Enjoy Afro-Mandika-soul-jazz-classical fusion music by the multi-national Seckou Keita Quintet SKQ. (left) -- PHOTO: ESPLANADE
SECKOU KEITA SKQ
Enjoy Afro-Mandika-soul-jazz-classical fusion music by the multi-national Seckou Keita Quintet SKQ led by Senegal-born and Britain-based Seckou Keita, maestro of the kora, a 21-string West African harp-lute.
Where: Esplanade Mosaic Studio (Recital Studio) MRT: City Hall When: Wed, 7.30pm Admission: $41 Tel: 6348-5555
Art
SANDI DUSSAULT'S EXHIBITION
Paris-based French artist and actress Sandie Dussault is fascinated by love and the 'wanderings' of the heart in her oil and acrylic paintings.
Where: Volvo Art Loft, SM Motors, 249 Alexandra Road MRT: Redhill/Queenstown When: Till Sat 8.30am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 8.30am - 6pm (Sat), 10am - 6pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6473-1488
TRANSIENT LINES
Attuned to the spiritual nature of the world, the artworks of Indian-born artist, poet and ex-Buddhist monk Sohan Qadri display a tranquil co-existence of binary opposites - male and female, known and unknown, physical and spiritual.
Where: Indigo Blue Art, 33 Neil Road MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Till March 31, 11am - 5pm (Mon - Fri), by appointment on Sat and closed on Sun & public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6372-1719 Info: www.indigoblueart.com
MARCH FEATURED ARTIST: YAN YA YA
Yan Ya Ya, said to be one of the most well known female artists in China, is captivated by the joy and innocence of the Uyghur children in China's Xinjiang province.
Where: Connoisseur Art gallery, Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade 02-23, 328 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall When:
Till March 31, 10.30am - 7pm (Mon - Sat), by appointment on Sun & public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6837-0320
Info: www.connoisseur-art.com
THE SOLO EXHIBITION OF YE JIAN QING
The solo exhibition of talented Chinese artist Ye Jian Qing depicts Chinese land and cityscapes in an almost dreamlike manner, triggering emotional and philosophical responses in viewers.
Where: iPreciation, The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 01 -08 MRT: Raffles Place When: Till April 2, 10am
-7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 3pm (Sat), by appointment on Sun & public holidays Tel: 6339--0678 Info:
www.ipreciation.com
DESTINAZIONE - OZ LAND
The stunning natural landscapes in Australia and the unique mix of indigenous, Western, European and Asian cultures have inspired the artworks of six Australian artists, which are showcased at this exhibition. The artists are David Williams, Liz McKay, Dragica Milunovic, Jane McKay, David Giles and Waldemar Kolbusz.
Where: Momentous Arts, 20 Lorong Telok, Level 2, behind Boat Quay MRT: Raffles Place When: Till April 2,
11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), noon - 6pm (Sat), by appointment on Sun Tel: 6535-3961 Info: www.momentousarts.com
THE NAKED TRUTH - A GROUP EXHIBITION
Young Asian artists from Singapore, South Korea, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan team up to portray the nude form in their paintings, photographs and sculptures.
Where: Art Seasons Singapore, Eunos Technolink 02 -11/12, 7 Kaki Bukit Road 1 MRT: Eunos When: Till April 5, 11am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon and public holidays or by appointment Tel: 6741-6366 Info: www.artseasonsgallery.com
LIM HAK TAI: QUINTESSENTIAL NANYANG ART EXHIBITION
Take a peek at more than 50 artworks by Lim Hak Tai, the China-born founding principal of the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). They include Chinese ink works on subjects, such as bamboo, birds and flowers. From the NAFA Permanent Collection and his family's collection.
Where: Lim Hak Tai Gallery (former Gallery 3), Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Campus 1, 80 Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Till April 30, 11am - 7pm Info: E-mail artgalleries@nafa.edu.sg
Books
CAREER GUIDE 2009
Job seekers can get a copy of the Cats Recruit Career Guide 2009 to get an idea of the job market and what they can expect from the industries. It is packed with information, including salary benchmarks, job profiles and tips from experts. A collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Singapore Press Holdings.
