On March 5, my family and I joined the parent-and-child rhythm play workshop at the Esplanade by Singaporean percussionist Riduan Zalani. Along with about 15 other parent-child pairs, we learned some basic beats to play on a cajon. I enjoyed the workshop, more than my kids did, unfortunately. (Perhaps my almost-6-year-old son was too young to play that big cajon and my 11-year-old daughter wasn’t really into percussion instruments.) So when Riduan told us that he was going to do a free performance for the opening night of the Mosaic Music Festival 2011, my husband and I decided to see him again.
Last night (March 11), at the opening night of the Mosaic Music Festival 2011 at the Esplanade, we first went to see Riduan Zalani and Ramu Thiruyanam at the concourse. Their blend of music was unique, almost experimental. Aside from playing on their instruments, they also did some improv rhythms using just their voices and their bodies. Quite cool.
Afterwards, we went to the outdoor theatre to see the Singaporean orchestra named Summertimes Big Band (I’m a fan of big band music). With the evening backdrop of Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore skyline, listening to big band music outdoors was BIG FUN! I especially enjoyed their performances of I’ve Got You Under My Skin and It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing (with vocalist Kelvin Kong), Big Spender and Lady is a Tramp (with vocalist Annie Wilson), and My Favorite Things. The humorous rapport between conductor Dale Cheong and vocalist Kelvin Kong just added more fun to their already fun-filled and fabulous big band music. I’m already looking forward to seeing Summertimes Big Band again in the future.
Even though we only went to see 2 free performances, opening night of the festival seemed very promising. There were many people in the Esplanade last night, no doubt enjoying the free and paid performances. Here’s to more good fun and great music at the Mosaic Music Festival 2011, March 11-20 at the Esplanade.
Last Updated on February 12, 2014 by lea