German Vocal Stars & Red Dot Baroque – Live!

Wondering what’s on at the Esplanade? On 20th July the Esplanade Concert Hall will play host to a special one-night-only performance that brings together two of Germany’s celebrated vocalists – countertenor Andreas Scholl and soprano Sarah Traubel – with Singapore’s own Red Dot Baroque. At the heart of the programme is Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, one of the most enduring works from the Baroque repertoire. There’s also a a pre-concert vocal class for anyone wanting to improve their vocal technique!

The concert is presented as part of 60 Connections — At Home and Afar, Esplanade’s year-long season of programmes celebrating SG60. We caught up with the performers ahead of the show to hear what this collaboration means to them, why Stabat Mater continues to resonate across time, and what audiences can look forward to from this rare musical encounter.

Andreas Scholl on performing in Singapore, Baroque music’s emotional pull, and returning to Stabat Mater

As well as being an exciting highight of what’s on at the Esplanade Concert Hall this July, this concert coincides with 60 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Germany. How do you feel about being a part of it?

Culture and the arts are foundational to a healthy society. They challenge our assumptions, invite introspection, and connect us to something greater than ourselves. A concert is more than a performance – it’s a ritual. It brings artists and audiences together in a shared moment to experience and celebrate the creativity and genius of a composer.

In a time when conflicts divide so many parts of the world, our collaboration with Red Dot Baroque is a powerful gesture of friendship. It’s a reminder that music is a universal language – one that transcends borders and speaks to our shared humanity.

You’ve performed all over the world. What excites you about this Singapore concert?

This will actually be my second concert in Singapore – I gave a recital back in January 2000. Performing with a new ensemble is always a bit like speed dating – not that I’ve ever actually tried it, but I think I understand the concept! Within the first few minutes of a rehearsal, we begin exchanging musical ideas and energy on an almost telepathic level. It’s spontaneous, intuitive, and thrilling.

I’m very much looking forward to working with Red Dot Baroque. They’re a world-class, dynamic ensemble, and I can’t wait to see what kind of musical magic we’ll create together.

You became internationally known after a 1995 UK performance. What’s surprised you most since then?

In a way, I’m still surprised – but immensely grateful – that I continue to enjoy every note I sing. That continued sense of wonder and joy is what keeps me inspired.

You and Sarah Traubel have sung Stabat Mater before. What does this piece mean to you personally?

Stabat Mater has accompanied me throughout my entire career. And yet, every time I hear those first few bars, I still feel that same sense of wonder. At its heart, it reflects on the sorrow of Mary witnessing the suffering of her son. But the emotions – love, grief, compassion – are universal.

Performing it in Singapore with Red Dot Baroque gives it a fresh dimension. I hope the audience will feel invited into this emotional journey, which ultimately moves from sorrow to solace. It’s a piece that speaks to the soul, regardless of background or belief.

What would you say to someone who’s never attended a Baroque vocal concert before?

If you’ve never been to a Baroque concert before, this is a wonderful place to start. Baroque music is surprisingly easy to access – often more so than Romantic opera. It’s emotional, direct, and honest.

Stabat Mater is a masterpiece that has moved audiences for centuries. This concert offers a rare opportunity to hear it performed live in all its intimate power. Come with an open heart, and allow yourself to be mesmerised. It’s just one night – but the emotional journey may stay with you long after the final ‘Amen’.

You last performed here in 2000. What are you looking forward to this time?

I have very fond memories of my first visit. My daughter Clara was just 13 months old at the time, and we travelled as a family. I even had two rare days to explore as a tourist. This visit will likely be faster-paced – mostly the airport, hotel and concert venue! But I’m still looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere. Singapore has a unique energy and cultural richness that I remember well.

Soprano Sarah Traubel on the magic of Pergolesi and singing with her ‘hero’

What does it mean to you to be part of this cross-cultural concert in Singapore?

Being part of this celebration is an immense honour. I’ve felt a close connection with Singapore ever since my first overseas trip as a college student brought me here.

