SSO

Seems like forever since I last stepped into Esplanade going for SSO concerts with Che-che. Has it been that long? 2yrs plus? Started when she left for US until now, when she started working it was difficult to find time. Think recently this year che-che has been going with her friends who also appreciate classical. While I’m happy that she has companion apart from her old mother, I’m sad that I lost a companion. Thus I was elated when she jio-ed me for one of Hans Graf conducted concert. 

It’s not our first time to concerts conducted by maestro Hans Graf. He came on just about the time che-che and I were more active in attending SSO concerts.

This May, SSO honor the tenure of Hans Graf (as he concludes his term as Quantedge Music Director 😩 with 3 farewell series that will keep his loyal supporters busy for 3 weeks.

Saw Lynnette Seah, the previous Co-concertmaster in SSO, 我的偶像 

Queuing up for this before the concert

Wristband for autograph and photo session after the concert

Hans Graf Farewell Series: Scheherazade

Programme includes: 

(1) The Rock, Op. 7 (by Sergei Rachmaninoff)

(2) Violin Concerto No.2, Op.61 (by Karol Szymanowski)

I    Moderato - Milton tranquillo

II   Andantino sostenuto

III  Allegramente - Molto energico

IV  Andantino - Molto tranquillo 

(3) Scheherazade, Op.35 (by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov)

I    The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship

II   The Tale of Prince Kalendar

III  The Young Prince and the Princess

IV   The Festival at Baghdad; The Sea; The Ship Goes to Pieces on a Rock

While queuing for the autograph and photo session I told the girls I thought the last three pieces were more lively. Then they said the first of the third piece - The Sea and Sinbad’s Ship - was played slow by SSO. It’s suppose to be faster. 🤣 as if I know. Che-che gave me that look “you nvr hear this before?” Ok, I think she’s more well versed in classical pieces than me now. Always go in concerts blindly 🤣. I’ve never heard of the tracks before or maybe never paid attention when it’s in the background.