Ushering in 2014 with The Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore

The last classical concert of the year definitely.  Into its third year, The Philharmonic Orchestra Singapore started the concert at 10 pm and ended its programme at 12 midnight sharp, just in time to usher in 2014!

It was a good crowd at the School of the Arts Concert Hall and we were also entitled to a glass of champagne during intermission.  The pieces for the evening were mostly accessible, such as Leo Delibes (soloists Yin Yue and Su Yiwen from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts), Don Gillis's Symphony for Fun (heard for the first time).  Maestro Lim Yau also got the audience to stand up for Cuban Street Song.

Ottorino Respighi's The Applan Way from Pines of Rome was the piece that led the audience into 2014.  The piece was rather errie initially, with the orchestra pit in darkness except for the lights for the music score.  It however turned out to be rather magical in the end, where the clock on the screen started to countdown from 10.  By that time, most audience were more busy following the countdown and getting ready the party poppers.  It felt good entering 2014 this way and after the last song Auld Lang Syne, the concert was over.

A good way to end the year and usher in a new year.  I hope more audience will experience this concert next time.