What does it take to transform a concert hall into an enchanting masquerade ball?
For SMU Symphonia, the answer lies in music, culture, and a whole lot of heart.
On Saturday, the ensemble takes the stage at the iconic Victoria Concert Hall for Festiva XIX: Masquerade Ball and if their excitement is anything to go by, it’s going to be a night to remember.
The Masquerade Ball concept wasn’t chosen by accident. “We wanted to bring a sense of grandeur and elegance to the stage, and we felt like a masquerade ball best encapsulated what we wanted to present,” the band committee shares. “The theme allowed us the creative freedom to curate a diverse repertoire, ranging from playful, lighthearted pieces to more mysterious and dramatic ones. We believe that this theme will be enjoyable for everyone, be it for the performers or audience members!”
The repertoire is truly diverse. Expect opera classics, Latin rhythms, Eastern European folk influences, and iconic scores you’ll recognise, all woven together by a single unifying thread – Dance.
“Dance is reflected through the pieces conveyed with varying emotions and formats; the playfulness of Beauty and the Beast, the grief of The Merry Widow, the ballet of Swan Lake, the intensity of tangos in Libertango and so on,” the committee explains. “What’s even more unique is the fact that all the dances are incorporated from different cultures, coming together to create a masquerade ball that we believe will create a memorable night for our audience members.”
It’s a bold and ambitious programme, and one that reflects how far SMU Symphonia has come. “This year’s edition of Festiva is especially exciting with its sense of cultural adventure, bringing together a diverse range of styles and traditions,” they say. “It’s truly a marvelling mix of diverse pieces that showcases how far we have come in our musical journey.”
Here’s a tip, don’t show up in jeans. Audience members are encouraged to come dressed up. “Whether it’s ball gowns or a nicely fitted tux, come dressed for the occasion to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere.” Post your outfit and tag @smusymphonia, and you stand a chance to win a $20 Grab voucher. Reason enough to pull out your finest.
For the performers themselves, Festiva XIX carries deep personal meaning.
Violinist Hannah To Sum Wai shares, “Festiva XIX is full of all my favourite pieces and being able to put every part together to create a full and grand sound is very fulfilling! Taking the stage will be the culmination of many months of practice and it will be the final product of continuous improvement. I hope the audience feels satisfied from a performance well spent with us.”
For Saxophonist Muhammad Nursayyid Bin Abdullah, the significance hits closer to home, “It is my first time performing at VCH! A grand location and having my friends and family come down to listen to me play is very fulfilling as well. I hope to leave the audiences with the feeling of thrill and excitement, especially throughout the mix of fun and intense pieces!”
Percussionist Lee Yun Hui sums it up with infectious enthusiasm, “I just love performing and showing the music I play to everyone else! Festiva XIX brings me lots of joy because I get to play many pieces that I’ve never played before which is super exciting for me. I hope that the audience will leave feeling fulfilled and filled with a multitude of emotions that made their night unforgettable. I also hope that the audience can recognise some familiar tunes and have as much fun as the band when we’re performing!”
Resident conductor Adrian Chiang puts it best, “This is a group of young musicians who are not just playing notes, but building something together. You can hear it in the way they perform, the sense of ownership, the hunger to express, and the joy of making music as one. There is a sincerity and freshness that you simply cannot manufacture. Every phrase carries effort, growth, and shared commitment. And that is what makes a concert like this meaningful!”
Saturday, 28 March 2026
Victoria Concert Hall, 7.30pm