Music at Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Palm Valley  


The Singapore Symphony Orchestra playing 

Yesterday, I travelled to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to catch an outdoor concert that was held there. The concert was presented by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. I was hoping to do some outdoor photography at the Botanic Gardens but the weather did not prove to be ideal.

Yesterday was also the official launch of the new Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage and the inaugural of SPH Gift of Music concert series. There was quite a large crowd at the Botanic Gardens, Palm Valley. Considering that the weather was not fantastic, the turn-out was pretty good. There were drizzles at various intervals, and the staff of the Botanic Gardens were giving out disposable ponchos to members of the public to shelter them from the rain.

The symphony stage looks good, and I hope to have a chance to play there one day. The acoustics sounded better than the previous stage that used to be at the same location. I had played before on the previous stage, but the sound system weren't very good, and sometimes, one can hear feedback from the speakers and delayed responses from the speakers. It was pleasant to know that there are air-conditioning facilities installed for the new symphony stage, that will help make it more comfortable for musicians when they are playing on stage.

For those of you who are into understanding the architecture of the stage, here is a brief desription:

The design of the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage is inspired by its beautiful setting in the Palm Valley. Echoing the organic forms of flowers and leaves, the structure consists of two overlapping petal-like forms growing out of a floral stem. The bigger petal shelters the stage while the smaller one at the rear houses the changing area and support services.

The petal-like form of the roof is constructed from free-standing steel ribs and cladded with a titanium zinc roof which allows the complex curvature to be achieved. The ribbed texture of the roof also evokes the venation of flowers and leaves.

(Source: www.nparks.gov.sg/news/newsroom.shtml)

I did not stay throughout the entire concert. I would have, if the weather had been better. Humid and drizzling weather and large crowds did not appeal to me. So I left.


Swan swimming, Singapore Botanic Gardens 

I took the above photo of a swan at Swan Lake, one of the lakes found within the Botanic Gardens' compound. I remember one of my blog-supporters, Mistipurple, complaining that she may have square eyes from staying at home for these two days. Maybe this picture of the swan may help bring some relief to her eyes? Enjoy the photo meantime.