue between the two lovers.

Mr Lim Lip Hua arranged the clarinet choir version for this evening concert.

Kiki’s Delivery Service Taiki Saijo This piece is a collection of music from the 1989 fantasy anime produced by Studio Ghibli, Kiki’s Delivery Service. The film tells the story of a young witch, Kiki, who moves to a new town and uses her flying ability to earn a living. The theme song of this film, Yasashisa ni Tsutsumaretanara, won the best anime theme song award at the 12th Anime Grand Prix in 1990.

The word “Philharmonic” translates to a fondness or devotion to music, and The Philharmonic Winds truly embraces that.

The members of the wind orchestra came together because of a common love for music, and ever since have endeavoured to present the finest music for wind orchestra to the Singaporean audience.

Formed in 2000, The Philharmonic Winds has grown to more than 80 dedicated members. A congregation of skilled musicians from all walks of life – tertiary students to working professionals, music students to wind band instructors – The Philharmonic Winds is proud to be home to a thriving musical community.

Amongst a myriad of notable performances, The Philharmonic Winds has performed a collection of landmark works from the wind band repertoire, ranging from the symphonies of Paul Hindemith and James Barnes to well-known favourites of Alfred Reed and Adam Gorb. The wind orchestra is also well-versed in a variety of musical styles, having explored the lush and humorous music of Percy Grainger, the genius of Mozart and Varèse, and jazz standards.

The Philharmonic Winds is privileged to have collaborated with renowned musicians and soloists from all over the world, and performed under the baton of distinguished conductors such as Principal Guest Conductor Timothy Reynish (GBR), Felix Hauswirth (SWE), Douglas Bostock (GBR), Johan de Meij (NL), Luis Serrano Alarcón (ESP), Yasuhide Ito (JPN), Surapol Thanyawibool (THA), John Boyd (USA), Zechariah Goh Toh Chai (SG), Luk Hoi Yui (SG), founding Artistic Director Robert Casteels (BEL/SG) and Music Director Leonard Tan.

THE PHILHARMONIC WINDS

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THE PHILHARMONIC WINDS

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As one of Singapore’s premier arts flag-bearers, The Philharmonic Winds is proud to have received much recognition on the world stage, from being the first wind orchestra from Singapore to be awarded a Gold medal with Distinction in the First Division (Harmony Band) in the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, the Netherlands in July 2005, to invitations to perform at the prestigious Japan Band Clinic (2009) and World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) Conference in Chiayi, Taiwan (2011).

More recently, The Philharmonic Winds clinched Second Prize at the 127th Certamen Internacional de Bandas de Musica – Ciudad de Valencia (the International Wind Band Contest “City of Valencia”) in 2013, and performed at the closing gala concert of the Hong Kong International Band Fair in 2014.

An avid supporter of local music, The Philharmonic Winds has staged four concerts dedicated to works by Singaporean and Singapore-based composers. The Philharmonic Winds has collaborated with many local talents from other musical and arts genres, such as stage actors Sebastian Tan and Gani Karim, singers Benjamin Kheng, Charlie Lim, Nathan Hartono, Tay Kewei, Tay Kexin, George Chan and Lindy Chia. The wind orchestra has also collaborated with Dingyi Music Company, Ministry of Bellz, Vocal Associates, sand artist Lawrence Koh, young soprano Corey Koh, storyteller Kamini Ramachandran and narrator/actor William Ledbetter.

Besides its regular concert seasons at the Esplanade Concert Hall and overseas performances, The Philharmonic Winds also regularly participates in arts outreach performances and presents free community outreach concerts in the heartlands including Tampines and Ang Mo Kio, as well as in malls, to reach out to the masses, build new audiences and bring music to more Singaporeans. As The Philharmonic Winds develops into a mature music institution, it believes in playing a part to better society in more ways other than bringing music and the arts into the lives of Singaporeans. In December 2014, The Philharmonic Winds held a concert entitled “Circle of Life – A Night of Musicals” and helped to raise $35,000 for children cared for by the six member charities under The Children’s Charities Association of Singapore. In 2015, The Philharmonic Winds performed at the Yellow Ribbon Prison Run which raised more than $85,000 for the Yellow Ribbon Fund. At the Run, The Philharmonic Winds performed with two inmates, including a special arrangement of a song written by one of them.

The Philharmonic Winds is constantly striving to present fresh and exciting quality music to its audiences and aspires to achieve professionalism in all aspects of music-making, with the aim of becoming one of the finest wind orchestras in the region.

The Philharmonic Youth Winds (Phil Youth) was formed in early 2002

by The Philharmonic Winds (Phil Winds) to provide an opportunity for young, passionate musicians to further their ensemble experience.

