Overall Producer and Lighting Designer: Adrian Tan Music Producer: Bang Wenfu

FEATURED LOCAL SINGERS AND MUSICIANS

Aisyah Aziz

Aisyah Aziz was propelled into the music industry when she finished 6th place in Akademi Fantasia Season 10, one of Malaysia’s top-rated reality TV show. Since then, she has released 5 singles while actively performing in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Her voice has been said to be sultry yet confident and her ability to switch from full voice to head voice is soul touching.

Although Aisyah’s music is categorised as pop, she has been delving into more alternative R&B while experimenting with ethnic melodies and electronic sounds. As a songwriter, she shows her knack for honest and real lyrics especially through her hit single in 2017, ‘Senyum Saja’ which bagged the award of Best APM Song and Most Popular Song Singapore at Anugerah Planet Muzik the same year. To date, she has won a number of awards, namely Best Female Singer for Anugerah Planet Muzik in 2016 and in 2017 received the Best Asian Artist representing Singapore for Korea’s annual Mnet Asian Music Awards.

Aisyah’s lengthy figure has also landed her a miniseries role in line with the release of her single ‘Indah Pada Waktunya’ this year (2018) with top male artiste from Indonesia, Rizky Febian. She continues writing and is working closely with local music producers to come out with more tracks this year.

Joanna Dong, with Feng Lee

JOANNA DONG Joanna Dong is a Singaporean jazz vocalist, musical theatre actress and TV host. A graduate with an Honours degree in Sociology from the National University of Singapore (NUS), Joanna is strongly bilingual in English and Mandarin, and passionate about sharing her love for jazz with Mandarin-speaking audiences. In 2017, she became the pride of Singapore after stellar performances, coming in 2nd runner-up in popular Chinese singing competition, Sing! China, where she was mentored by Jay Chou. Multi-talented Joanna has also been recognised in other fields. These include a Star Hunter Award at the 14th Shanghai International Film Festival, nomination for Best Female Host at the Macau Rainbow TV Awards in 2016, winning Best Supporting Actress in the 2008 Straits Times Life! Theatre Awards and in 2019, the award for Best Entertainment Hostess at the Asia Rainbow TV Awards. In 2018, Joanna successfully sold out two nights at the Esplanade Concert Hall for her solo concert So Here I Am. She also launched her EP of the same name, and took the show on a successful tour of seven Asian cities. FENG LEE Feng Lee is a session guitarist and music producer from Singapore. A graduate and scholarship recipient from Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, Feng was handpicked by American Idol judge and Grammy Nominated songwriter, Kara DioGuardi to be a music producer in her course, “Hitmaking”. While in college, he also had the opportunity to co-write with one half of the legendary duo, John Oates (Hall & Oates). Feng’s musical training led him to be versatile in various genres and in both studio and live situations. His work can be heard across local TV, radio and films. Recent projects include arranging and producing the theme song for Channel 8 Drama “Friends From Afar” and arranging the music for the latest brand video of UnionPay International, featuring Sing! China vocalist, Joanna Dong. Till date, he’s had the pleasure of sharing the stage with artistes like Joanna Dong, Mavis Hee, Eric Moo, Liang Wern Fook, Nathan Hartono, The Sam Willows, and Charlie Lim. His growing involvement in the music industry is a testament to his commitment to helping artistes fulfill their musical vision.

Linying, with Kevin Foo & MMXJ

LINYING Glowing praise from Billboard, NPR Music, BBC Radio 1 and even fellow artist Troye Sivan have earned Linying an international following beyond her home country of Singapore. The young singer-songwriter’s unique blend of poignant pop writing and trip-hop tinged production first entered the spotlight when her debut single, “Sticky Leaves”, went viral on Spotify’s US, UK and Global charts, with the EP reaching #1 on the national iTunes charts. Record deals with Universal Music and Nettwerk Records soon followed, and with live performances at Tokyo’s Summer Sonic and Austin’s SXSW under her belt, Linying is fast becoming an artist to watch in the months ahead. KEVIN FOO Kevin has spent the last 18 years producing, managing, developing and exporting some of Singapore’s and the region’s most prominent music talents. His arrangements and productions include the music for the National Day Parade 2006 and 2018, and he continues to work on the development of key artists like Charlie Lim, Linying, The Steve McQueens and many more. MMXJ MMXJ is one to watch as Southeast Asia’s premiere electronic music producer, songwriter, and DJ. His irresistible blend of honest, ethereal, uplifting music coupled with melancholic storylines has graced club and festival main-stages and left audiences in awe with sheer euphoria. In 2016, MMXJ’s ‘Young Hearts’, featuring Gareth Fernandez, was licensed as the official anthem for Singapore’s National TV Broadcast of the 2016 Olympics.

