PhilClarinets, or fondly known as PhilClars, will showcase four generations of talented clarinettists who have played with the Philharmonic Wind Orchestra (PWO) over the past 24 years.
The concert titled “Through the Years” will present these musicians in a series of ensembles and choir settings, showcasing the rich, colourful, and flexible sonorities of the clarinet.
“This being our 5th edition, the concert celebrates the journey of PhilClarinets by featuring generations of Philclarinets in ensemble performances to showcase the talent of their era. We regrouped everyone to perform famous classics celebrating our shared musical journey,” said Elvin Koh, the producer of the concert.
Opening the concert on Saturday is ‘Russlan and Ludmilla Overture‘ by Mikhail Glinka, an exciting, quick and exhilarating piece which will showcase the finesse and prowess of the clarinet choir.
This will be followed by the performances of four distinct ensembles, comprising members from different generations.
In the first ensemble, a quintet comprising Cheong Mun Hoe, Desmond Chow, Liang Jiayi, Lim Lip Hua and Michiko Yamaguchi, will present ‘Sakura Song‘ by Yosuke Fukuda. Inspired by the Japanese culture’s love for cherry blossoms (sakura) and the emotions they evoke, this special arrangement will offer listeners a more intimate and nuanced exploration of the composer’s vision.
“It’s an incredible honour to be part of the pioneering generation of clarinetists in PWO. Looking back, I’m filled with nostalgia and pride, remembering the early days and the journey we’ve taken to get here. Now, sharing the stage with many talented clarinetists in a recital is a truly humbling experience. It’s a testament to the growth and community we’ve built together. I’m excited to celebrate this milestone and make music with my friends and fellow clarinetists!” Desmond shared.
The second ensemble, features an octet of players, namely Azman Shah, Claire Lee, Elvin Koh, Francesca Peck, Ralph Lim, Sean Lim, Yap Fangyu and Yogendran Kumar.
They will be performing ‘O Magnum Mysterium‘ by Morten Lauridsen, and arranged by Ralph himself. The choral work will allow listeners to experience a moment of stillness and reflection, celebrating the mystery and beauty of the Christmas season.
“Playing with this ensemble really brings back fond memories from over a decade ago. Although we have grown and adulted, I’m blessed to be able to have open and honest (aka childish) conversations with them as though we have never aged. There is this fond sense of nostalgia and sometimes I ask myself if it really has been a decade,” Ralph shared.
The next quartet, comprising Amanda Yeo, Daniel Ong, Dominic Koh and Shie Rui Qi, will present Vittorio Monti’s ‘Csardas‘, in the arrangement by Kazuhiro Morita.
“I’m thrilled to share the stage with my peers from PhilClars, with whom I’ve been performing for many years. We joined PWO as teenagers, uncertain of what lay ahead. The musical standards were incredibly high, and we found ourselves striving to keep pace with the more experienced members from the earlier generations. Our shared experiences have been invaluable. I’m also delighted to be working alongside fellow clarinetist Dominic in the SAF Central Band, and It makes me proud to be a part of the PWO family,” said Daniel, who will be performing in two ensembles.
Concluding the first half will be an ensemble formed by some of the newer musicians in PWO, namely Anzawa Makoto Rey Kwan, Dan Chum, Daniel Ong, Denver Wong, Gavilan Neo, Juan Maringka and Weona Lin. They will be presenting ‘Pixel‘ by Yosuke Fukuda, a piece for seven clarinets featuring a lively, clear, and dramatic clarinet character.
“As one of the newer members of PhilClars, my experience so far has been very eye opening. I’m constantly inspired by the talent and dedication of my fellow musicians, some of whom have been playing the instrument for more years than I have been alive! We work together to make good clarinet music, and just as importantly, lifelong connections. To me, PhilClars is not just another clarinet group – it’s a community.” Rey shared.
Leading the second half is conductor Brando Tan with the PhilClars choir, which will perform Verdi’s ‘La Forza Del Destino‘, a piece with myriads of emotions.
“I remember when I first watched PhilClars in Victoria Concert Hall some years ago, I was really impressed with the colours that the clarinet ensemble produced from the organ work Toccata and Fugue. This year, I am very honoured and humble to be conducting PhilClars, in not just clarinet music, but great works!” Brando shared.
The choir will then present, ‘A Picture Book without a Picture‘ by Masanori Taruya, a work that holds a special place in PhilClars programme as it was selected for its 2010 inaugural recital. This work was revisited in 2017 as an octet with Dr. Robert Casteels, and its return this year testifies to its enduring significance and emotional resonance.
This will be followed by ‘Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 140‘ (Sleepers Awake) by Johann Sebastian Bach, which is widely regarded as one of Bach’s most mature and popular sacred cantatas.
Wrapping up the concert is ‘Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, OP .43‘ by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
This arrangement by Ralph is a combination of lyrical beauty, dazzling virtuosity and emotional depth.
“Rhapsody on a theme on Paganini was Sean Lim’s and my SYF choice piece back while we were in Saint Patrick’s School Military Band and it really brings back memories. From the countless of hours spending on learning a tricky passage, to the food and gaming sessions after practice. I was just talking with him after practice the other day and we both shared a moment of nostalgia. To all those band kids out there, love and cherish everything you go through with your other bandmates, these are the memories that will really stick with you throughout life!” Ralph shared.
“Philharmonic Winds and Philharmonic Youth Winds (now PWO) has been integral part of my growth as a musician and I’m really lucky and fortunate to have joined them. They have given me many opportunities to grow as a musician and build friendships along the way and it’s something I hold dear,” he continued.
Sharing a similar thought with these musicians is Liang Jiayi, who has been with PWO and PhilClars for a long time.
“Thinking back, it has been a long journey for me. Back then, I joined PWO and PhilClars without thinking where we will be headed. We were very serious about making music to a high level and that has been at the top of our minds through the years. I did not expect myself to be meeting so many musicians, conductors, and band enthusiasts. Building a group like PhilClars is really not easy but I am glad we persevered to keep the group going. It is truly different to play as a section within a wind ensemble compared to playing as part of an ensemble like PhilClars,” Jiayi shared.
“I definitely owe a lot to PWO, as I have learned so much over the years—as a musician, a clarinetist, and a person. It has given me the chance to learn from many conductors and the opportunity to go on trips. Learning continues for me even now, and as cliché as it sounds, I believe it’s an ongoing process. So, I’m glad to be able to continue learning with PhilClars,” she reflected.
“Performing with my ensemble is such a rare opportunity for us to come together after so long. It’s a pretty cool feeling when we work together, and we can be direct with our comments, and yet no one takes offense. At the end of the day, I’m sure everyone just wants the music to be great.”
PhilClarinets in Concert – Through the Years
Saturday, 31 August 2024
Esplanade Recital Studio, 7.30pm