Since its inaugural concert led by Zechariah Goh and Leonard Tan, the ensemble grew under various other conductors, performing in joint concerts with Phil Winds as well as its own concerts. In addition, Phil Youth has had the opportunity to work with foreign clinicians and conductors (Timothy Reynish, Christopher Hughes), and participate in music exchanges abroad. Phil Youth has become a decorated band since its conception, having taken part in the inaugural Singapore International Band Festival in 2008, winning the only Gold medal and clinching the title of Top Band in the 1st Division. In both 2010 and 2012, the ensemble also emerged as one of the top 3 bands in the Open Division, ahead of groups from regional music conservatories.

In 2008, Phil Youth presented its new annual concert series entitled Classiques! at the Victoria Concert Hall under the baton of its current Resident Conductor, Adrian Chiang. In every subsequent year since then, the Classiques! series became an annual instalment and the biggest concert project of the year. Since then, Phil Youth has had a successful series of nine Classiques! Concerts – and are looking forward to their upcoming tenth instalment.

Aspiring towards broader artistic horizons, Phil Youth staged a pop concert with local singers George Chan and Lindy Chia in collaboration with Esplanade, reminiscing Songs our Parents Love from the 60s and 70s. In 2015, the second instalment of Songs our Parents Love featured Jay Lim, Khor Ai Ming, returning guest, Lindy Chia and veteran singer, Xie Jin Shi. Phil Youth also regularly undertakes other performances and community outreach projects during its off-seasons. The ensemble is a regular item under Singapore Press Holdings’ Gift of Music series, bringing music to the heartlands. The ensemble was invited to be the first wind band to perform at Gardens by the Bay in 2013, as well as the newly refurbished Victoria Concert Hall in 2014. The ensemble was also invited to be the accompanying band for the Singapore Low Brass Festival in June 2015, supporting international soloists.

The Philharmonic Youth Winds aims to establish itself as a youthful and vibrant ensemble through its attitude and passion towards music making, and welcomes all enthusiastic young musicians to join the ensemble and share the love of music!

PHILHARMONIC YOUTH WINDS

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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The PhilClarinets would like to express our deepest gratitude to the following, without whom this concert would not have been possible: The Philharmonic Winds Singapore, for its support towards this chamber concert, and for being the family where we grew up musically together.

The Philharmonic Winds’ Board of Directors, for their unstinting support towards our artistic endeavours.

Mr Daniel Yiau, for his astute musical direction, friendship and guidance to PhilClarinets.

Ms Jolie Giouw, for engaging with you, our audience, in tonight’s concert.

Ms Annie Pek and Ms Jodie Chiang, for their assistance in the front-ofhouse and backstage operations for tonight’s concert.

Ms Eng Guan Rong and Ms Clarissa Lim, for their valuable time and assistance in documenting tonight’s concert through their photography lens.

The following schools, for the participation in the Mass Clarinet Choir: Ang Mo Kio Secondary School Anglo-Chinese Junior College Bendemeer Secondary School CHIJ Katong Convent Clementi Town Secondary School Crescent Girls’ School Dunman High School Hong Kah Secondary School Hwa Chong Institution Maha Bodhi School Meridian Junior College Nanyang Academy Of Fine Arts

Nanyang Girls’ High School National University of Singapore Ngee Ann Polytechnic Presbyterian High School Raffles Junior College Singapore Chinese Girls’ School Singapore Polytechnic St Andrews Junior College Tampines Junior College Victoria Junior College Victoria School

All individuals and organisations who have, in one way or another, contributed to the development of the PhilClarinets.

Our families, friends and loved ones, for their support and understanding.

And you, our audience, for your presence here with us tonight.

PhilClarinets in Concert III Project Committee Programme Desmond Chow Marketing & Production Elvin Koh Editorial Jolie Giouw Design & Layout Jerry Tan, behance.net/tanjerry

The Philharmonic Winds is a recipient of the National Arts Council’s Major Company Scheme.

The Philharmonic Winds Singapore 2017/18 Season The Philharmonic Winds Chamber Series:

Miniatures

by PhilBrass 19 August 2017, Saturday 7.30pm Victoria Concert Hall

The Philharmonic Winds Chamber Series:

Russian Rarities

by Philharmonic Chamber Winds 9 September 2017, Saturday 7.30pm Victoria Concert Hall

Philharmonic Youth Winds Presents:

Songs Our Parents Love III 24 September 2017, Sunday 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall

The Philharmonic Winds Chamber Series:

Toki Otozuru - A Concert of Japanese Chamber Music 1 October 2017, Sunday 7.30pm Victoria Concert Hall

Philharmonic Youth Winds Presents:

Classiques! X 28 January 2018, Sunday 7.30pm Esplanade Concert Hall

UPCOMING CONCERTS

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