Presented by the Embassy of France, vOilah! France Singapore Festival returned for its 15th showcase of the vibrant French culture in Singapore. Supported by over 50 partners, this year’s festival focused on building connections between the French and Singaporean communities with its mix of dynamic experiences, from cinema to visual arts to gastronomy to sports and education, for all to participate in.
Marking the fifth year of the ongoing partnership with the Embassy of France in Singapore and the Singapore Symphony Group, the SSO presented Virtuose de la harpe – Xavier de Maistre in conjunction with the month-long festival.
Held on 25 May at the Esplanade Concert Hall, the concert presented symphonic works by Argentinean and Italian composers Alberto Ginastera and Ottorino Respighi respectively, under the lead of French maestro Pierre Bleuse. Over 1,000 audience members witnessed acclaimed French harpist Xavier de Maistre’s splendid solo of Ginastera’s Harp Concerto, which The Straits Times noted was ‘so well orchestrated’, with special praise for his "sensuous playing.”
The second half of the night saw the national orchestra’s performance of Respighi’s four-movement Roman Festivals, featuring a pipe organ, three offstage trumpets, and a consort of over 10 percussion instruments for a resounding conclusion to the evening.
We were delighted to welcome guests of the Embassy of France to Singapore, including Ambassador Tang, and corporate sponsor BNP Paribas to the one-night symphonic occasion. Once more, our heartfelt thanks to both organisations for their continued support towards this musical collaboration. It is our honour to participate in this festival that enhances the dynamic partnership between France and Singapore through the magic of music.