Sunday, September 23, 2012
Expressions - Moving Souls in Symphony, a concert with fusion of orchestra & dance was successfully held on 21 September 2012 with the aid and support from the organising team, sponsors, dance clubs and of course, guest players!
No no, it's a misconception when people thought that we (TUSO) are music students.
As a matter of fact, there's no music faculty in Taylor's University while all of us are studying courses e.g. business, mass communication, pre-u, architecture, tourism and hospitality and so on.
It is not easy to gather music enthusiasts (especially orchestra players) from Taylor's to form a orchestra.
Therefore, I've personally invited a few guest players in enhancing the orchestra.
Take a glimpse into the world behind the scenes in order to acknowledge the many professionals who played indispensable roles in the successful completion of this concert and they are (names are arranged in random manner):
Andrew Ng Wen Hao
If you are a MPO/ MPYO concert go-er, you may be able to recognise him :)
Ah yes, he is brother of James Ng, the principal cellist of MPYO.
Needless to say, be amazed by his profile (flip to page 12!) as shown in the programme booklet.
They are music prodigies!
You may often see him playing in RTM Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra (NSO), KLPac Symphonic Band, MPYO too.
Ah ha, he's one of the founding members of High Winds Ensemble from MPO and a music lecturer from UiTM.
Besides, he's a reed maker in which many local oboists are highly-sought after.
Some people are indeed, so surprised that he was playing with us in the concert!
We're honoured to have him regardless of his uber hectic schedule.
He's also a full time music student from UiTM who plays in KLPac Symphonic Band, KLPac Orchestra and Istana Budaya too.
President of La Bella Orchestra
One of the founding members from KLPac Orchestra who teaches violin and viola
Actively engage in TUSO's funtions since last year
Ah yes, he was the one being interviewed on behalf of KLPac Symphonic Band and played the solo piece on NTV7 on the first day where he came to our rehearsal.
Appreciate for spending time with us regardless of having a very tight working schedule and your guidance on playing double bass.
Feel so sorry after knowing your double bass was hit by the door at Taylor's :(
Helped us in last year's concert as a Tuba player
Kyle Low Kyle Yi
A music teacher who teaches violin and cello
She's also a FTCL holder who teaches piano and violin
Helped us during last year's concert too
Ex-president of SUE, helped us in last year's concert as well
Thank you for spending time with us before leaving to UK and helped us once again in this concert
Robin Kim Seong Shik
A very committed and good violinist from Monash University
Joined TUSO since the very first practice of TUSO in 2012 (not for concert rehearsal!)
Actively engage in TUSO's functions since last year
Indeed, I'm very grateful to have all of you in making essential contributions for the success of this concert.
Some even shared your thoughts and gave suggestions on improving not only on the music playing, setting up and even managing the orchestra.
It's a blessing to be friend with all of you.
Debts are not usually very pleasant, but I am delighted to acknowledge all that I owe to all of you.
Thanks for your guidance and particiption! ♥
Labels: expressions, taylor's, taylor's symphony orchestra
What will spring up in your mind when you heard of "orchestra concert"?
Classical repertoire, lengthy and sophisticating show, only for audience with music background? for old folks or even... another type of show that's boring where you can see and hear some audience actually snoring?
Inspired by Andre Rieu's version of 2nd Waltz from Jazz Suite, composed by Shostokovich (yes, I ♥ the moment when not only the performers but the audience are enjoying during the concert regardless of different age groups as well), I've decided to organise a dance-themed concert for Taylor's University Symphony Orchestra (TUSO)'s 3rd annual concert and so, the idea was running on my mind and started to plan in last year.
Some may be asking why we were not playing the orchestra version but string orchestra version instead for the Waltz No. 2?
Well, the answer is simple: I somehow can't get to find the orchestra version of the music scores since last year. However, this version arranged by Paul Lavendar is quite good.
Though I was trained more on classical musics (no, I wasn't from any school band that many people may think as I play flute usually in the orchestra), I understand the feel when you're watching the concert with so high standard and sophisticating pieces that you can hardly enjoy the gist of it and may even fall asleep.
Therefore, I've selected an array of well-known dance repertoire ranging from classical to pop songs.
Uh oh, you may not familiar with the names but I bet you've heard the music from the movies or somewhere else before.
There are actually few songs that I wish to play:
Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez (gosh, I ♥ the one conducted by Gustavo Dudamel)
Golliwog's Cakewalk by Debussy
Waltz from the Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian
La Cumparsita
Due to time constraint and limited sources, we have to forgo these :(
Anyway, hope the audience enjoyed listening to this repertoire!
Well, I joined the Dance Club (TUDC) before I was officially joining the Symphony Orchestra (TUSO).
I always admire the dancers whenever I pass by the Student Life Centre, watching them dancing freely (I can never synchronise my hands and legs well. lol)
This sparks my interest of collaborating with the dance clubs: Latin & Ballroom Dance Club & Taylor's University Dance Club (TUDC) to have a different touch and whole new experience for both players and audience in this concert.
Ah yes, in case you don't know, these are the songs that were featuring by:
Por Una Cabeza (TUDC)
Sway (Latin & Ballroom Dance Club)
Hungarian Dance No. 5 (TUDC)
Also, there were solo performances by Taylor's Latin & Ballroom Dance Club!
I feel so grateful to have them in spicing up the performance!
♥ you all...
Thank you Latin & Ballroom Dance Club and TUDC!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Music & Dance lovers listen up!
Taylor's University Symphony Orchestra (TUSO) is BACK once again for their annual theme concert! As they never fail to fascinate their audience with their spectacular performance, this year, they are set to SURPRISE their audience with a BIGGER & BETTER show!
For the first time ever, TUSO will be collaborating with Taylor's Dance Club and Latin & Ballroom Dance Club to put on a different touch into their show this year, EXPRESSIONS!
"EXPRESSIONS" is a dance themed concert featuring an array of dance repertoire, ranging from classical to contemporary dances such as tango, waltz and salsa. By combining two wonderful art elements together, MUSIC & DANCE, TUSO promises another remarkable and exciting night where one will be fascinated by the mesmerizing live music and dance!
Some of the repertoire that will be played in the Expressions Concert 2012 are:
Sway
Selections from The Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky
Blue Tango by Leroy Anderson
Waltz from Masquerade Suite by Aram Khachaturian
Hungarian Dance No. 5 by Brahms
Waltz No. 2 from Jazz Suite by Shostakovich
and many more...
Curious and wanting to know more about TUSO's Expressions Concert 2012?
i) Chris Fong - 012 617 2663
ii) Valerie Koh - 016 748 7118
Tickets are selling fast! Hurry, get yours now as we go according to first come first serve basis! You don't want to miss this AMAZING performance by TUSO..
Pricing:
RM20 (Normal) | RM40 (VIP)
Special Group purchase discounts (buy 10 tickets FREE 1)*
*Subject to availability!
Labels: brahms, broadwar, dance, hungarian dance, jazz, khachaturian, michael buble, music, shostakovich, tango, taylor's, taylor's symphony orchestra, tchaikovsky, waltz