Info: The Career Guide is available at major bookstores and newsstands at $6.80 a copy Tel: 6319-5917
Class
MODERN ETHNIC WORKSHOP AND CONCERT
Malay musicians and members of the public can get an insight into the history and genres of Malay music, the current state of the Malay music industry and ways to develop Malay music here at this two-day workshop by Datuk Suhaimi Mohamed Zain (Pak Ngah), a respected figure in the regional Malay music industry from Malaysia. The workshop culminates in a concert featuring Pak Ngah and Singapore musicians. In Malay.
Where: Malay Heritage Centre, Sultan's Gate MRT: Bugis When: Wed : 7.30- 10pm (Workshop I: Introduction To Traditional Malay Music), Thu , 2 - 4pm (Instrumental Masterclasses) & 7.30 - 10pm (Workshop II: Traditional malay Music in the Modern Context) Fri (March 20), 7.30 - 10pm (Concert) Admission: $35 covering the two-day workshop and concert Tel: 8378-8559 (call to register)
LIFE IS DELICIOUS MACROBIOTIC COOKING CLASSES
Learn to cook gourmet vegan macrobiotic dishes such as wine-flavoured stew, oil-free chocolate muffins, delicious soups and salads. Weekly classes are run by Lusher Than Life, a macrobiotic services centre.
Where: Lusher Than Life, a macrobioic services centre, Marine Drive MRT: Eunos When: Sun , March 27 & April 3 &
12, 9.30am - 3.30pm Admission: $250 a class Tel: 9004-2645 (call macrobiotic counsellor Simone Vaz for details on the venue)
Classical
MUSIC PLATFORM: A SERIES OF STUDENT RECITALS
Escape the urban rush with 45 minutes of inspired classical music at this series of recitals by Diploma and BA
(Hons) students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts' Department of Music.
Where: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), Lee Foundation Theatre, Campus 3, 151 Bencoolen Street MRT:
Under the baton of Lim Soon Lee, the Singapore National Youth Orchestra will perform Antonio Vivaldi's Concerto for Two Cellos featuring soloists Melissa Ong Shi Ching, a Junior College I student of Hwa Chong Institution and an assistant principal cellist of the orchestra, and Jula Fung Shan-wen, 13, a Secondary 3 student of the Singapore Chinese Girls' School.
Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed, 7.30pm Admission: $6 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.snyo.org.sg
SOUNDBITES: CONSERVATORY NEW MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Enjoy selected excerpts from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music's New Music Ensemble's programme for its forthcoming performance at the Esplanade Recital Studio on April 5. Under the baton of Chan Tze Law.
Where: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra Hall, next to University Cultural Centre, Kent Ride, National University of Singapore MRT: Clementi/Buona Vista When: Wed 12.15pm Admission: Free Tel: 6516-1167 Info: Entry only to children above six only. Visit www.music.nus.edu.sg
SENIOR RECITAL: YEO EUN-JU, DOUBLE BASS
This recital by Yeo Eun-Ju (double bass) and Low Shao Suan (piano) at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music's Concert Hall features pieces, such as Concerto In E major by Karl Ditter and Melodia 'Romanza Patetica'.
Where: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concert Hall, next to University Cultural Centre, Kent Ride, National University of Singapore MRT: Clementi/Buona Vista When: Wed 6.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6516-1167 Info: Entry only to children above six only. Visit www.music.nus.edu.sg
Contest
SPH-NAC GOLDEN POINT AWARD 2009
Write a short story or poetry in the four major languages here - English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil - and you might walk away with the top prize of $4,000 cash, a trophy and a $6,000 enrichment grant. This biennial national writing competition is being held in conjunction with the upcoming Singapore Writers Festival 2009 (Oct 24 - Nov 1) of which the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and SPH Foundation are also the sponsors.
Info: Download an application from www.singaporewritersfestival.com, www.nac.gov.sg or www.theartshouse.com.sg. Participants can write on any subject or theme. The closing date: May 29, For details e-mail nac_gpa@nac.gov.sg
Food
FLASH YOUR AGE!
