500 performers are performing a major new piece of music in a world premiere concert at The Esplanade on 23 April.
This year, 2025, marks the Centenary of Tanglin Trust School. In celebrating the milestone, renowned British composer Jonathan Dove CBE composed an original piece of contemporary music. “A Bridge Across the Sea” will have its world premiere concert at Esplanade on 23 April. This performance is a flagship event in Tanglin’s centenary celebrations and a lasting cultural legacy of this milestone.
This choral and orchestral piece takes its inspiration from a story in the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Ramayana. In the story, Rama built a bridge to the island of Lanka to rescue his wife Sita who was held captive by the demon Ravan.
The world premiere performance is showcasing both Singapore and international music talent. Working closely with Jonathan Dove will be soloists Jonathan Tay, Head of Voice at Tanglin Music School and professional opera singer, and Singaporean opera singer Victoria Songwei Li. Both are taking on the lead roles while Tanglin students will form the chorus embodying the armies of monkeys who help Rama in his rescue.
Tanglin’s student and adult choirs, soloists and musicians will perform this piece alongside Resound Collective. They will be under the experienced baton of Singaporean conductor Lien Boon Hua, who is acclaimed as one of Asia’s leading interpreters of contemporary music.
The piece celebrates music, heritage and the enduring connections between cultures. It will be a lasting musical legacy of Tanglin Trust School’s centenary.
Be a part of Tanglin Trust School’s cultural legacy
The world premiere of “A Bridge Across the Sea” will happen on 23 April 2025 at The Esplanade.
The first half of the concert will feature a range of choral and instrumental ensembles from the school, performing music specially chosen to celebrate the centenary. The second half will feature Tanglin’s combined choirs in collaboration with Raffles Singers, instrumentalists from Resound Collective and professional soloists. Together, more than 500 performers will stage this epic at Singapore’s national performing arts centre.
Come be a part of this unforgettable performance from Tanglin!
About Jonathan Dove CBE
Jonathan is one of Britain’s most celebrated contemporary composers, known for his evocative choral works and operas that engage performers of all ages across the community. His music is celebrated for its accessibility, emotional depth and ability to connect with audiences worldwide. His compositions have been performed at prestigious venues such as the BBC Proms and Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
Tanglin Trust School is at 95 Portsdown Road.
6778 0771 | tts.edu.sg
This article first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! Read more about Tanglin Trust’s Centenary celebrations and music scholars. Also, head to our Things to Do section for more events in Singapore.
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