Singapore Lyric Opera dedicates Opera Ball to late founding chairman

Besides using the monies raised from its annual Opera Ball to fund its activities this year, Singapore Lyric Opera will also be using part of the proceeds to establish a training program.

Words by Imagine TV Network

Singapore Lyric Opera's (SLO) annual Opera Ball will be dedicated to the memory of and in remembrance of their late founding chairman, the late Mr. Leow Siak Fah. SLO's Patron-in-Chief, Mr S. R. Nathan, will also be the evening's guest-of-honor.

Referring to Mr. Nathan's support for SLO, Mr. Toh Weng Cheong, Chairman of SLO, said his advice and insights are invaluable as they seek to enhance the role they play to "popularize and create wider appreciation of opera and music theater in Singapore."

Held on the 11th of March 2016 at the John Jacob Ballroom of St. Regis Hotel, the evening will feature excerpts from operas that were associated with the late Mr. Leow. This includes performances by renowned soprano and SLO's first Honorary Artistic Director, Nancy Yuen, as well as tenor extraordinaire Peter Ong, Melvin Tan and Reuben Lai.

Yuen is currently the Head of Vocal Studies at the Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, a role she has held since 2010. She was previously the Head of Vocal Studies at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore.

Highlights include songs from Carmen and The Merry Widow, concert favorite "Mattinata" and "Brindisi" from La Traviata by Verdi. In addition, Peter Ong will take on a solo performance of tenor aria "Serenade" from The Student Prince by Romberg.

The proceeds from the Opera Ball will be used to provide funding for SLO's activities, including two children's choir concerts in July and December, a full-length opera in August and the Annual Gala Concert in November.

Other than to fund SLO's activities for the year, part of the proceeds will be used for the establishment of SLO - Leow Siak Fah Young Artists Program. The aim of the artist program is to develop and improve the artististic and musical talent in Singapore through the provision opportunities  for young singers to hone their craft and gain professional stage experience.

Up to eight singers between the ages of 21 and 33 years old will be chosen through auditions to participate in the performance-based training program and will receive a stipend for their rehearsals, coaching sessions and performances.