Celebrate your birthday at Shangri-la Hotel's five restaurants and you will receive a dining discount equivalent to your current age. Prior reservation is required.
Where: Shangri-La Hotel's BLU Restaurant, The Line, Nadaman, Rose Veranda and Shang Palace, Orange Grove Road MRT: Orchard When: Ongoing, usual meal times Admission: Varying charges Tel: 6737-3644 Tel: 6213-4398 Info: E-mail dining.sls@shangri-la.com
Gig
MUSIC-IN-THE-CITY
The award-winning String Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble of the Methodist Girls' School performs all-time classical masterpieces such as Suite For Strings by Peter Hope at Ngee Ann City.
Where: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Wed, 7 - 8.40pm Admission: Free Tel: 6733-0337 Info: The String Ensemble is led by Mr Chan Yoong Han, a Singapore Symphony Orchestra violinist. Visit www.ngeeanncity.com.sg
Health Screening
BOWEL CANCER
To catch colorectal cancer early, those aged 50 and above can receive free bowel cancer screenings by the Parkway Cancer Centre at booths at Raffles Place, Singapore Post Centre and VivoCity as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month this month. They can save at least $25 - the combined cost of faecal occult blood test and consultation fee at a general practitioner's clinic.
Where: Raffles Place, Zoysia lawn facing OUB Centre MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Thu, 10am - 4pm Where: Singapore Post Centre, Level B, opposite the food court MRT: Paya Lebar When: March 23 - 26, 10am - 4pm, Where: VivoCity, Level 1, West Boulevard, near La Senza, 01 -148 MRT: HarbourFront When: March 27 - 30, 10am - 4pm Admission: Free Tel: 6738-9333 Info: e-mail canhope@parkway.sg
Step into the fascinating world of birds at the Bird Discovery Centre and play matchmaker to the birdies in the 'Match My Mate' game. You can also unearth the secrets of nest-making, learn egg facts and play the 'spin an egg' experiment to find out how the shapes of different eggs help birds adapt to different circumstances. Part of the Bird Park's 'Fun With Eggs and Chicks' March holidays programme.
Where: Jurong Bird Park, Bird Park Discovery Centre, 2 Jurong Hill Road MRT: Lakeside/Jurong East When: Till Sun , 11.45am & 1.45pm Admission: $18 (adult), $9 (child aged three to 12) Tel: 6661-7818 Info: E-mail ostrichchase@birdpark.com.sg by noon on Fri
DOWN UNDER FLAIR
A mini Australian festival highlighting indigenous and contemporary artworks, chic fashion labels, accessories, wines and beverages. Spend $50 at this Down Under showcase at Raffles City Shopping Centre and you might win a Sydney Romantic & Adventure land package for two.
Where: Raffles City Shopping Centre, City Square, Level 3 MRT: City Hall When: Till Sun , 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6318-0238 Info: www.rafflescity.com
Mosaic Music Fest
BATTLES
The electro-rock sounds of New York band Battles makes one think of helium-voiced gremlins singing wordlessly to a rollicking military stomp-beat, overlaid with electronics and crisp keyboards cutting across precise electro-acoustic guitar riffs.
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Wed, 7.30pm Admission: $61 & $81 Tel: 6348-5555
Show
LIFE OF MY SISTERS (A PHOTOESSAY)
This photo exhibition by Singaporean photographers Debby Ng and Edwin Koo show how underprivileged girls in Nepal get a chance to be educated through The Little Sisters Fund, a scholarship programme.
Where: The Cathay Gallery, 02 - 16 The Cathay, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghuat When: Till April 30, noon - 8pm (Mon - sat), closed on Sun & public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6836-4030 ext 121
Talk
MONEYSENSIBLE TIPS TO AVOID THE DEBT TRAP DURING ECONOMIC CRUNCH
Learn how to manage your money prudently and use credit responsibly to avoid the debt trap with tips from Mr Tay Tien Guan, the CEO of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).
