On Saturday evening, the Tanglin Philharmonia delivered a thrilling and deeply impressive concert at the School of the Arts Singapore, showcasing both the orchestral talent at Tanglin as well as the exceptional calibre of our young soloists. Rob Hall, Director of Music, tells us more.
 

Performing to a highly appreciative and enthusiastic audience, the concert marked a significant milestone in the musical life of the school with performances given by the winners of Tanglin’s inaugural Concerto Competition, introduced earlier this academic year. The standard of performance throughout the evening was truly phenomenal, with soloists demonstrating extraordinary poise, precision and technical command.  

The evening opened in electrifying fashion with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, conducted by Director of Music, Rob Hall. Bursting with energy and brilliant fanfare-like writing, the work immediately established an atmosphere of excitement and occasion. The orchestra performed with confidence and flair, navigating the fast-paced brilliance of the piece with impressive unity and musicality. 

The first Concerto performance featured Trevor W (Year 11) performing the first movement from Sachse’s Trombone Concertino, conducted by Tian Zhao. Trevor delivered a remarkably assured performance; his rich tone, impressive agility and musical sensitivity all shone through, with the work’s lyrical moments contrasting beautifully with passages of dazzling technicality. 
 

Charlotte T (Year 11) then took centre stage in Tchaikovsky’s elegant and emotionally rich Rococo Variations. One of the great showpieces of the cello repertoire, the work demands both virtuosity and expressive sophistication. Charlotte performed with poise and maturity beyond her years, producing a warm, expressive sound and navigating the work’s shifting moods and formidable technical challenges with impressive control. 
 

A particular highlight before the interval was Dances from Korond, featuring distinguished guest solo clarinetist, Paul Harris. Full of colour, rhythmic vitality and folk-inspired character, the work brought a feverish energy to the programme. Paul’s artistry and charismatic performance added a special dimension to the evening, inspiring both orchestra and audience alike. 

Following the interval, Anne Y (Year 12) delivered a compelling performance of the first movement of Kabalevsky’s Piano Concerto, again under the baton of Tian Zhao. Characterised by bold contrasts, driving rhythms and moments of lyrical intensity, the work demands both technical brilliance and strong musical character. Ann rose to the challenge magnificently, performing with clarity, confidence and a commanding stage presence. 
 

The final Concerto performance saw the overall winner, Tyler Y (Year 12), perform Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, conducted by Rob Hall. One of the Romantic repertoire’s most virtuosic and exhilarating works, the concerto is packed with dazzling technical demands and sweeping musical drama. Tyler’s performance was outstanding, displaying extraordinary technical facility alongside real musical depth and assurance, captivating the audience throughout. 
 

The concert concluded with Saint-Saëns’ exhilarating Dance Bacchanale, bringing the evening to a thrilling close. Rich in exotic colour, rhythmic excitement and dramatic flair, the orchestra embraced the work’s intensity and spirit with conviction, ending the concert in spectacular fashion. 

The launch of the inaugural Concerto Competition has been hugely successful, providing a platform for our outstanding young musicians to flourish and perform alongside the orchestra. Judging by the exceptional standard on display and the warmth of audience support on Saturday evening, we cannot wait to see what next year’s competition brings.