Page 12 - Year in Review 2018/2019

DIE FLEDERMAUS: THE REVENGE OF THE BAT

To celebrate its 80 years of illustrious history, NAFA Head of Vocal Studies, mezzo-soprano Dr Jessica Chen, furnished
presented its first-ever operetta production, Die deep resonance in her cameo trouser role.
Fledermaus: The Revenge of the Bat. The captivating
performance was enjoyed by nearly 1,000 audience Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus is arguably the world’s most
members over three nights from 21 to 23 October performed operetta. Directed by renowned director David Edwards, this
2018. production was contemporised to the modern context of Singapore.
Customised by Singaporean playwright Jasmine Teo, dialogues were
The cast led by Singapore’s pre-eminent conductor delivered in English, Chinese and Singlish.
and Cultural Medallion recipient Lim Yau (NAFA’s
Dean of School of Music), along with the 55-member Notable alumni also included Indonesian pop star Isyana Sarasvati
NAFA Orchestra and 40-member choir (trained by who appeared as a guest singer on the Gala night. The NAFA Chinese
Dr Zechariah Goh Toh Chai, NAFA’s Head of Chamber Ensemble performed the world premiere of a specially
Composition Studies), delivered a musically strong commissioned composition led by Sunny Wong, NAFA’s Head of
performance. Sopranos Li Yang and Elaine Su — both Chinese Instrumental Studies. Young Artist Award winners Lim Chin Huat
alumni from the NAFA School of Music — displayed and Hong Sek Chern enchanted audiences with a performance and
energy and flair, while baritones Kieran Rayner and demonstration of Chinese ink painting respectively. In addition, Lim
Edward Jowle from the International Opera School, gave excellent solo performances, and artists Anthony Chua and Chua
Royal College of Music (NAFA’s partner university), Poh Leng showcased their artistic talents.
counterbalanced with charm and wit. Singaporean
baritone Daniel Fong and tenor Jeremy Koh (alumnus) The 18-month-long creation was the largest production ever presented
added a local twist to the vocal mix while NAFA’s by NAFA.

NAFA: OUR CAMPUSES,

OUR STORIES

南艺: 80年校园生活

Our Campuses, Our Stories
highlighted the original heritage
materials at the Kwan Im Thong
Hood Cho Temple Library from the
1940s onwards. The retrospective
used a feature wall to display
photographs from NAFA’s archives
that documented the different
campuses, student life and activities.
Publications by NAFA and archived
video clips were also exhibited.

12