Miin Tong, with STRINGSMEN

MIIN TONG Miin Tong is an established and versatile vocalist in Singapore's live music scene who enjoys performing live for corporate events and weddings. Clients she has dazzled with her live performances include Land Rover/Jaguar, Volkswagen and Mediacorp. Her love for music extends beyond live music and into the world of session singing. She has lent her voice to projects helmed by well-known clients such as Universal Studios Singapore (Resorts World Sentosa) and Okto. Miin’s versatility stems from her roots in classical music, later branching out with the NUS Jazz Band, before taking the step into the live music scene, performing alongside the best of the industry's musicians. Her versatility extends beyond small band settings to performing with the 80 member strong award-winning Windstars Ensemble in Esplanade's Beautiful Sunday concert series. Miin's sweet disposition and charming stage presence impresses audiences as she articulates genre varieties of swing jazz, bossa nova and pop ballads. STRINGSMEN Boasting an incredible roster of over 50 elite professional musicians from Singapore and all over the world, the Stringsmen was created and produced by Boutique Chamber Players’ Creative Director, Han Oh, as the premier all-rounded “Flexi-Ensemble”, drawn and mentored from the experiences from his vast and successful career of 14 years in the United States of America. The key feature of the Stringsmen is the group’s ability to deliver flawless highly captivating performances regardless of setting, size, genre, performance platforms as well as uniquely customised instrument combinations. Since its inception, the prodigious successes of the Stringsmen have created a new benchmark in the industry, having recorded for National Day Parade 2013 and 2019, “In the Room” – an award-winning film, as well as “Ramen Teh” by Eric Khoo amongst many others. The group has also performed and recorded for music videos as well as live performances/tour alongside high-profile international and local artists such as Michael Bublé, Frances Yip, Joanna Dong and Sachiyo.

Rani Singam, with Flame of the Forest

RANI SINGAM Rani Singam is one of the most sought-after and accomplished contemporary vocalists today. Amongst many accolades, Rani has been dubbed as “Singapore’s first lady of jazz”. Her albums “With A Song In My Heart” (2004) and “Contentment” (2011) have earned her critical acclaim and recognition. In February 2017, Rani released a single “My Muse” which features a jazz trio and string quartet. Most recently in April 2019, Rani presented My Muse the concerts in Singapore and Hong Kong; the concerts are her largest personal projects to date. Rani has performed with many greats from all over the world namely James Moody, Ernie Watts, Jeremy Monteiro, Michael Veerapen, Alberto Marsico, and Akira Ishii. Her performances, which include solo recitals, have been held before Presidents and dignitaries all over the world including the United States, China, Indonesia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and Hong Kong. Amongst her notable performances include her rendition of the Singapore National Anthem Majulah Singapura at the Singapore F1 Grand Prix 2017 and National Day Parade 2013. FLAME OF THE FOREST (FOTF) FOTF combines diverse genres with traditional sounds, creating whole new musical experiences while keeping their songs appreciable by wide audiences. The group proudly showcases traditional Indian inspirations alongside western soundscapes. Thanks to this distinct quality, the band has quickly gained support from global fans across Instagram & YouTube. The band consists of Krsna Tan [Sitar], Govin Tan [Tabla Kit], Jeffrey Tan [Violin], Caleb Koo [Keyboard], Andy Chong [Guitar] & Arthur Wiyono [Electric Bass]. FOTF aims to give an enhanced perspective on the musical alchemy that they have developed by showcasing the various combinations of World Music genres. ‘Trends change but good music last decades & shaping the world is to make a little noise’ - FOTF

Syncopella

Syncopella is the School of the Arts' (SOTA) very own student-initiated a capella group. Since its first concert in 2012, it consists of students from Years 1 to 6 who work together to compose, perform, reinterpret and rearrange their favourite songs. The alumni started Syncopella with a vision of creating a community of singers spanning across all 6 art forms in SOTA, for students who have a passion for singing and music to collaborate in performing a cappella music. Every year, Syncopella opens its doors to newcomers, forging a tight-knit community. Together, they explore the art of crafting a capella pieces, learn collaborative skills, and express themselves with creativity and confidence. From pop, rhythm and blues, jazz and other contemporary genres, their self-organised annual concerts feature ensemble and large group performances that frequently see a full house of audience. The group featured in the Songs of Singapore Garden Rhapsody include both current members and alumni from past years.

