Chorus starts practices

Though the opening night of “The Flying Dutchman” is still six months away, the Schola Cantorum opera chorus under Albert Tay has already started rehearsing. They come together every Friday night for 2 1/2 hours to work on their part of the production. The first weekly chorus gathering was held on 6 May 2016. Movement lessons with Aaron Khek start in mid-August.

The sense of camaraderie that permeated the rehearsal room is palpable, as members stream in, rain or shine.  The sense of anticipation and excitement about participating in the first-ever Wagner opera in Singapore filled the air.

Members readily shared their reasons for participation and their feelings about the experience…

A) Why did you choose to be part of this Opera?

Why not!? It’s in Singapore! – Susan Hurley

“I can’t do Bach, so I just bark…I’ve sung every kind of opera, except WAGNER! Of course I’ll choose to be part of this opera! I can finally blast my high notes without reserve”- Patricia Teng

Because it is a rare opportunity to be part of this Singapore Wagner experience with the Richard Wagner Association of Singapore and the Schola Cantorum with Albert Tay. – Mona Lim

B) Have you had any previous experience (anything) with Wagner?

“I’ve sung The Flying Dutchman with Dorset Opera in the UK AND I went to Bayreuth to see the real thing!”- Michelle Tan

C) How are you looking forward to the rehearsals and performance?

“With trepidation… I’m kidding… we’re totally looking forward to it!!” 🙂 –  Edwin Cruz

“With lots of anticipation, yes, as this is an exciting and momentous event for Singapore. It will put us on the map to higher artistic platforms nationally and internationally” – Mona Lim

 

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The Kodaly Academy of Music (KAM) which manages choir collective Schola Cantorum, is a Singapore-based organisation that is privileged to have the collaboration of the International Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy of Music (Hungary) for its international activities. It aims to provide and facilitate cutting-edge music, art & pedagogy to artists, music educators and students in the pursuit of life-long learning, nurture the next generation of professional musicians, music educators & music lovers;  and act as a bridge to the International Kodály Institute of Hungary, adapting and bringing quality Hungarian-inspired music education to the masses in the Asia-Pacific region.