Where: National Library Building, Possibility Room, Level 5, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Wed, 7 - 8.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255 Info: Registration is required due to limited seats. Visit http://golibrary.nhb.gov.sg and surf on to 'Business')
SEMINARS ON SOCIAL GRACES AND DINING ETIQUETTE
Train your little ones social skills as well as proper dining etiquette at this session at the Protocol Academy run by former beauty queen Miss Teo Ser Lee, who was Miss Singapore Miss World 1988.
Where: Serangoon Gardens Country Club, 22, Kensington Park Road, Serangoon Gardens MRT: Bishan When: Fri, 9 - 11am (social graces), 11am - 1pm (dining etiquette) Admission: $80 a child for the two sessions with a three-course lunch Tel: 9817-6717 Info: www.protocolacademy.com.sg
HAPPY & HEALTHY KIDS SEMINAR (HEALTH & YOU 2009)
Parents can get tips on how to care for the health of their children aged from one to six. Topics include The Role Of Parents in Child Development and Investing In A Lifetime of Smiles. Organised by The Straits Times Mind Your Body supplement and held in conjunction with the annual mega Health & You Exhibition.
Where: SPH News Centre, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: Sat, 2 - 5pm (sign in for goodie bags from 1 to 1.30pm) Admission: pay $12 each including light refreshments Tel: 6319-2828 (Mon - Fri: 9am - noon & 1 - 5pm by Thu Info: Complete the form published in The Straits Times last Wed and present it with your payment and collect the goodie bag
RECESSION PROOF YOUR RETAIL BUSINESS
It may be a rough ride ahead during the current recession but retailers can still keep their tills ringing with the right strategies. Get useful tips at two talks by Marie-Louise Jacobsen, author of a new book, The Art of Retail Buying, who has more than 30 years of international marketing experience.
Where: SPH News Centre, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: March 24, 9am - 5pm (From Recession to Boom - Using the Downturn to Improve Your Business Strategy), March 27, 9am - 5pm (Merchandising Strategies During Difficult Times) Admission: $389 with GST (ST701 member) & $459 with GST (non-member), Tel: 6319-5912 (office hours) Info: Visit st701.com or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg
Theatre
KUMAR: STRIPPED BARE AND STANDING UP
Singapore's most famous drag queen Kumar reveals the naked truth about his life.
Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Thu - Sat , 8pm, also 3pm matinee on Sat Admission: $19 - $81 Tel: 6348-5555
CAKE
Cake is about the process of recovery and letting go of the past in unexpected ways. By Ladykillers, an Australian performance group.
Where: National museum of Singapore, Gallery theatre, basement, Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Thu - Sat, 8pm (also 3pm on Sat & Sun ) Admission: $30 Tel: 6332-3659 Info: Ladekillers comprises award-winning artists Zoe Barry, Gaelle Mellis, Astrid Pill and Ingrid Voorendt. Visit www.nationalmuseum.sg & www.ladykillers.org.au
AESOPS' FABULOUS FABLES
This fun-filled musical takes you through the lives, lunches and misadventures of a mismatched band of scruffy, silly and sometimes stubborn creatures. By I Theatre.
Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The concert blends Asian aesthetics of mask and movement with Western theatre styles
BEAR AND CHICKEN GO CAMPING
This play is about lovable characters Bear and Chicken who camp in the great outdoors. Written by Katerina Tiapila, it is staged by The Little Company. For children aged two to six.
Where: DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Robertson Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till April 11, 10am (Mon - Fri), 11am & 2pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: $19 (children & adults) for weekdays & $21 (children & adults) for Sat Tel: 6348-5555
OSCAR WILDE'S THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Glen Goei directs an all-male ensemble in bespoke suits, revealing new insights about the comedy about courtship, confused identities and the foibles of high society. Stars Ivan Heng as 'Lady' Bracknell with Hossan Leong, Chua Enlai, Brendon Fernandez and Gavin Yap. Live music by T'ang Quartet.
Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City
Hall When: March 25 - April 11, 8pm (Tue - Fri), 3 & 8pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: $37 - $62 (preview shows at 8pm
on March 25 & 26), $41 - $72 (other shows) Tel: 6348-5555
Web
CHAT WITH STAR BLOGGERS
Want to know our star bloggers better? Chat with them from 9 to 10pm.
Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog
Compiled by Magdalene Lum
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