The Civic District was abuzz with the return of the Light to Night Festival in 2023 as part of Singapore Art Week. Themed “Here and Now”, the festival celebrated Singapore’s dynamic arts scene with a gamut of attractions, including multi-sensory experiences and programmes presented in collaboration with art groups and cultural institutions.
Concluding in January, the festival served as a platform to showcase Singapore Symphony Group (SSG)'s many talents and groups. Under VCHpresents, festivalgoers could participate in various musical programmes at the Victoria Concert Hall while marveling at the light-up of its façade as part of Art Skins on Monuments.
In the Spotlight
We kicked off the festival with Atrium Playoff - NPVC Talents & Friends held on 8 and 15 January. National Piano & Violin Competition (NPVC) alumni and friends treated the public to a line-up of free performances, held at the atrium of the Victoria Concert Hall. In partnership with radio station Symphony 924FM, Atrium Playoff – Stars on Symphony featured young talents in a similar format on 14 January. Crowds enjoyed a range of musical performances, including a display of enthralling vocals and a heart-stirring guzheng recital.
On 14 January, Stroboscope – Light Beats saw the Percussion Ensemble of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) put on a lively performance of rhythm and beauty with Marimba Concerto Suite by Ney Rosauro,Shared Space by Ivan Trevino and more.
Meaningful Encounters
Selected programmes under VCHpresents explored topics beyond classical music.
Visitors enjoyed a rare experience at our VCH Backstage Tours, hosted by members of the SSG family. The packed tour explored memories and stories of one of Singapore’s most beautiful and storied landmarks.
The Insights webinar series shed light on lesser-known aspects of live orchestra concerts. Lighting Design for Classical Music saw veteran lighting designer Alberta Wileo share about professional stage lighting on 4 January. Having signed at past SSO National Day Concerts, sign language interpreter Janis Wong led a webinar titled Sign Language for Classical Music on 11 January, revealing insights into a vocabulary that brings classical music to life for the hard-of-hearing community.
Transfigured Night
A dazzling performance of light and music was held on 15 January at the Victoria Concert Hall.
Musical works, including Spring Festival Overture and Dance of the Yao People, were presented by the string musicians of the SSO. The concert concluded on a bright note with Singaporean artist Lawrence Koh taking to the stage in Schoenberg’s Transfigured Night. In tandem with the performing musicians, the light painter conjured up a glowing masterpiece on a screen.
Thank you for joining us at Light to Night 2023. We hope the shared experiences with classical music will stay with you for a long time.
See you at the next edition!
