Singapore National Youth Orchestra's show of maturity at anniversary gala

The Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO) celebrated its 45th anniversary with a colourful programme, not just in repertoire, but also in having three past SNYO conductors, in addition to music director Joshua Tan, lead the orchestra.

- Mervin Beng

Leonard Tan was one of the conductors of the Singapore National Youth Orchestra at its 45th anniversary gala. PHOTO: ALOYSIUS LIM

(PHOTO: ALOYSIUS LIM)

Conductor Leonard Tan almost leapt onto the podium to kick off the gala concert with the Mikhail Glinka overture at considerable speed. The young musicians on stage were clearly well-prepared for this, and responded admirably.

Given Tan’s tempo, there were a few slips, which even professional orchestras could have been forgiven for, but the folksy essence of the opera was not lost.

In contrast, Robert Casteels' calm, dignified entrance set the stage for an extraordinary performance of the Thieving Magpie overture. Save for snare drums and a piccolo, Gioachino Rossini’s instrumentation is very similar to that of Glinka’s. Yet the timbres, balance and, most of all, the dynamic range Casteels coaxed from the SNYO were almost unrecognisable.

Rossini was a special character. He lived well, enjoying rich food and fine wine, living until the age of 76, but had withdrawn from music at the peak of success at 37.