Vocaluptuous

Vocaluptuous is Singapore's premier a cappella group. With three critically-acclaimed albums, All Wrapped Up, Notes from an Island and 'Tis the Season, Vocaluptuous is known for its fusion of local and international music and rhythms, captivating audiences with its signature lush sound, varied and complex musical arrangements, warm humour and refreshing style. It is the only local group nominated for Best Holiday Song by the international Contemporary A Cappella Society (CASA) for the Recording Awards (CARA) in 2002 and invited to contribute to an international compilation of contemporary a cappella music in 2009. Notes from an Island is also featured in the Singapore Airlines KrisWorld in-flight entertainment, an indication of the group's impact on not only the music scene in Singapore, but also its role in identifying its local musical identity and flavour. Vocaluptuous has performed for many prestigious corporate and government events both locally as well as internationally, including the 2009 & 2013 edition of the National Day Parade, the APEC convention, and numerous awards ceremonies. Over the years, it has produced several sell-out concerts to critical acclaim.

Wu Jia Ming, with Noteworthy

WU JIA MING Jia Ming is an esteemed veteran in the Mandarin music industry and a well-established Singaporean Record and Vocal Producer, Music Arranger and Singer. He has been instrumental in the production of many successful artistes with studio experiences that include works of well-known names in the industry. He is affectionately known to Singaporeans and Malaysians for his hit theme songs of local television series, most of which are still remembered fondly today. His performing career as a highly sought-after back-up Vocalist have yielded performances all over the world with major artistes. A Music Director and Judge for numerous national singing competitions in Singapore and Vietnam, he is known for his uncompromising standards, practical and candid assessments. Jia Ming is committed to imparting his music and vocal knowledge with like-minded enthusiasts through trainings whenever time permits. Jia Ming’s musical career started when he was crowned the Champion in Singapore’s National Talentime Competition in 1985 and has never looked back since. He quickly rose to become a star in the local music scene and is the cherished voice behind many theme songs. Some of his personal albums include “Five Foot Way” (五脚基), “When Dawn Breaks” (乱世黎明), “Airforce” (空军), “We Are Family” (四代同堂), and the

household songs he front-lined include “Voices from the Heart” (小人物的心声), “我的生活在这里”, “童謠” to name a few, many of which are still National Day favorites.

NOTEWORTHY GUITAR - SEBASTIAN HO Sebastian Ho has been playing the guitar for 27 years. The civil engineering graduate gave up a future in engineering to pursue his love for music upon graduation in 2001. He was the principal guitarist for Walt Disney’s The Lion King Musical as well as other international shows like Santa Claus, Evita, The Addams Family, Anna Karenina, Facing Goya, Final Fantasy etc. He has toured with Kit Chan, Joanna Dong and is currently on tour with George Lam. Sebastian is also lecturing at the LASALLE College of the Arts and the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. BASS - COLIN YONG Colin graduated with a BA (merit) Economics from NUS in 2000 and started his music career concurrently. He has backed artistes including Kit Chan, Wallace Chung (钟汉良), Su Rei 苏芮, Chyi Yu 齊豫, Wan Fang

万芳, Jam Xiao 萧敬腾, Nathan Hartono, Della 丁当, Maria Cordero, Elisa Chan. His work in musical theatre include Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret!, Tick Tick Boom, Into The Woods, La Cage Aux Foiles, Last Five Years, Wild Rice’s pantomimes, Dim Sum Dollies, Broadway Beng, 天冷就回来，搭错车，and 881. Colin exclusively uses F-Bass and La-bella Strings. PERCUSSION - RIZAL SANIP Rizal's home-grown passion for music has propelled him into musicals starting with Honk! in 2002. A studio musician as well, he plays the drums, percussion and trumpet. His working relationship with Wild Rice Productions, Pangdemonium, Dream Academy, SRT, Vizpro, Toy Factory, Base Entertainment and LASELLE College of the Arts has provided him with ample opportunities to work in theatre productions. He has played in concerts and recorded for artistes including Kit Chan, Dick Lee, Joanna Dong, Sebastian Tan and JJ Lin. Rizal feels blessed to have a career in music.