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A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams, an Orchestral Delight

21 Jun 2024
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In his novel In Search of Lost Time, Marcel Proust wrote that when he dipped a madeleine cake into a cup of tea and savoured it on a cold winter's day, he was instantly plunged back into childhood at Aunt Léonie's house. 

 

Perhaps we've all had moments like these: a sense of familiarity and warmth that often sparks life back into memories long forgotten. Beyond the tastes and scenes that we know well, the music that resonates with our very being can also transport us instantly to times gone by. 

 

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Music is magical as it takes one through time and space. When a familiar soundtrack from classic movies hits one's ears, it gradually awakens all the heartwarming scenes from the silver screen, stirring memories of unforgettable moments, the soft breeze and the damp air. 

 

The same piece of music can trigger distinct memories and emotions for different individuals. As the renowned movie theme songs were revitalised by the WCCH orchestra, what memories did they evoke for you? 

 

 

 

A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams, the highly anticipated annual orchestral concert, graced its audience at the Grand Theatre on a tender early summer evening last week. Mr. Choonmon Lee, the head of music, took the WCCH Orchestra on stage and presented an Orchestra Concert featuring a selection of theme music from classic films.   

 

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In the well-known original soundtracks from classic movies, we were captivated by the sweeping melodies of The Legend of the Fall; we retraced the unforgettable A Million Dreams in the distant and pure musical expressions; we followed the princess Elsa who bears the curse of ice and relived the majestic and courageous tunes from Frozen; and we passionately revisited the classics such as The Godfather, Up, and Pirates of the Caribbean. 

 

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 Tracklist 

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"Skyfall" from 007 

"The Godfather - Love Theme" from The Godfather 

"A Million Dreams" from The Greatest Showman 

Music from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End 

Music from Frozen  

"Cinema Paradiso" from Cinema Paradiso

Themes from Memoirs of a Geisha

"The Ludlows" from The Legend of the Fall

"Howl's Moving Castle" from Howl's Moving Castle 

Music from Slumdog Millionaire

"The Spirit of Adventure" from Up

 

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Parents, teachers and pupils alike discovered joy and excitement in their beloved music that resonated with them. These iconic movie soundtracks were vividly resurrected by the exceptional WCCH Orchestra, whose performance not only filled our hearts with the rich emotions of music but also enveloped us in an appreciation for the art itself. This live concert provided an intimate encounter, allowing us to embrace the depth and beauty that music imparts. 

 

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WCCH Orchestra,2023-2024

 

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Choonmon Lee

Music director of A Symphony of Silver Screen Dreams

WCCH Head of Music

 

Mon, a graduate of Raffles Music College, pursued advanced studies in Applied Music at Dundalk Institute of Technology, where he graduated with First Class Honours. This achievement earned him the esteemed "Michael Van Dessel Choral Conducting Scholar Award" in 2017. Subsequently, he completed his master's degree in Conducting at The Royal Academy of Music, with his studies abroad fully funded by scholarships.

 

During his educational journey, Mon had the privilege of being mentored by renowned conductors and musicians including Sir David Brophy, Sir Simon Rattle, Thomas Benedict, and Annalisa Monticelli. In recognition of his exceptional talent, he was nominated for "The Best Romantic Period Conductor" by the BBC London Orchestra in 2016 for his captivating performances of Beethoven's "Egmont Overture" and Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." In 2018, he was invited to conduct a concert at St. Mary's (Marist) Church, where he had the opportunity to collaborate with notable soloists such as Niamh McCormack, Niamh O'Hanson, and Geraldine McGee, among others, in Ireland. Mon's passion for conducting has led him to numerous performances in Malaysia, Singapore, Hungary, Ireland, and the UK, encompassing a diverse range of musical genres including musical theatre, opera, and contemporary works.

 

Noteworthy highlights from his performance experiences include conducting and performing on the harpsichord with David Adam, Aisling Kenny, and Tuula Vouyilainen at the Irish Baroque concert in Dublin. He has also served as an organist at the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Church of the Visiting of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Additionally, Mon has showcased his skills as a pianist, having performed with the Peace Proms Orchestra during their 2016 Tour Concert, and served as a keyboardist and pianist for the Celtic Women Concert in 2015 and the Celtic Thunder Concert in 2016 respectively, both held in Galway.

 

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What was the inspiration behind holding an orchestral concert?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Mon: The inspiration behind holding the “A Symphony of the Silver Screen Dream” concert was to create an immersive experience for our pupils that extends beyond traditional classroom learning. I wanted to provide our pupils with the opportunity to experience the magic of live performance and understand the powerful connection between music and storytelling. This concert allowed pupils to engage deeply with iconic film music, bringing the emotional and dramatic elements of cinema to life through their performances. It was also a way to celebrate the incredible talent within our school and give our pupils a platform to shine.

 

 

What was the selection process for choosing the pieces performed in the concert?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Mon: The selection process involved choosing pieces that would be both suitable for our orchestra’s level and engaging for the audience. I made some of the arrangements myself to ensure that each piece was well-suited to our pupils’ abilities and highlighted different sections of the orchestra. Our repertoire included a variety of styles to keep the audience “awake” and engaged.

 

For example, in “Cinema Paradiso,” the piano takes the main melody, showcasing a piano concerto style. In “Memoirs of a Geisha,” our first chair violinist, Rebecca, performed a beautiful solo to start the piece. In the music from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” our cellist had a prominent solo, recapping the main melody. These selections ensured that all sections of the orchestra were showcased. 

 

 

How did you prepare the pupils for the concert and what challenges did you face?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Preparation for the concert involved months of intensive rehearsals, individual practice, and sectional workshops. We focused on developing technical proficiency, ensemble cohesion, and stage presence. One of the main challenges was balancing rehearsal schedules with the pupils’ academic commitments. Additionally, ensuring that each pupil felt confident and prepared required personalized attention and encouragement. We also had to manage the logistics of organizing numerous rehearsals and coordinating with other school events to make the best use of our time. Despite these challenges, the pupils’ dedication and hard work culminated in a successful and memorable performance.

 

 

 

Can you discuss any unique aspects of the orchestra that performed in last night's concert?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Mon: One unique aspect of our orchestra is the ability of our pupils to maintain their energy and stamina throughout the 1.15-hour long concert. This is a testament to their dedication and passion, which is truly unique for a pupil orchestra. Additionally, our orchestra features a wide age range, with the youngest members from Grade 2 and Year 3 up to sixth form. This age diversity showcases that age does not matter as long as you have a heart for music. The combination of maintaining performance energy and the inclusivity of different age groups adds a special dynamic to our orchestra.

 

 

What impact do you hope the music program has on pupils' personal and professional development?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Mon: I hope that our music program helps pupils develop a lifelong appreciation for music and the arts. Participating in music fosters important life skills such as discipline, teamwork, creativity, and emotional expression. On a personal level, I want students to gain confidence and a sense of achievement through their musical accomplishments. Professionally, I hope the program provides a strong foundation for those who wish to pursue music-related careers and equips all pupils with skills that are transferable to various fields. Ultimately, I want our pupils to carry the joy and lessons of music into all aspects of their lives.

 

 

What feedback have you received from the audience and pupils after the performance?

/ Interview with Mon /

 

Mon: The feedback from both the audience and the pupils has been overwhelmingly positive. Audience members praised the high level of talent and professionalism displayed by the pupils, as well as the engaging and well-curated program. Parents and community members expressed admiration for the dedication and hard work that went into the performance. The pupils themselves shared that the experience was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. They felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, and they appreciated the opportunity to perform on stage and connect with their peers and the audience in such a meaningful way.

 

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