As artists, we can help people understand that culture doesn’t divide us – it enriches us and gives us the opportunity to come together irrespective of ethnicity, language or faith. I believe Singapore is a beautiful model for this, and therefore an ideal place to celebrate the arts.

How is singing Baroque repertoire like Stabat Mater different from other works you’ve done?

I recorded an album called De profundis combining Bach with works by Schoenberg and Berg. The point was to challenge the idea that Baroque can only be sung by small-voiced specialists. I’ve sung with orchestras of 120 and with just one instrument – each requires something different.

With small ensembles, the singer has to focus even more on the meaning of the words and the direct communication of that meaning. I love both.

What does this piece mean to you personally?

Stabat Mater has an immediate effect on the listener. The inconsolable grief of a mourning mother has found a form of beauty that remains one of the greatest treasures of mankind – like something you’d send to aliens to explain what humanity has achieved!

Singing it with my friend and hero Andreas Scholl is incredible. Many people know this music because of the recording Andreas made 25 years ago with Barbara Bonney – who later became my teacher. So if you see me smile in disbelief on stage, that’s why.

Tell us about preparing a duet like this.

Duets can be an extraordinary experience – a climax for both audience and performers. There’s a basic level of singing together, but with Andreas, my understanding is deep and natural. We need very few words to agree on how we wish to present things.

What would you say to someone considering this concert but unfamiliar with Baroque music?

Do come! Our programme includes high-energy pieces with a beat that’s hard to resist – almost like rock music. There are also moments of profound reflection. No classical background is needed. The magic of this music works beyond religion or musical knowledge.

What are you looking forward to in Singapore?

I’m a real foodie, and I adore Singapore’s cuisine. I’ve seriously thought about moving here so my kids and I can have access to this amazing food! I also love meeting musicians from around the world – I’m curious and always eager to learn.

Red Dot Baroque (RDB) founder and artistic director Alan Choo on SG60 and nurturing new talent

How do you feel about being part of this special performance?

We feel deeply humbled and honoured to be a part of this series! We take the “Red Dot” in our name very seriously, and we’re motivated to bring this music that we love to audiences in Singapore. Being able to join hands with these two international superstars to bring this programme to our local audience is a meaningful way to celebrate SG60.

Red Dot Baroque is Singapore’s first dedicated Baroque ensemble. What’s your approach to keeping this music fresh and relatable?

Baroque music came about because composers believed music could express the deepest human emotions. It was a period of experimentation with new ways to convey drama and rhetorical speech through music. So it’s very much alive, and we always try to infuse our performances with that infectious spirit.

What does this collaboration mean for Singapore’s classical music scene, and what are you most looking forward to?

Every international collaboration brings a cross-cultural exchange of ideas and inspirations. I’m excited to see what Scholl and Traubel – who have so much experience on major stages – will bring to our ensemble and local audiences!

As Ensemble-in-Residence at the Yong Siew Toh (YST) Conservatory, how do you see your role in shaping the next generation of early music performers in Singapore?

By working alongside RDB and seeing us perform, YST students get to dip their toes into the world of Baroque style and performance practice, which I believe is important in understanding music history and performance. We’re now seeing YST graduates pursue further studies in Baroque overseas, and that warms my heart! As we continue to build Baroque music in Singapore, having new talent feed into our growing pool of players is important – and YST has been a crucial part of making that happen.

What’s on at the Esplanade this July? Join this special vocal class

Two days before the concert, Andreas will lead a special vocal class at Esplanade Recital Studio, working with two talented vocalists to share tips on technique, expression and performance. It’s a great opportunity for anyone wanting to improve their vocal techniques. The vocal class session takes place on 18 July 2025 and is free with registration. Sign up for this vocal class here.

About this concert at the Esplanade Concert Hall

Andreas Scholl with Sarah Traubel and Red Dot Baroque
Date: 20 July 2025 (Sunday)
Time: 5pm (1hr 40min with 20min intermission)
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Tickets: $35, $55, $75, $95
More info and booking: esplanade.com/classics

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