Orchestra fans don’t have to lie in wait, wondering when the next live show will become available. In 2013, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra put on a live show at the Esplanade Concert Hall hosting solo guitarist Kevin Loh, and the work was written by acclaimed academic and composer Bernard Tan. The concert which consisted of three movements (or three songs) spanned about half an hour, and though it was put on roughly seven years ago, the SSO had decided back in June of this year to put the concert on YouTube for free viewing.
Bernard Tan Guitar Concerto, who is actually a physics professor in Singapore, composed all of the music played in the concert.
Bernard Tan, who is actually a physics professor in Singapore, composed all of the music played in the concert. What sets it apart from most orchestra concerts, is that this music all seems to be written with the purpose of most of the orchestra playing off the lead of the acoustic guitar in the group. Kevin Loh is essentially the heart of the entire show, as most if not all of the music is set and toned from his guitar. Loh who was only born in 1998, plays the guitar with as much skill and sophistication as someone who’s been in the game for decades. This should come as no surprise, as at twelve years old he was given a grant from The Rolling Stones to play at the Yehudi Menuhin School after being seen playing his guitar on YouTube. Young yes, but without a doubt gifted, and apparently gifted enough to play with a professional orchestra.
Each movement of music lasts around ten minutes. This can seem long, but as there are only three it actually goes by fairly quick. The movements are titled Allegro Moderato, Adante, and the last one is Vivace. All three have their own unique sound, feeling, and pacing. Allegro Moderato takes just about all of its cues from the guitar, with Loh playing and the rest of the band seemingly responding in kind. It begins gently, but soon moves into a much louder and quicker tempo. It is paced charmingly upbeat, and it almost sounds as though it could’ve been used as a score on Asian films of the early periods of cinema. Adante is a much softer piece of music, reminiscent of older Asian music, particularly that of elder Chinese music. Vivace has it all, as it finishes the concert off with a much livelier tone, particularly on the part of guitarist Kevin Loh.
The exciting part about a concert like this, is that it’s essentially contemporary music. Orchestras do of course play original works at times, but much more often are audiences subject to classical works that many bands play because they’re ‘safe’ and without risk. The SSO and Kevin Loh, get it right by hosting newer compositions produced by the esteemed Bernard Tan so that music is always evolving, innovating, and sounding new whilst paying the appropriate homage to its earlier influences. So go and pull out the laptop or turn on the smart TV, and enjoy.
