Singapore International Brass Explosion! Festival 2010
Singapore’s first ever International Brass Music Festival was held from 29-31st May 2010. I covered the 3-day event which included band rehearsals, master classes, a soloist competition, a gala concert at Victoria Concert Hall, and jazz ‘nights’ featuring luminaries from Singapore, UK and Belgium. The annual Brass Explosion! Festival was organised by Brass Society Ltd (Singapore).
(All photos taken by Chia Ming Chien using available light only.)
Student Festival Band at rehearsal
Conductor Kevin Steward leading the Festival Ensemble Band in rehearsal.
Festival Ensemble Band rehearsal. The band comprised students from local and international schools from 6-18 years of age.
Ensemble band comprised students representing over 25 nationalities.
Children at young at 8-years-old participated.
Contestants at Student Soloist Competition
Solo French Horn recital.
Contestant in the Soloist Competition.
Judges were impressed by the high standard of contestants.
A jury of international judges adjudicated.
Recitals by world-renowned soloists
Shannon Pittaway is a founding member of the Australian Brass Quintet and bass trombonist of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Unai Urrecho is professor at the Suwon University after serving for five years as a Principal Trombonist of the Daejeon Philharmonic Orchestra.
Gala Concert at the Victoria Memorial Concert Hall
The world-famous Desford Colliery Bank from UK performed at the Gala Concert.
Student Festival Ensemble Band performing at Victoria Concert Hall.
Also performing at the Gala Concert was Singapore's Cultural Medallion jazz musician Jeremy Monteiro; and Henry Lowther, one of UK's finest jazz musician.
Jazz Nights at INK Club Bar, Fairmont Hotel
World-renowned Belgian trombonist Bart van Lier performing at Ink Club Bar; accompanied by Brian Benson on bass.
Henry Lowther is one of Britain's finest jazz musician and renowned for total free improvisation.
Cheers! It was an excellent concert and festival all round.
