If you happen to have ten minutes or so to spare (that's enough time within an intermission in any concert), take a look at the small but rather splendid History Gallery of Victoria Memorial Hall and Victoria Theatre. Located on the third floor of Victoria Concert Hall and easily accessible by lift, the gallery is not easy to miss.
In a space once occupied by music studios, a history of the twin performing spaces that is Victoria Memorial Hall and Victoria Theatre is lovingly recounted. There are brief write-ups and historical photos with annotations as well as a collection of memorabilia - old programmes, posters and leaflets which reveal a wealth of performance history that took place within those walls.
 |
| Polish artist Feliks Topolski's mural Calvacade of the Commonwealth (1951) has been returned to UK post-independence. |
The Old Vic is deeply entwined with history from British colonial years, Second World War, Singapore's independence to the present state of the performing arts here. I took some time between halves of Braddell Heights Symphony Orchestra's 40th anniversary concert to pay a closer look to how VCH / VT came to be, and the historical forces and persons who helped make that happen.
 |
| One of Singapore's true musical pioneers, Goh Soon Tioe (1911-1982) |
 |
| Groups that livened Singapore's musical scene, Goh Soon Tioe String Orchestra & Paul Abisheganaden's Singapore Chamber Ensemble. |
 |
| A multi-cultural Arts Festival held months before Singapore's first general election and commencement of internal self-governance. |
Victoria Memorial Hall had a major renovation, completed in 1980, after which it was renamed Victoria Concert Hall and became the home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Another round of major renovations took place in 2010-2014 to become the spanking new concert venue it is today.
 |
| The Old Vic in 1980, post-renovation. Notice the now-expunged lift shaft behind the clock tower and sealed-up posterior entrance. |
 |
| SSO's founding fathers: Goh Keng Swee and Choo Hoey |
 |
| Autographed Yo-Yo Ma Gala Concert with SSO from 1999. |
 |
| Even young saxophonist Samuel Phua has become part of VCH history. |
Entrance to the history gallery is free of charge and is open during all concert evenings.
VICTORIA CONCERT HALL
& VICTORIA THEATRE
11 Empress Place #01-02
Singapore 179558
(Just take the lift to the
3rd floor and turn right)
 |
| This Victoria Concert Hall & Victoria Theatre souvenir paper-weight from the 2014 re-opening now sits on the desk of my office. |
No comments:
Post a Comment